The 10 best trail running races in Spain in 2026

The best trail races in Spain in 2026 are: Zegama-Aizkorri (skyrunning), Transgrancanaria (winter ultra), Ultra Pirineu (UTMB Series), Travesera (most technical), Ultra Sierra Nevada (highest), Picos de Europa Trail, Ehunmilak, Gran Trail Penalara, Canfranc-Canfranc and Trail Costa Brava.

Spain is one of the best countries in the world for trail running. With races year-round, terrain ranging from volcanic dunes to limestone ridges at 3,000 metres, and a passionate running community, the Spanish calendar offers options for all levels.

Full ranking

#	Race	Main distance	D+	ITRA	Price	Date	Region
1	Zegama-Aizkorri	42K	2,736m	3	70 EUR	May	Basque Country
2	Transgrancanaria	128K	7,500m	6	180 EUR	February	Canary Islands
3	Ultra Pirineu	100K	6,400m	6	140 EUR	October	Catalonia
4	Travesera Picos de Europa	72K	5,800m	5	110 EUR	September	Cantabria
5	Ultra Sierra Nevada	100K	6,200m	6	120 EUR	July	Andalusia
6	Picos de Europa Trail	55K	4,200m	4	85 EUR	June	Asturias
7	Ehunmilak	168K	10,450m	6	200 EUR	June	Basque Country
8	Gran Trail Penalara	110K	5,200m	6	100 EUR	October	Madrid
9	Canfranc-Canfranc	100K	6,800m	6	130 EUR	July	Aragon
10	Trail Costa Brava	65K	3,200m	4	80 EUR	March	Catalonia

1. Zegama-Aizkorri: the cathedral of skyrunning

Zegama-Aizkorri is the most legendary trail running race in Spain. A 42K mountain marathon with 2,736m D+ through the Aizkorri range in the Basque Country. Spots sell out in minutes.

It’s the most prestigious race on the Spanish calendar. Kilian Jornet, Jim Walmsley and the world’s best runners have competed here. The crowd atmosphere along the ridges is unique in the trail running world.

2. Transgrancanaria: the winter ultra

Transgrancanaria is a 128K ultra with 7,500m D+ crossing Gran Canaria from north to south in February. It’s part of the UTMB World Series. It lets you race in winter with good weather.

It’s the ideal event for those who want to run a world-class ultra without the cold of a European winter. February temperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees, and the course crosses 7 different microclimates.

3. Ultra Pirineu: the Pyrenees with a UTMB stamp

Ultra Pirineu is a 100K ultra with 6,400m D+ through the Cadí range in the Catalan Pyrenees. UTMB World Series. Awards 6 UTMB Index points. Held in October.

Along with Transgrancanaria, it’s the most international race in Spain. The route through the Cadí range, with Pedraforca as its icon, is spectacular. Managing the night in October, with sub-zero temperatures, is part of the challenge.

4. Travesera Picos de Europa: the most technical

Travesera is the most technical race in Spain. 72K with 5,800m D+ across the three massifs of Picos de Europa. Only 400 spots. Extreme limestone terrain with scrambling sections.

This isn’t a race for everyone. You need experience in high mountain and technical terrain. The limestone channels, karst sinkholes and scrambling sections make this a truly unique event.

5. Ultra Sierra Nevada: the rooftop of the peninsula

Ultra Sierra Nevada is a 100K ultra with 6,200m D+ through Sierra Nevada National Park. It’s the highest race in mainland Spain, with sections above 3,000m.

Running above 3,000 metres in July, with views of Mulhacén and Veleta, is a unique experience. Altitude reduces performance by 10–15% and specific preparation is essential.

6. Picos de Europa Trail: Atlantic mountain

Picos de Europa Trail is a 55K ultra with 4,200m D+ through Picos de Europa National Park in Asturias. Limestone terrain, glacial lakes and beech forests.

It’s an excellent alternative to the Travesera for those seeking the Picos de Europa landscape with slightly less difficulty. The Lakes of Covadonga and the Vega de Ario are iconic points on the course.

7–10: More must-run races

Ehunmilak (168K, Basque Country) is the longest ultra in Spain, with 10,450m of elevation gain. Gran Trail Penalara (110K, Madrid) lets you run a top-level ultra near the capital. Canfranc-Canfranc (100K, Aragon) runs through the Aragonese Pyrenees with 6,800m D+. And Trail Costa Brava (65K, Catalonia) offers coastal trail with Mediterranean views.

Monthly calendar

Month	Races
February	Transgrancanaria
March	Trail Costa Brava
May	Zegama-Aizkorri
June	Picos de Europa Trail, Ehunmilak
July	Ultra Sierra Nevada, Canfranc-Canfranc
September	Travesera Picos de Europa
October	Ultra Pirineu, Gran Trail Penalara

Average budget per race

The average budget to take part in a trail race in Spain, including registration, accommodation (2 nights), transport and gear, is 300–500 EUR for national races. International ultras (Transgrancanaria, Ultra Pirineu) can exceed 600 EUR including flights.

Item	Range	Average
Registration	40–200 EUR	95 EUR
Accommodation (2 nights)	80–200 EUR	130 EUR
Transport	30–150 EUR	70 EUR
New gear	0–200 EUR	60 EUR
Food at destination	40–100 EUR	60 EUR
Total	190–850 EUR	415 EUR