Cross de Cuerda Larga vs Cross de la Pedriza
Cross de Cuerda Larga (26km, 1500m D+) vs Cross de la Pedriza (25km, 1600m D+). Side-by-side comparison: distances, elevation, difficulty, mandatory gear and registration. Which one suits you best?
Advanced
AdvancedPhysical profile
| Cross de Cuerda Larga | Cross de la Pedriza | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 31 May 2026 | 10 May 2026 |
| Terrain | Mountain | Mountain |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Advanced |
| Max elevation gain | 1,500m D+ | 1,600m D+ |
Distances — Cross de Cuerda Larga
| Name | Km | D+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cross de Cuerda Larga | 26 | 1,500 |
Distances — Cross de la Pedriza
| Name | Km | D+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cross de la Pedriza 25K | 25 | 1,600 |
| Cross de la Pedriza 18K | 18 | 1,000 |
| Cross de la Pedriza 12K | 12 | 600 |
| Cross de la Pedriza 5K | 5 | 250 |
Logistics & costs
| Cross de Cuerda Larga | Cross de la Pedriza | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Miraflores de la Sierra, Community of Madrid | Manzanares el Real, Community of Madrid |
| Distance between venues | 13 km | |
| Registration opens | 15 March 2026 | 25 February 2026 |
| Registration closes | 27 May 2026 | 4 May 2026 |
| Mandatory Gear | 5 mandatory items | 6 mandatory items |
| Official website | Visit | Visit |
Pack 360 — Services
Registration
Cross de Cuerda Larga
No recommendations
Cross de la Pedriza
No recommendations
Accommodation
Cross de Cuerda Larga
No recommendations
Cross de la Pedriza
No recommendations
Gear
Cross de Cuerda Larga
Salomon Speedcross 6Recommended for bothSalomon
Salomon Soft Flask 150 mlRecommended for bothSalomon
Cross de la Pedriza
Salomon Speedcross 6Recommended for bothSalomon
Salomon Soft Flask 150 mlRecommended for bothSalomon
Nutrition
Cross de Cuerda Larga
Maurten Gel 100Recommended for bothMaurten
226ERS Isotonic DrinkRecommended for both226ERS
Cross de la Pedriza
Maurten Gel 100Recommended for bothMaurten
226ERS Isotonic DrinkRecommended for both226ERS
Transport
Cross de Cuerda Larga
No recommendations
Cross de la Pedriza
No recommendations
Car Rental
Cross de Cuerda Larga
Recommended for both
Cross de la Pedriza
Recommended for both
Insurance
Cross de Cuerda Larga
No recommendations
Cross de la Pedriza
No recommendations
Body Care
Cross de Cuerda Larga
Recommended for both
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe BalmRecommended for bothBodyGlide
Cross de la Pedriza
Recommended for both
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe BalmRecommended for bothBodyGlide
Sun Protection
Cross de Cuerda Larga
Recommended for both
Cross de la Pedriza
Recommended for both
Terrain and elevation
Both races share the same terrain classification (Mountain). On its longest distance, Cross de la Pedriza climbs around 64m per km versus 58m/km on the other race — the higher that ratio, the steeper and more technical the climbs tend to be.
Location and travel
Cross de Cuerda Larga and Cross de la Pedriza both take place in Community of Madrid, about 13km apart in a straight line — close enough to scout one course while training for the other, or fold both into a single trip.
Entry price
Cross de la Pedriza is the cheaper entry, starting from €12 versus €20 for Cross de Cuerda Larga — a €8 gap on the entry-level distance.
Time of year
Both races take place in May, so you'll have to pick one per season. Cross de Cuerda Larga falls right in its region's recommended window. Cross de la Pedriza falls right in its region's recommended window.
Mandatory gear
1 item overlap between both mandatory gear lists. Cross de Cuerda Larga additionally requires Water, Windbreaker, ID and 1 more; Cross de la Pedriza additionally requires Gloves and buff, Waterproof jacket, Thermal blanket and 2 more.
Summary
If you're looking for a longer distance, Cross de Cuerda Larga is the choice. If you prefer a shorter and more accessible race, consider Cross de la Pedriza. In terms of elevation gain, Cross de la Pedriza is the more demanding option. Both races offer a complete Pack 360 with everything you need for race day.
Frequently asked questions
Which is harder, Cross de Cuerda Larga or Cross de la Pedriza?
When does each race take place?
How many distances does each race offer?
What type of terrain does each race have?
Do I need the same mandatory gear for both?
Plan your race