Cross de Cuerda Larga vs Zegama-Aizkorri
Cross de Cuerda Larga (26km, 1500m D+) vs Zegama-Aizkorri (42km, 2736m D+). Side-by-side comparison: distances, elevation, difficulty, mandatory gear and registration. Which one suits you best?
Advanced
ElitePhysical profile
| Cross de Cuerda Larga | Zegama-Aizkorri | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 31 May 2026 | 24 May 2026 |
| Terrain | Mountain | Skyrunning |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Elite |
| Max elevation gain | 1,500m D+ | 2,736m D+ |
| Max ITRA | — | 3 |
Distances — Cross de Cuerda Larga
| Name | Km | D+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cross de Cuerda Larga | 26 | 1,500 |
Distances — Zegama-Aizkorri
| Name | Km | D+ | ITRA | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maratón Zegama-Aizkorri 42K | 42 | 2,736 | 3 | 10h |
| Kilómetro Vertical | 4.5 | 1,050 | 1 | 2h |
Logistics & costs
| Cross de Cuerda Larga | Zegama-Aizkorri | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Miraflores de la Sierra, Community of Madrid | Zegama, Basque Country |
| Distance between venues | 270 km | |
| Registration opens | 15 March 2026 | 10 January 2026 |
| Registration closes | 27 May 2026 | 30 April 2026 |
| Mandatory Gear | 5 mandatory items | 1 mandatory items |
| Official website | Visit | Visit |
Pack 360 — Services
Registration
Cross de Cuerda Larga
No recommendations
Zegama-Aizkorri
No recommendations
Accommodation
Cross de Cuerda Larga
No recommendations
Zegama-Aizkorri
No recommendations
Gear
Cross de Cuerda Larga
Salomon Speedcross 6Recommended for bothSalomon
Salomon Soft Flask 150 mlSalomon
Zegama-Aizkorri
- Salomon Speedcross 6Recommended for both
Salomon
Nutrition
Cross de Cuerda Larga
Maurten Gel 100Maurten
226ERS Isotonic Drink226ERS
Zegama-Aizkorri
Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet LatinoGourmet Latino
Transport
Cross de Cuerda Larga
No recommendations
Zegama-Aizkorri
No recommendations
Car Rental
Cross de Cuerda Larga
Recommended for both
Zegama-Aizkorri
- Recommended for both
Insurance
Cross de Cuerda Larga
No recommendations
Zegama-Aizkorri
No recommendations
Body Care
Cross de Cuerda Larga
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe BalmBodyGlide
Zegama-Aizkorri
No recommendations
Sun Protection
Cross de Cuerda Larga
Zegama-Aizkorri
No recommendations
Terrain and elevation
Cross de Cuerda Larga is classified as Mountain, while Zegama-Aizkorri is Skyrunning — different technical demands on paper. On its longest distance, Zegama-Aizkorri climbs around 65m 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 (Community of Madrid) and Zegama-Aizkorri (Basque Country) sit roughly 270km apart — worth factoring into travel plans if you're weighing both for the same season.
Entry price
Cross de Cuerda Larga is the cheaper entry, starting from €20 versus €25 for Zegama-Aizkorri — a €5 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. Zegama-Aizkorri falls right in its region's recommended window.
Mandatory gear
The two mandatory gear lists don't overlap at all. Cross de Cuerda Larga additionally requires Mobile phone, Water, Windbreaker and 2 more; Zegama-Aizkorri additionally requires cortavientos.
Summary
If you're looking for a longer distance, Zegama-Aizkorri is the choice. If you prefer a shorter and more accessible race, consider Cross de Cuerda Larga. In terms of elevation gain, Zegama-Aizkorri 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 Zegama-Aizkorri?
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