Frequently asked questions about trail running

Trail running is the discipline of running on mountain paths, natural trails and unpaved terrain. It ranges from short 10K races to ultras of over 100 kilometres with thousands of metres of elevation gain. Unlike road running, trail running takes place in natural environments with technical terrain, steep ascents and descents.

Entry fees vary by distance. In Spain, a 20-30K trail race costs between 30 and 50 euros. A mountain marathon (42K) between 60 and 90 euros. An 80-100K ultra between 100 and 150 euros. The longest ultras (160K+) can exceed 200 euros. These prices usually include basic insurance, aid stations and a race shirt.

Mandatory gear varies by race, but the most common items include: a collapsible cup (for environmental regulations), a mobile phone with battery, an emergency thermal blanket, a whistle, a waterproof windbreaker and a headlamp with spare batteries for night races. High-mountain ultras usually also require gloves, a hat, long trousers and a minimum water reserve. Always check the race regulations.

Yes. Most races require at least civil liability insurance, which is usually included in the entry fee or in your federation licence. For ultras and high-mountain races, it is recommended to take out additional insurance covering helicopter rescue, medical assistance and evacuation. If you are coming from abroad, you also need travel insurance.

It depends on the terrain. For mud and technical terrain, shoes with deep lugs like the Salomon Speedcross. For mixed terrain (rock + dirt), models with Vibram soles like the La Sportiva Bushido. For ultras, prioritise cushioning like the Hoka Tecton X. The most important factors are grip (sole), protection (reinforced toe cap) and comfort over long distances. Do not use road running shoes on the mountain.

Trail running is the general term for running on paths and trails. Ultra-trail refers to races longer than 42 kilometres (marathon distance) in the mountains. Skyrunning is a specific discipline of high-mountain racing, generally above 2,000 metres, with very steep gradients and technical terrain. The Zegama-Aizkorri is a classic example of skyrunning.

For your first trail race, start with a short distance (15-25K) and at least 3 months of preparation. Train on terrain similar to the race course: include climbs, descents and technical paths. Get your body used to running with a hydration pack. Practise your nutrition strategy on long training runs (never try new gels or food on race day). And most importantly: start conservatively and enjoy it.

ITRA points (International Trail Running Association) are a classification system that rates race difficulty on a scale of 1 to 6 points. They are calculated based on distance and elevation gain. A 1-point race is roughly equivalent to a 25-40K with little elevation. A 6-point race is an extreme ultra of over 160K with significant elevation. ITRA points serve as entry requirements for many races: for example, to run the UTMB you need to accumulate a minimum number of ITRA points in previous races.

Spain has races all year round thanks to its diverse climate. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best general seasons. In summer, high-mountain races (Sierra Nevada, Pyrenees) take advantage of cool temperatures at altitude. In winter, the Canary Islands (Transgrancanaria in February) offer ideal conditions. Avoid running in the low-lying areas of southern Spain in July-August due to high temperatures.

The Pack 360 is our concept of a comprehensive guide for every trail running race. For each race we cover 7 essential areas: registration (deadlines, prices, requirements), accommodation (hotels and campsites near the start), gear (recommended shoes and equipment), nutrition (gels, bars and strategy), transport (how to get there), car rental (price comparison) and insurance (sports and travel insurance). Everything you need in one place.