Alcalá del Valle
XI Carrera del Espárrago 51
Saturday, 10 April 2027estimated date
Trail 21K
21km D+ 0m
Your checklist for XI Carrera del Espárrago 51
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
Trail shoes with good grip for mountain terrain
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
Aid stations with water and food along the course
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Gourmet Latino Guava Sandwich
100% natural, no artificial ingredients
Downside: Very sweet flavour, can get tiring with repeated intake
Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Sunglasses for open sections
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Buff CoolNet UV+
UPF 50+: blocks 98% of UV radiation
Downside: UV protection decreases with wear after many washes
Car Rental
Pick up your car at Málaga or Jerez airport
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
1 modalities
Trail 21K
Price: 15 EUR
- Distance
- 21 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 0m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail 21K | 21 km | D+ 0m | - | 15 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~3 h of XI Carrera del Espárrago 51?Worked out for the longest course (21 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for XI Carrera del Espárrago 51
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
See comparison
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
The 6 Best Trail Running Socks 2026
See comparison
Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Historical weather
What to wear at 15 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
9°C – 19°C
Average 14°C
Rain
30%
2.1 mm avg
Wind
21 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
11h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (30% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Bring thermal layers (low of 9°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Thermal tubular Buff with Primaloft technology. Traps body heat, ultralight and versatile: hat, neck gaiter, headband. Ideal for high mountain.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Thermal Neck Gaiter
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Long-sleeve thermal base layer made from recycled fabric with anti-odour treatment. Active thermal regulation, ideal as a base layer in the mountains.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Women's Longsleeve
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Thermal Windproof Balaclava
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock (Men's)
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Forecast for 10 April
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Carrera del Espárrago 51
The Carrera del Espárrago 51 is a sporting event held in Alcalá del Valle, in the heart of the Sierra de Cádiz. Now in its eleventh edition, the race merges the traditional Carrera del Espárrago with the KM51 Homenaje Cientouner@, a tribute to the historic 101 km race that inspired the event.
Each year it draws around 600 participants across three disciplines: trail running, MTB and hiking. The trail race covers 21 km of mountain terrain through the trails and paths of the Sierra de Cádiz.
The course
The 21 km trail runs through the landscapes of the Sierra de Cádiz:
- Sierra de Cádiz — Mountain trails through holm oaks and olive groves
- White villages — The surroundings of Alcalá del Valle, gateway to the White Villages Route
- Varied terrain — Mountain paths with technical sections and forest tracks
Registration and prices
Registration is through DorsalChip with three pricing phases:
- First phase (8 Dec – 17 Feb): €15 with shirt
- Second phase (18 Feb – 17 Mar): €20 with shirt
- Third phase (from 20 Mar): €15 without shirt
Registration closes on April 1, 2026. The first 100 trail and MTB entrants are entered into a Garmin watch raffle.
Entry includes bib, timing, free photos, runner’s bag, aid stations and medical assistance.
Alcalá del Valle and the Sierra de Cádiz
Alcalá del Valle is a white village in Cádiz province, situated between Ronda and Olvera at the gateway to the White Villages Route. The area offers mountain landscapes, olive groves and hearty sierra cuisine with asparagus as the star ingredient.
Take the opportunity to discover Ronda (30 min away), Olvera with its castle and greenway, and the rest of the white villages in one of Andalucía’s most authentic regions.
360Complete Pack
Registration for Carrera del Espárrago 51
RegistrationRegistration is through DorsalChip with three pricing phases. Entry includes bib, timing, photos, runner's bag and aid stations.
Tips
- •Registration through DorsalChip
- •First phase (Dec–Feb): €15 with shirt
- •Second phase (Feb–Mar): €20 with shirt
- •Third phase (from Mar 20): €15 without shirt
- •Registration deadline: April 1, 2026
- •First 100 trail and MTB entrants enter a Garmin watch raffle
Where to stay in Alcalá del Valle
AccommodationAlcalá del Valle is a Sierra de Cádiz village with rural accommodation options. Ronda and Olvera, a short drive away, offer more choices.
Tips
- •Alcalá del Valle has rural guesthouses and charming accommodation
- •Ronda (30 min) offers a wide range of hotels
- •Olvera (20 min) is another nearby option with accommodation
- •Book ahead if you want to stay in the village
Recommended gear for Carrera del Espárrago 51
Gear21 km mountain trail in the Sierra de Cádiz. April brings pleasant temperatures but the mountain terrain requires good footwear.
Tips
- •Trail shoes with good grip for mountain terrain
- •Hydration vest with at least 1L capacity
- •Light windbreaker in case it gets cool at higher elevations
- •Cap or visor: April in Cádiz can be sunny
Which shoes for XI Carrera del Espárrago 51?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for XI Carrera del Espárrago 51?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
The best GPS watches with offline maps in 2026, ranked by value: Amazfit T-Rex 3, Suunto Race 2, Garmin Forerunner 570, Instinct 3 AMOLED, Coros Apex 2 Pro, Suunto Vertical 2 and Garmin Fenix 8. Maps vs breadcrumbs, the cheapest watch with maps and which to choose for your use.
Nutrition for Carrera del Espárrago 51
NutritionThe organization provides liquid and solid aid stations along the course.
Tips
- •Aid stations with water and food along the course
- •Carry extra gels or bars as backup
- •Have breakfast at least 2 hours before the start
How to get to Alcalá del Valle
TransportAlcalá del Valle is in the Sierra de Cádiz, well connected by road from Ronda and the coast.
Tips
- •From Ronda: 30 min via the A-384
- •Málaga Airport (AGP): 1h 30min
- •Jerez Airport (XRY): 1h 30min
- •From Seville: 2h via A-92 and A-384
Car rental in Sierra de Cádiz
Car RentalA car is essential to reach Alcalá del Valle. Pick up at Málaga or Jerez airport.
Tips
- •Pick up your car at Málaga or Jerez airport
- •Take the chance to visit Ronda, Olvera and the white villages of the sierra
Sports insurance for Carrera del Espárrago 51
InsuranceThe race includes medical assistance provided by the organization.
Tips
- •Federated runners (FADMES) already have sports insurance
- •Check with the organization about insurance options for non-federated runners
Sun protection for Carrera del Espárrago 51
Sun ProtectionIn April UV radiation in Cádiz is already significant. Protect yourself on exposed sections.
Tips
- •Apply sunscreen before the start
- •April in the Sierra de Cádiz can be very sunny
Body care for Carrera del Espárrago 51
Body CareSunglasses and protection for exposed sections of the mountain course.
Tips
- •Sunglasses for open sections
- •Vaseline on friction areas to prevent chafing
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Carrera del Espárrago 51 in 2026?
- April 11, 2026. The children's race Esparraguin takes place on Friday April 10.
- What distance is the trail race?
- The trail running event is 21 km through mountain terrain. There are also MTB and hiking categories.
- How much does registration cost?
- Between €15 and €20 depending on the registration phase. First phase (December–February) costs €15, second phase (February–March) €20, and third phase (from March 20) €15 without shirt.
- How do I get to Alcalá del Valle?
- Alcalá del Valle is in the Sierra de Cádiz. Access via the A-384 from Ronda (30 min) or from Olvera. The nearest airports are Málaga (1h 30min) and Jerez (1h 30min).
- Where do I register?
- Registration is through DorsalChip. The deadline is April 1, 2026 at 11:00 PM.
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