Your checklist for La Desértica
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
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GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Forerunner 570
Full-color topo maps, a first for the Forerunner line
Downside: Shorter battery life than a Forerunner 965 with maps on
Gear
Prioritise cushioning and comfort over extreme grip
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
There are aid stations along the route, but carry your own gels
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
SPF50 sweat-resistant cream, reapplied every 2-3 hours
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
Lubricate feet, underarms and groin before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
The start is in central Almería: consider leaving the car in Roquetas de Mar
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud City
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
Advanced
Distance
1 modalities
Marcha 71K
- Distance
- 71 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1632m
- Max Time
- 16h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcha 71K | 71 km | D+ 1632m | 16h | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~13 h of La Desértica?Worked out for the longest course (71 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchSeasonal kit
La Desértica runs into the night: low-light kit
Main and backup headlamp, battery, pre-dawn layers and night-time fuelling.
See the full kit : Night Trail Running Kit: What to Carry in Autumn and Winter Races With Short DaylightYou may also need: Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet Race
Gear up for La Desértica
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 25 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
16°C – 25°C
Average 21°C
Rain
10%
0.6 mm avg
Wind
15 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
10h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (10h sunshine, up to 25°C)
Forecast for 17 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
La Desértica
La Desértica is one of the great endurance events of south-eastern Spain. Every October it gathers thousands of participants for a 71 km march across the province of Almería, from the city centre to Roquetas de Mar, passing through up to nine municipalities. It is organised by the Club Deportivo La Desértica and its 8th edition takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026.
A 71 km route through the Almería landscape
The individual and team march adds up to about 1,632 m of positive elevation, with a high point at 1,753 m and a maximum time of 16 hours. Its most recognisable features:
- Start in central Almería, at the junction of Avenida Federico García Lorca and Avenida de la Estación.
- A crossing of the interior and manoeuvre grounds of the Álvarez de Sotomayor military base, home of the Spanish Legion brigade.
- Finish at the Parque de los Bajos, in Roquetas de Mar.
- A team category of 5 participants (men, women and mixed), plus MTB, e-bike and gravel events along the same axis.
Weather, certificate and logistics
In October the south-east keeps mild daytime temperatures, but sun and lack of shade take their toll over so many kilometres. A medical certificate is mandatory for walkers, and bibs cannot be transferred. The organisation offers bus transfers, bag transport, sports-hall accommodation and GPS tracking as extras. To fine-tune your kit, see our mandatory gear checklist.
Almería beyond the march
Almería is much more than desert: the Alcazaba, the old town, Cabo de Gata or the Tabernas desert deserve a getaway. If you want to chain other races, take a look at the races in Andalusia and plan your season with the planner.
360Complete Pack
La Desértica 2026 registration
RegistrationThe on-foot march has limited places per category and registration is managed through the official website. A medical fitness certificate is required.
Tips
- •Medical certificate mandatory for walkers and teams
- •The bib is non-transferable: if you cannot come, cancel so a reserve can enter
- •Teams consist of 5 participants (men, women or mixed)
Where to stay for La Desértica
AccommodationThe start is in central Almería and the finish in Roquetas de Mar. Sleeping in Almería city puts you minutes from the start area and the runners' expo at the port.
Tips
- •The organisation offers sports-hall accommodation as an extra service
- •Book early: Almería fills up on race weekend
- •If you stay in Roquetas de Mar, use the organiser's bus to the start
Gear for La Desértica
GearIt is 71 km on dry tracks and paths with an early start, so comfortable, well-tested shoes, a good vest and a headlamp make sense. Check the official rules for the required gear.
Tips
- •Prioritise cushioning and comfort over extreme grip
- •Headlamp with spare batteries: part of the route may fall after dark
- •Seamless socks you have already tested on long runs
Which shoes for La Desértica?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for La Desértica?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for La Desértica
NutritionBetween 10 and 16 hours of effort in dry weather demand a plan for hydration, salts and carbohydrates from the first kilometre.
Tips
- •There are aid stations along the route, but carry your own gels
- •Add electrolytes: sweat rates in the south-east are high even in October
- •Alternate gels with solid food every hour
Getting to Almería
TransportAlmería has an airport, a train station and a bus station, and the start area is in the urban centre.
Tips
- •Almería airport (LEI) is about 10 km from the city
- •The finish is in Roquetas de Mar: plan your return with the organiser's bus
- •Collect your bib at the runners' expo at the port
Car rental for La Desértica
Car RentalA car lets you move between Almería and Roquetas de Mar and explore the Tabernas desert or Cabo de Gata before or after the march.
Tips
- •The start is in central Almería: consider leaving the car in Roquetas de Mar
- •Take the chance to visit the Tabernas desert and Cabo de Gata
Sports insurance for La Desértica
InsuranceThe race insurance only covers the bib holder, and a medical certificate is required. Your own insurance with sports cover adds peace of mind.
Tips
- •Medical certificate issued within the same season
- •If travelling from abroad, travel insurance with sports cover
- •Check rescue and repatriation cover
Sun protection for La Desértica
Sun ProtectionAlmería is the sunniest province of mainland Europe and most of the route has no shade. Sun protection is effectively mandatory.
Tips
- •SPF50 sweat-resistant cream, reapplied every 2-3 hours
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
- •Cap or buff and sunglasses with the right filter
Body care for La Desértica
Body CareOver 70 km punishes feet and skin: anti-chafe, blister patches and sunglasses are essentials.
Tips
- •Lubricate feet, underarms and groin before the start
- •Carry blister patches in case hot spots appear
- •Light, well-fitting glasses for the low sun
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is La Desértica 2026?
- The 8th edition of La Desértica takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026, starting in the centre of Almería and finishing in Roquetas de Mar.
- What distance and elevation does the march have?
- The individual and team march covers about 71 km with roughly 1,632 m of positive elevation and a high point of 1,753 m. The time limit is 16 hours.
- Is a medical certificate mandatory?
- Yes, for all walkers and teams. For MTB and e-bike it is not mandatory but recommended.
- Can I transfer my bib?
- No. Bibs are non-transferable: if you cannot take part, cancel your registration and the place goes to the reserve list. Race insurance only covers the bib holder.
- Is there a bus between Almería and Roquetas de Mar?
- Yes, the organisation offers transfers for registered participants (booked at registration): from Roquetas de Mar to the start area in Almería in the morning and, after the race, from the finish back to Almería.
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