Photo: GCC Sport Events (opens in a new tab)Zahara de la Sierra
Trail Las Palomas
Saturday, 12 December 2026
Trail 23.5K
23.5km D+ 1500m
Trail 39K
39km D+ 2300m
Your checklist for Trail Las Palomas
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 8 ready
Swipe to see all 9 categories
Swipe to see all 9 categories
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
Shoes with strong grip: limestone gets slippery after rain
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
50-70 g of carbs per hour on the 39K
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
SPF 50 on face and neck, especially on the 39K
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
Anti-chafe balm on feet and groin before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Car Rental
Pick up the car at Seville or Jerez airport
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory
Waterproof jacket
Mandatory on the ridges of the Grazalema Natural Park due to wind and possible December rain
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Mandatory
Emergency blanket
Standard requirement for federated mountain races of this distance
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Lifesystems Thermal Blanket
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.
Seasonal kit
Cold weather at Trail Las Palomas: pack the winter kit
Layers, gloves, neck gaiter and footwear for running in the cold, with short-race and ultra versions.
See the full kit : What to Wear for Cold-Weather Trail Running 2026: The Complete Layering KitMandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Waterproof jacket
Mandatory on the ridges of the Grazalema Natural Park due to wind and possible December rain
Emergency blanket
Standard requirement for federated mountain races of this distance
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
2 modalities
Trail 23.5K
- Distance
- 23.5 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1500m
- Max Time
- 6h
Trail 39K
- Distance
- 39 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2300m
- Max Time
- 10h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trail 23.5K | 23.5 km | D+ 1500m | 6h |
| Trail 39K | 39 km | D+ 2300m | 10h |
Will your watch battery last the ~10 h of Trail Las Palomas?Worked out for the longest course (39 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchTrail Las Palomas requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
See comparison
Best Trail Running Headlamps 2026: 12 Models Compared
See comparison
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
See comparison
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Historical weather
What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
8°C – 15°C
Average 11°C
Rain
37%
5.0 mm avg
Wind
15 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
6h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (37% 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 8°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 12 December
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Trail Las Palomas
Trail Las Palomas celebrates its fifteenth edition on December 12, 2026 in Zahara de la Sierra, one of the most photographed white villages in Cádiz, perched above the reservoir that shares its name. Organized by GCC Sport Events, the race has become a fixture on Andalucía’s mountain running calendar thanks to a route that combines limestone crags, holm oak forests, and views over the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park — one of the most technically demanding protected areas in all of Andalucía.
A route of crags and ridges
The race offers two distances suited to different profiles:
- 23.5K with 1,500 m of climb, a demanding but manageable morning format, ideal for a first taste of the Sierra de Grazalema.
- 39K with 2,300 m of climb, the flagship distance, stacking several technical limestone climbs and wind-exposed ridge sections.
Both routes start and finish in Zahara de la Sierra, so runners and their support crews can move around the village on foot before and after the race.
December in Grazalema: cold, wind, and fog
The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is the rainiest area in Spain, and December is no exception. The ridges crossed on the 39K are often wrapped in fog or hit by west winds, which makes a waterproof windbreaker essential — and calls for extra care on the terrain, since wet limestone gets noticeably more slippery than dry rock.
Zahara de la Sierra beyond the race
Beyond the trail itself, Zahara de la Sierra is worth a full weekend trip. The Moorish castle crowning the village offers one of the best panoramas of the Sierra de Grazalema and its reservoir, and the Pueblos Blancos route connects Zahara with Grazalema, Ubrique, and Arcos de la Frontera in just over an hour by car. If you’re traveling from outside Andalucía, plan the full trip with the season planner and discover other races in the region at Andalucía races.
360Complete Pack
Trail Las Palomas 2026 registration
RegistrationThe fifteenth edition, organized by GCC Sport Events, with 412 spots and start/finish in Zahara de la Sierra.
Tips
- •Register online through the GCC Sport Events website
- •€5 late fee applies from November 2, 2026
- •Registration closes December 4, 2026
- •You need a mountain federation license or day insurance
Where to stay for Trail Las Palomas
AccommodationZahara de la Sierra is a small white village; book ahead, especially in December.
Tips
- •Rural houses in Zahara itself, with reservoir views
- •Grazalema and El Bosque, 20-30 minutes away, with more hotel options
- •Ronda as an alternative base, 45 minutes away
Gear for Trail Las Palomas
GearUp to 39 km and 2,300 m of climb over limestone crags in the Sierra de Grazalema. December in the natural park means cold and wind on the ridges.
Tips
- •Shoes with strong grip: limestone gets slippery after rain
- •Waterproof windbreaker — the ridges of Grazalema catch strong wind
- •Poles recommended for the 39K given the cumulative climb
Which shoes for Trail Las Palomas?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Trail Las Palomas?
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 Trail Las Palomas
NutritionBetween 3 and 10 hours of effort depending on distance, with aid stations on course.
Tips
- •50-70 g of carbs per hour on the 39K
- •Hydrate even in the cold — thirst is deceptive in winter
- •Solid breakfast 2-3 hours before the start
Getting to Zahara de la Sierra
TransportZahara de la Sierra sits at the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, in Cádiz province.
Tips
- •From Seville: 1h30 via A-376 and A-2302
- •From Cádiz: 1h30 via Arcos de la Frontera
- •Seville airport 1h30 away; Jerez 1h15 away
Car rental for the Sierra de Grazalema
Car RentalWith your own car, extend the weekend to the white villages of Grazalema, Ronda, and the Peñón Grande.
Tips
- •Pick up the car at Seville or Jerez airport
- •Parking is limited in Zahara — arrive early on race morning
Sports insurance for Trail Las Palomas
InsuranceA mountain race with technical sections inside the Grazalema Natural Park. Insurance is mandatory to take part.
Tips
- •Valid FEDME/FAM license or day insurance required
- •Race entry includes accident insurance for the event
Body care for Trail Las Palomas
Body CareLimestone and scrambling sections — protect your feet and chafing zones before a long December race.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on feet and groin before the start
- •Compression socks for recovery after the 39K
Sun protection for Trail Las Palomas
Sun ProtectionEven in December, the exposed limestone ridges of Grazalema catch strong midday sun.
Tips
- •SPF 50 on face and neck, especially on the 39K
- •Cap or buff for the low winter sun
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Trail Las Palomas 2026?
- December 12, 2026, starting and finishing in Zahara de la Sierra (Cádiz).
- What distances does Trail Las Palomas offer?
- Two distances: 23.5 km with 1,500 m of climb and 39 km with 2,300 m of climb, both through the Sierra de Grazalema.
- Where do you register for Trail Las Palomas?
- Registration is handled through the GCC Sport Events website, the race organizer.
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