EDP DesafiOSOmiedo
Photo: Desafío Somiedo / Source

Pola de Somiedo

EDP DesafiOSOmiedo

Saturday, July 4, 2026

UTDS

70km D+ 8000m

MDS

46km D+ 2270m

SDS

24km D+ 1038m

Register

Date, registration & deadlines

Jul 4, 2026 · Registration open

Local guides

Race data

Terrain

Mountain

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

3 modalities

Official website

Visit
Modality Distance Elevation Gain ITRA Max Time Price
UTDS 70 km D+ 8000m - 14h 110 EUR
MDS 46 km D+ 2270m - 10h15 80 EUR
SDS 24 km D+ 1038m - 5h15 55 EUR
360

What you need

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+9 more products ↓

How long will it take you?

Estimate your race time based on distance, elevation and your runner level.

Historical weather

Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)

Temperature

11°C – 21°C

Average 16°C

Rain

40%

2.5 mm avg

Wind

11 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

12h

daily average

DesafiOSOmiedo

The EDP DesafiOSOmiedo is one of the most spectacular mountain races in northern Spain. Since 2013, this event traverses the Somiedo Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home of the Cantabrian brown bear. Three distances for all levels, starting and finishing in Pola de Somiedo.

The Courses

From Pola de Somiedo, all three courses head into the park’s valleys and summits, passing glacial lakes, traditional mountain huts (brañas), and grazing passes.

  • UTDS (70K) — 8,000m D+ covering the full park. Start at 6:00 AM. 14-hour time limit with cutoffs at Saliencia, Farrapona, Valle del Lago and Puerto de Somiedo.
  • MDS (46K) — 2,270m D+ through the heart of the park. Start at 8:00 AM. 10h 15min time limit.
  • SDS (24K) — 1,038m D+ for those seeking a shorter but still scenic distance. Start at 9:30 AM. 5h 15min time limit.

Terrain and Difficulty

Somiedo Natural Park offers varied terrain: mountain trails, shepherd tracks, high mountain sections and passes through centuries-old brañas. The UTDS is a demanding race with 8,000m of elevation gain that tests both endurance and technique. The MDS and SDS are more accessible but no less spectacular. Check our trail shoe recommendations for mountain terrain.

July Weather in Somiedo

July in Somiedo offers the best conditions of the year: pleasant temperatures in the valleys (18-25°C) and cool at the summits (8-15°C). However, afternoon storms are common in the Asturian mountains. The early UTDS start (6:00 AM) makes the most of the cooler hours. Bring sun protection and a waterproof windbreaker even if the forecast looks clear.

Somiedo and the Brown Bear

Somiedo is one of the last refuges of the Cantabrian brown bear. The natural park protects a unique ecosystem of forests, glacial lakes and brañas (traditional shepherd huts with broom-thatched roofs). Lagos de Saliencia and Valle del Lago are two of the most iconic spots on the course. Beyond the race, Somiedo is worth exploring for its nature and gastronomy. Discover more races in Asturias.

Mandatory Gear

According to the official race regulations

Approx. pack cost: ~0,00 € Prices may vary. Check the store for the current price.
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360 Complete Pack

Desafío Somiedo 2026 Registration

Inscripción

Registration opens in December with early bird pricing. Three distances for all levels.

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Tips

  • Early bird pricing available from December
  • Medical certificate mandatory for UTDS and MDS (deadline June 1)
  • Without a federation license, there's a €5 insurance surcharge

Where to Stay in Somiedo

Alojamiento

Pola de Somiedo is a small village with limited accommodation. Book well in advance.

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Tips

  • July is peak season in Somiedo: book as early as possible
  • Rural houses and rural hotels are the main options
  • Alternatives in nearby villages like La Riera or Belmonte de Miranda

Gear for Desafío Somiedo

Material

Mountain race in July through Natural Park trails. Varied terrain with big elevation changes and potential heat in valleys and cold at summits.

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Tips

  • Shoes with grip on mixed terrain: trails, tracks and technical sections
  • Waterproof windbreaker mandatory for all distances
  • At least 10L pack for UTDS to carry all mandatory gear
  • Summits can be cool in July: bring a lightweight thermal layer

Nutrition Plan for Desafío Somiedo

Nutrición

Aid stations on course with solid food and drinks. The UTDS has multiple aid stations with strict cutoff times.

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Tips

  • Minimum 1 liter of water mandatory: carry soft flasks or enough hydration
  • July heat increases dehydration risk: plan your fluid intake carefully
  • UTDS has a 14h time limit: calculate calories for a long day

Getting to Pola de Somiedo

Transporte

Somiedo is in a mountain valley accessed by mountain roads. No direct public transport.

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Tips

  • Asturias Airport (OVD) 120 km away (1h 30min by car)
  • From Oviedo via AS-227 (1h 30min)
  • From León via N-630 and AS-227 (2h)
  • Mountain road with curves: plan your trip with extra time

Car Rental for Somiedo

Alquiler de vehículo

A car is essential to reach Somiedo and explore the natural park valleys.

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Tips

  • No public transport to Somiedo: a car is essential
  • Narrow mountain roads but in good condition
  • Take the chance to visit Lagos de Saliencia and Valle del Lago

Sports Insurance for Desafío Somiedo

Seguro

Insurance is mandatory. Without a federation license, the organization charges a €5 supplement.

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Tips

  • Federation license or day insurance mandatory
  • €5 supplement without federation license
  • Mountain rescue coverage recommended due to remote course

Body Care for Desafío Somiedo

Cuidado corporal

Summer mountain race with heat in valleys and potential humidity. Protect skin from chafing and blisters.

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Tips

  • Anti-chafe balm on contact areas: July sweat multiplies chafing
  • Carry blister patches in your pack for the UTDS
  • Below-the-knee pants or tights are mandatory

Sun Protection for Desafío Somiedo

Protección solar

July in the Asturian mountains: intense sun at altitude with long hours of exposure, especially on the UTDS.

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Tips

  • SPF 50 essential: up to 14 hours of exposure on the UTDS
  • Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if sweating heavily
  • Protect lips with SPF balm
  • Cap or visor mandatory for all distances

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Desafío Somiedo 2026?
The EDP DesafiOSOmiedo 2026 takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, starting and finishing in Pola de Somiedo (Asturias).
What distances does Desafío Somiedo have?
Three distances: UTDS 70K (8,000m D+), MDS 46K (2,270m D+) and SDS 24K (1,038m D+).
What is the minimum age to participate?
21 years old for UTDS and MDS, 18 years old for SDS.
Is a medical certificate required?
Yes, it's mandatory for UTDS and MDS. It must be issued after January 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of June 1, 2026.
How to get to Pola de Somiedo?
Pola de Somiedo is 1h 30min from Oviedo via the AS-227. The nearest airport is Asturias (OVD), about 120 km away.
How much does registration cost?
Prices range from €55 (SDS) to €110 (UTDS), with early bird pricing from December.