Quebrapates Peñamea

Quebrapates Peñamea

Quebrapates Peñamea is one of the most demanding and technical mountain races in the Asturian calendar. Organized by Grupo de Montaña Peña Mea for over a decade, the race starts in Pola de Laviana, the unofficial capital of the Mining Basins, and climbs to the summit of Peña Mea (1,559m).

A technical ascent and descent

The 33K course runs almost entirely along mountain trails and paths, with some sections of concrete or asphalt. The upper part combines a demanding climb with a very technical descent through a gully of loose limestone rock, the feature that gives the race its name: every foothold has to be controlled to avoid “breaking your feet.” With 2,225m of positive elevation gain, it’s one of the steepest races per kilometre in the region.

The Mining Basins, between mountains and mining

Pola de Laviana and its surroundings are part of the Protected Landscape of the Mining Basins, an area with a strong mining tradition that today combines recovered nature with a very active mountain race calendar. Peña Mea, visible from much of the valley, is a well-known reference point for mountain runners across Asturias.

Pola de Laviana beyond the race

After the race, take the chance to discover the area’s mining heritage or rest in the natural surroundings of the Mining Basins. Discover other mountain races in the Asturias region and check the race planner to plan your visit.