KM Vertical Fuente Dé

Fuente Dé, Camaleño

KM Vertical Fuente Dé

Saturday, June 6, 2026

KM Vertical 2.6K

2.6km D+ 972m

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Date, registration & deadlines

Jun 6, 2026 · Check official website

Local guides

Race data

Terrain

Mountain

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

1 modalities

Official website

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Modality Distance Elevation Gain ITRA Max Time Price
KM Vertical 2.6K 2.6 km D+ 972m - - 25 EUR
360

What you need

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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

7°C – 14°C

Average 10°C

Rain

63%

4.8 mm avg

Wind

8 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

10h

daily average

KM Vertical Fuente Dé

KM Vertical Fuente Dé is a vertical race that climbs 972 meters of elevation in just 2.6 kilometers. The XVI edition (2026) starts from the lower Fuente Dé Cable Car station in the heart of Picos de Europa National Park (Camaleño, Cantabria).

The Course

2.6 kilometers of pure climbing with 972 meters of elevation gain. The format is a time trial: runners start individually from 11:30 AM. The finish is at the top of the mountain, with privileged views over Picos de Europa.

The average gradient exceeds 37%, meaning each kilometer gains over 370 meters of altitude. There are no flat sections or descents: it’s continuous climbing from the first meter to the last.

Fuente Dé and the Cable Car

Fuente Dé is one of the most iconic locations in Picos de Europa. The Fuente Dé Cable Car covers a height difference of 753 meters in under 4 minutes, connecting the valley with the mountain passes. KM Vertical runners make that same ascent under their own power, racing against the mountain.

The Fuente Dé glacial cirque is a natural amphitheatre of vertical limestone walls that impresses anyone visiting for the first time. The race takes advantage of this spectacular setting to offer one of the most beautiful vertical races in Spain.

An Explosive Challenge

Unlike a long trail where pacing is key, a vertical kilometer is a test of pure power. The effort lasts between 30 and 60 minutes at maximum intensity. There are no aid stations and no time to think: it’s about climbing as fast as possible.

Trekking poles are allowed and highly recommended. On such steep gradients, poles save leg energy and improve traction. Shoe choice is critical: aggressive grip on steep mountain terrain is essential. Find the right footwear in our best trail running shoes for 2026 guide.

Use our pace calculator to plan your effort, and discover more races in Cantabria.

360 Complete Pack

KM Vertical Fuente Dé 2026 Registration

Inscripción

XVI edition of the KM Vertical in Picos de Europa. Time-trial format.

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Tips

  • Until April 30: €25 (licensed) / €30 (non-affiliated)
  • From May 1: €28 / €35
  • Limited to 350 participants
  • Includes OS2O technical shirt (size guaranteed if registered before March 26)

Where to Stay for the KM Vertical Fuente Dé

Alojamiento

Fuente Dé is deep in Picos de Europa. Potes is the most practical logistics base.

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Tips

  • Potes is 25 km away: hotels, guesthouses and rural cottages
  • Parador de Fuente Dé right next to the cable car station
  • Liébana region with good rural tourism options
  • June is mid-season: book ahead but availability is generally good

Gear for the KM Vertical Fuente Dé

Material

Vertical race with 972m D+ in 2.6 km. Mountain terrain with very steep gradients.

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Tips

  • Shoes with aggressive grip and good traction on steep terrain
  • Poles allowed and highly recommended for managing 972m D+
  • Minimal gear: this is a 30-60 minute race
  • Lightweight race kit: the intensity is maximum

Nutrition for the KM Vertical Fuente Dé

Nutrición

Short but explosive race. A 30-60 minute all-out effort.

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Tips

  • A caffeine gel 15-20 minutes before the start
  • Too short to eat during the race
  • Good hydration in the hours beforehand
  • Light breakfast 2-3 hours before: the intensity is very high

How to Get to Fuente Dé

Transporte

Fuente Dé is in the municipality of Camaleño, Liébana region (Cantabria).

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Tips

  • Santander Airport (SDR) approximately 150 km away (2 hours)
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO) approximately 200 km away (2h 30min)
  • From Potes: 25 km via the CA-185 towards the cable car
  • The Desfiladero de La Hermida gorge is the main access to Liébana

Car Rental for Fuente Dé

Alquiler de vehículo

A car is essential to reach Fuente Dé. No direct public transport available.

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Tips

  • Mountain roads with curves but well maintained
  • Parking available at the cable car station
  • Take the opportunity to visit Potes and the Desfiladero de La Hermida

Sports Insurance for the KM Vertical Fuente Dé

Seguro

Vertical mountain race. Federation license or day insurance is mandatory.

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Tips

  • FEDME license or day insurance is mandatory
  • Registration includes accident insurance for registered participants
  • Mountain rescue coverage recommended

Body Care for a Vertical Race

Cuidado corporal

Short but explosive effort. Minimal but important preparation.

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Tips

  • Vaseline on usual chafing areas
  • Technical socks that hold well on steep terrain
  • Tape on nipples if not wearing a compression shirt

Sun Protection for a High-Altitude Race

Protección solar

June in Picos de Europa: intense sun above 1,500m altitude.

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Tips

  • SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck and arms
  • Lip balm with SPF is essential at altitude
  • UV radiation increases with altitude: don't underestimate the June sun

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the KM Vertical Fuente Dé 2026?
The XVI edition takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Start at 11:30 AM in time-trial format from the lower Fuente Dé Cable Car station.
What is the distance and elevation gain?
2.6 km distance with 972 meters of elevation gain. It's a pure vertical race: continuous climbing from the cable car base station.
How much does registration cost?
Until April 30: €25 (FEDME licensed) or €30 (non-affiliated). From May 1: €28 and €35 respectively. Limited to 350 participants.
Are trekking poles allowed?
Yes, trekking poles are allowed and recommended for the climb.
How do you get to Fuente Dé?
Fuente Dé is in the municipality of Camaleño, Liébana region (Cantabria). It's about 25 km from Potes via the CA-185. Nearest airport: Santander (SDR), approximately 2 hours away.