Peña Prieta SkyRace

Peña Prieta SkyRace

The Peña Prieta SkyRace is a young but demanding mountain race held in Vega de Liébana, in south-western Cantabria. Its target is the summit of Peña Prieta (2,539 m), the highest point of the Palentina mountains and the roof of Cantabria outside the Picos de Europa. The flagship event, the 36 km Sky Race, packs 2,600 m of positive elevation over genuine alpine terrain: scree fields, easy scrambling and ridges with simultaneous views of Liébana, Palencia and León.

A high-mountain course

The Sky Race starts on the valley floor and links a sustained climb up to the glacial cirque of Peña Prieta. The upper section combines endless scree, snow patches that can be frozen in October, and exposed ridge sections where you need your hands. The descent is fast and quad-wrecking, with long scree that punishes ankles and knees. The ratio is over 70 metres of climbing per kilometre: this is pure skyrunning, suitable only for runners with alpine-terrain experience.

For those who want a taste of the atmosphere without the long distance, the 8 km Trail (560 m D+) and the Hike share a gentler course through the valley’s woods and pastures.

October in Liébana

On the first weekend of October, Liébana is in full autumn bloom: blazing beech and oak woods, mild temperatures in the valley and dry cold up high. Above 2,000 metres the weather changes quickly, and a clear morning can turn to fog and sleet within an hour. A waterproof jacket and gloves are not optional.

Liébana beyond the race

Vega de Liébana is 15 minutes from Potes and the Fuente Dé cable car, and shares its region with the Santo Toribio monastery, one of the five holy sites of Christianity. It is a perfect base to extend the trip with routes through the Picos de Europa. See more races in Cantabria and use the planner to organise your weekend.