La Osera 2026
Recommended sun protection
May in the Sierra del Segura has high UV radiation, especially on ridges and open areas.
Topical sun protection products specific to trail running: SPF 50+ sport sunscreen resistant to water and sweat, SPF lip balm and after-sun for recovery. At altitude, UV radiation increases by 10-12% per 1,000 metres, making sun protection not an extra but mandatory gear.
Based on historical data from the last 10 years
☀️12 hours of sunshine expected. Reapply SPF 50+ every 2 hours.
⛰️At the race altitude, UV radiation is ~25% stronger than at sea level.
Recommended products
ISDIN
Race pickISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight water-phase facial sunscreen with SPF 50+. Fluid texture that absorbs instantly with no greasy residue, ideal for applying during a race. Water and sweat resistant.
Strengths
- +Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
- +Sweat and water resistant
- +Instant absorption, ideal for mid-race reapplication
- +SPF 50+ with UVA/UVB protection
Watch out for
- −Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
- −Higher price than conventional sunscreens
Sun Bum
Race pickSun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Lip balm with SPF 30 sun protection in stick format. Moisturises and protects lips from sunburn, a spot many runners forget. Coconut flavour, paraben-free.
Strengths
- +Stick format easy to apply mid-race
- +Fits any backpack pocket
- +Moisturising and protective at the same time
- +Paraben and PABA free
Watch out for
- −SPF 30 may fall short at extreme altitude
- −Melts if left in direct sun
Columbia
Columbia Schooner Bank II Cachalot
Legionnaire-style cap with neck flap, ideal for long-duration races with intense sun exposure. Covers the neck and ears, two of the areas most prone to sunburn in the mountains.
Strengths
- +Protects the neck and ears, high sunburn-risk areas
- +Ideal for ultras and races with long sun exposure
- +Breathable, lightweight fabric
- +Good ventilation thanks to mesh panels
Watch out for
- −Warmer than a simple visor or cap
- −The neck flap can interfere with a trail running pack
Specific tips for La Osera
- •SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck, arms and legs
- •Lip balm with SPF
- •Cap or visor essential for the 45K
- •Reapply at aid stations for efforts over 4 hours
Similar races
Madrid Alpine Marathon
Cercedilla
44 km high-mountain race through Sierra de Guadarrama from Cercedilla, via Siete Picos, Bola del Mundo, and Peñalara
Camille Extreme
Isaba
20th Camille Extreme — 32K and 2,044m D+ through the Roncal Valley with the ascent to Ezkaurre (2,047m)
GR 322 Nafarroa Xtrem
Zubiri
Loop around Monte Adi in the Navarran Pyrenees: 35 km and 1,800m D+ from Zubiri