Cabezarrubias del Puerto, Ciudad Real
Petaca Trail
Sunday, 28 March 2027estimated date
Petaca Trail 2027: estimated date 28 March 2027
The organiser has not published the official 2027 schedule yet. The estimated date is based on last year's edition; we'll confirm it as soon as it's announced. Start sorting your gear and logistics.
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Largo 25K | 25 km | D+ 1200m | - | 20 EUR |
| Trail Corto 14K | 14 km | D+ 600m | - | 15 EUR |
| Hiking Route 11K | 11 km | D+ 250m | - | 10 EUR |
Gear up for Petaca Trail
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Best Value Trail and Mountain GPS Watches 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Headlamps 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
See comparisonWhat you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Maurten
Maurten Gel 100
Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
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
6°C – 18°C
Average 12°C
Rain
20%
1.7 mm avg
Wind
16 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
9h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring thermal layers (low of 6°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Forecast for 28 March
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Petaca Trail
Petaca Trail is a mountain race held in Cabezarrubias del Puerto (Ciudad Real, Spain), in the heart of the Valle de Alcudia. The 12th edition (2026) offers three options: Trail Largo 25K, Trail Corto 14K and Hiking Route 11K. The race also hosts the 9th Castilla-La Mancha Club Championship for Mountain Racing.
The course
The routes run through the Valle de Alcudia and Sierra Madrona Natural Park, one of the largest and best-preserved natural spaces in Castilla-La Mancha. The terrain combines mountain trails, forest tracks, river crossings and technical sections with loose rock. The Trail Largo, with its 25 km and 1,200 metres of elevation gain, crosses valleys, mountain passes and summits with panoramic views of the region.
Valle de Alcudia, nature at its purest
The Valle de Alcudia is a vast natural depression surrounded by mountain ranges, historically a transhumance route. Its holm oak pastures, grasslands and quartzite ridges create a unique landscape. Wildlife includes deer, wild boar, imperial eagles and black vultures. In spring, the valley turns green and temperatures are ideal for running. Read our best trail running shoes guide for advice on choosing footwear for mixed mountain terrain.
Cabezarrubias, a village with soul
Cabezarrubias del Puerto is a municipality of barely 400 inhabitants that, on Petaca Trail day, sees its population multiply several times over. Organised by Club de Atletismo y Senderismo La Petaca, the race is a celebration of sport and community that combines competition, tourism, gastronomy and solidarity. A race made from the heart, by and for the runner.
Use our pace calculator to plan your effort on the Trail Largo 25K, and discover more races in Castilla-La Mancha.
360Complete Pack
Petaca Trail 2026 Registration
Registration12th edition organised by Club de Atletismo y Senderismo La Petaca. Host of the 9th Castilla-La Mancha Club Championship for Mountain Racing.
Browse all registrationTips
- •Online registration at petacatrail.com
- •Discount for federated athletes
- •Trail Largo 25K, Trail Corto 14K and Hiking Route 11K
- •Limited spots: the previous edition gathered over 600 participants
Where to stay for Petaca Trail
AccommodationCabezarrubias del Puerto is a small village. Puertollano (30 min) offers more options.
Browse all accommodationTips
- •Rural houses in Cabezarrubias and around the Valle de Alcudia
- •Puertollano (30 min): hotels and hostels with more availability
- •Ciudad Real city (1 hour): the widest range of options
- •March is low season: affordable prices
Gear for Petaca Trail
GearMountain terrain in the Valle de Alcudia. Trails, forest tracks and technical sections with loose rock.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon's most versatile trail shoe, ideal for technical terrain and mud. Exceptional grip with Contagrip sole and EnergyCell+ cushioning.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Ultralight carbon Z-pole foldable trekking poles. 137 g per pole in 110 cm length, 33 cm folded. EVA grip and adjustable strap. The trail running reference.
Hoka
Hoka Speedgoat 7
The best-selling trail shoe in the US and an absolute ultra-trail classic. Max Hoka cushioning, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip in mud and technical terrain, and a snug Matryx upper. Built to eat up kilometres without punishing your legs in long races.
Altra
Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running shoe with zero drop and wide FootShape toe box that allows natural toe splay. 25 mm stack with EGO foam for balanced cushioning without losing ground contact. MaxTrac outsole with 3.5 mm lugs, ideal for non-technical trails, forest tracks and long-distance paths.
New Balance
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
The model breaking into Spain's best-seller charts. Fresh Foam X midsole with a solid balance between cushioning and ground feel, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a comfortable last suited to wide feet. A reliable all-rounder for training runs and mountain races of any distance.
Saucony
Saucony Peregrine 16
The all-round trail shoe par excellence, with excellent reviews across every type of runner. PWRTRAC outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip on mixed and technical terrain, balanced PWRRUN cushioning, and rock-plate protection depending on the version. The perfect middle ground between responsiveness and protection.
Freet
Freet Feldom 3
100% barefoot trail shoe with zero drop, minimal stack (6 mm sole) and anatomical last that respects the natural width of the foot. No midsole cushioning: maximum proprioception and ground feedback. Multi-directional lugs for dirt trails and paths. Designed for runners already adapted to minimalist footwear or those transitioning gradually from cushioned natural footwear.
Garmin
Garmin Forerunner 965
Premium running watch with a 1.4" AMOLED display, onboard topo maps, multi-band GPS and music. Up to 31 h in GPS mode (19 h multi-band) and 23 days in smartwatch mode, at just 53 g. Garmin's top running watch without the bulk of a Fenix: ideal for marathons and single-day ultras with accurate navigation.
Tips
- •Trail shoes with good grip for mixed terrain (rock, dirt, track)
- •Poles recommended for the 25K with 1,200m D+
- •Hydration vest: essential for the long distance
- •March in La Mancha: possible cold in the morning and warmth at midday
Which shoes for Petaca Trail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Petaca Trail?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for Petaca Trail
NutritionThe 25K demands nutritional planning due to cumulative elevation. The 14K is more manageable.
Maurten
Maurten Gel 100
Gel de hidrogel con 25g de carbohidratos. La tecnología de hidrogel encapsula los carbohidratos para una absorción sin molestias gástricas. Sabor neutro, sin edulcorantes artificiales. Usado por corredores de élite en maratón y ultra.
Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
Natural guava bar in individual 26 g format. High in vitamin C and fast-absorbing carbohydrates. Solid texture with easy-open wrapper, perfect for carrying during races. Intense sweet flavor that delivers immediate energy without needing water.
Crown Sport Nutrition
Crown Sport Nutrition 3:1 Recovery+
Recuperador muscular a base de proteína de suero aislada (whey isolate) con ratio carbohidratos-proteína 3:1, enriquecido con L-Leucina y L-Glutamina. Certificado Informed Sport y sin alérgenos añadidos. Formato de 750 g, sabor sandía.
GU
GU Energy Gel Original
Gel energético con 100 calorías y 21g de carbohidratos por sobre. Mezcla de maltodextrina y fructosa para absorción óptima. Incluye aminoácidos y electrolitos. El gel más usado en ultratrails de todo el mundo.
226ERS
226ERS Isotonic Drink
Bebida isotónica en polvo de la marca española 226ERS. Aporta carbohidratos, electrolitos y minerales para mantener la hidratación durante el ejercicio. Fórmula con amilopectina para absorción rápida sin molestias digestivas.
Victory Endurance
Victory Endurance Total Recovery
Preparado en polvo para bebida de recuperación post-entreno con carbohidratos, electrolitos y proteína en ratio BCAA 2:1:1. Incluye 12 vitaminas y 9 minerales para acelerar la recuperación muscular tras un trail largo. Formato de 1250 g, sabor sandía.
226ERS
226ERS Recovery Drink
Muscle recovery shake from Spanish brand 226ERS. Formula with whey protein, amylopectin, amino acids (including glutamine and BCAAs) and minerals. Carb-to-protein ratio optimised for the post-exercise window. Good taste and digestive tolerance.
226ERS
226ERS Sub9 Pro Salts Electrolytes
The caffeinated version of Sub9 Salts: 250 mg of sodium and 40 mg of caffeine per capsule, plus potassium, magnesium and ginger. Made for the final stretch of an ultra, when you need to replace salts and get a lift without opening another caffeine gel.
Tips
- •25K: carry gels and bars for 3-5 hours of effort
- •14K: 1-2 gels may be enough
- •Aid stations on course: check locations on the official website
- •Breakfast 2-3 hours before the start
How to get to Cabezarrubias del Puerto
TransportCabezarrubias del Puerto is in the south of Ciudad Real, in the Valle de Alcudia.
Browse all transportTips
- •From Madrid: ~2h 30min via A-4 to Puertollano, then CR-424
- •From Ciudad Real: ~1 hour via N-420 and CR-424
- •From Córdoba: ~2 hours via A-4 and N-420
- •Parking arranged by the organisation in the village
Car rental for Petaca Trail
Car RentalCar strongly recommended to reach Cabezarrubias del Puerto.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
SUV/crossover vehicle rental subscription, ideal for reaching mountain races via rural roads and forest tracks.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
Urban vehicle rental subscription, perfect for getting to races with good highway and conventional road access.
Carla
Carla Car Rental - Reserva ahora, paga después
Car rental comparison in over 180 countries with free cancellation. Book now and pay when you pick up the vehicle, no hidden fees or upfront card charges.
Hertz
Hertz - Alquiler de coches
Car rental with one of the world's most recognised brands, with offices at airports and cities across Spain.
Tips
- •The A-4 motorway connects Madrid with Puertollano directly
- •Local roads in good condition to Cabezarrubias
Sports insurance for Petaca Trail
InsuranceFederated mountain race. Federation licence or day insurance required.
Browse all insuranceTips
- •FDMCM/FEDME licence or day insurance required
- •Castilla-La Mancha federation members get a registration discount
- •Nearest hospital in Puertollano (30 min)
Body care for Petaca Trail
Body CareMedium to long duration effort on mountain terrain. March weather can be unpredictable.
After Bite
After Bite Xtra Gel
Soothing gel with 3.5% ammonia for immediate relief from skin irritations. Compact format (20 g) ideal for carrying in a trail running vest. Effective against processionary caterpillar urticating hairs, nettles and insect bites.
Buff
Buff CoolNet UV+
Multifunctional tubular with UPF 50+ UV protection and cooling technology. Can be worn as neck gaiter, headband, balaclava or wristband. CoolNet fabric reflects UV rays and cools the skin by evaporation.
Julbo
Julbo Aerospeed
Sport sunglasses with Reactiv photochromic lenses that automatically adapt to light conditions (category 1 to 3). Designed for trail running with non-slip temples and integrated ventilation.
OOFOS
OOFOS OOriginal Sport
Unisex recovery sandal with patented OOfoam technology, which absorbs 37% more impact than conventional EVA foam and reduces stress on feet, ankles and back after exertion. Closed thong-style toe post with built-in arch support in the footbed. Machine washable.
Therabody
Theragun Mini (2.ª generación)
Compact massage gun with QuietForce motor and 3 speeds (1750-2400 percussions/min). Weighs just 500g and fits in your race vest or bag. Ideal for self-massage of quads, calves and glutes after a trail.
Compex
Compex Ayre Recovery Boots
Pneumatic pressotherapy boots with 4 sequential air chambers. Dynamic compression that improves venous return and speeds up toxin elimination after mountain races. 3 pressure levels and 20-30 minute sessions. Built-in rechargeable battery.
Salomon
Salomon Mangas Running
Lightweight, breathable and absorbent running sleeves from Salomon, with a comfortable adaptable fit for variable mountain temperature conditions.
Salomon
Salomon Polaina Cuello Merino
Salomon merino wool neck gaiter. Natural warmth, breathable and odour-resistant even after several uses without washing, key for multi-day ultras. Versatile use in the mountains and premium trail running.
Tips
- •Vaseline on chafe-prone areas (feet, armpits, groin)
- •Technical anti-blister socks
- •March in the Valle de Alcudia: variable temperatures, protect your skin
Sun protection for trail in March
Sun ProtectionMarch in La Mancha can be sunny with moderate to high UV radiation.
ISDIN
ISDIN 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.
Sun Bum
Sun 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.
Cantabria Labs
Heliocare 360º Sport Transparent Stick SPF 50+
Transparent SPF 50+ sun stick, 25 g, with 360º protection (UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared). Goes on dry in seconds over face, ears, neck and bald scalp with no sticky hands and no white cast: the format built for reapplying at an aid station. High water and sweat resistance, from a Spanish pharmacy brand.
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.
Julbo
Julbo Aero
Sports sunglasses with a Reactiv photochromic lens that automatically adapts to changing light, an ultralight panoramic frame and the Air Link temple system for a secure, pressure-free fit. Built for high-mountain trail running, where light shifts constantly between forest, rock and open summits.
Buff
Buff Venture Gorra 5 Panel
Lightweight 5-panel cap with UPF 50+ protection, breathable fabric and comfortable fit. Ideal for summer trail running races where weight and ventilation are a priority.
d'Alba
d'Alba Air Fit Fresh Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
Facial SPF 50+ PA++++ sun stick, 19 g, Korean skincare, vegan and fragrance-free. Dry, powdery finish, not sticky, doesn't sting the eyes when you sweat: comfortable for daily training and shorter races. The lightest and cheapest option in the comparison.
Piz Buin
Piz Buin Mountain SPF 50+
Mountain sunscreen with SPF 50+ formulated for extreme altitude conditions. Extra protection against intensified UV radiation and cold wind. Rich texture that protects skin from dehydration.
Tips
- •SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck and arms
- •Lip balm with SPF
- •Cap or visor for the midday hours
- •Even in March, prolonged mountain exposure can cause sunburn
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Petaca Trail 2026?
- The 12th edition takes place on Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Cabezarrubias del Puerto (Ciudad Real, Spain).
- What distances does Petaca Trail offer?
- Three options: Trail Largo 25K with 1,200m D+, Trail Corto 14K with 600m D+ and Hiking Route 11K with 250m D+.
- Where is Cabezarrubias del Puerto?
- Cabezarrubias del Puerto is a municipality in Ciudad Real, in the Valle de Alcudia. About 30 minutes from Puertollano and 1 hour from Ciudad Real city.
- Is it a federated race?
- Yes, Petaca Trail 2026 hosts the 9th Castilla-La Mancha Club Championship for Mountain Racing. Federated athletes get a registration discount.
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