Photo: Mario Modesto Mata (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)Atapuerca
Cross Internacional de Atapuerca
Sunday, 22 November 2026
Cross Internacional de Atapuerca 2026 registration opens on
Save the date and get your gear ready in the meantime.
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross absoluto 10K | 10 km | D+ 150m | 1h15 | - |
| Cross popular 6K | 6 km | D+ 80m | 1h | - |
10 weeks to Cross Internacional de Atapuerca: get your kit ready
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
What you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Maurten
Maurten Gel 100
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
3°C – 9°C
Average 6°C
Rain
60%
3.4 mm avg
Wind
25 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
6h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (60% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Bring thermal layers (low of 3°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
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.
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.
Bring thermal gloves (low of 3°C)
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Oasis Liners
Thin merino wool glove, lightweight and breathable, with good moisture management and none of the overheating of a thick technical glove. Ideal as a liner layer or for mild winter temperatures.
LEKI
LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark
Glove for pole runners with the Shark system: clips straight into the grip of compatible LEKI poles, transferring force without closing your hand. Windproof and water-repellent.
Ronhill
Ronhill GORE-TEX Windstopper Glove
Running glove with GORE-TEX Windstopper fabric: blocks wind and repels light rain without the bulk of an insulated glove. Thin, close-fitting and dexterous.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Salomon
Salomon Fast Wing Winter Glove
Technical winter trail running glove with a windproof outer shell and warm lining. Built for long outings in intense cold, wind and some moisture in the mountains.
Consider long tights for nighttime cold
Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials Mallas Active Sculpt Talla Grande
High-waisted leggings with Active Sculpt compression fabric, available in plus sizes. Wide waistband that doesn't roll down or over-compress during long mountain outings.
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.
Forecast for 22 November
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Cross Internacional de Atapuerca
The Cross Internacional de Atapuerca is one of the most important cross country races in the world. It is part of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour with Gold status, the highest, and every November it gathers the world’s best specialists on the CAREX circuit (Centre for Experimental Archaeology), at the foot of the Atapuerca site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The twenty-second edition is run on November 22, 2026.
A cross country circuit
This is not a mountain race: it is pure cross country, laps of a circuit of grass, dirt and mud over the rolling hills of the Sierra de Atapuerca. The layout combines short ramps, leg-breaking sections and fast stretches, and in November it is usually frozen or muddy. The senior cross is around 10 kilometres; alongside it there are popular and age-group races. Some years it hosts the Spanish Club Cross Country Championship.
Atapuerca, the cradle of evolution
The Sierra de Atapuerca holds the best record of human evolution in Europe: remains of Homo antecessor, the Sima de los Huesos with thousands of fossils and the Trinchera del Ferrocarril, the cut that exposed the sites. The Museum of Human Evolution, in Burgos, completes the visit.
Burgos beyond the race
Burgos, 20 minutes away, is the city of El Cid and of one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe, a World Heritage Site. The Charterhouse of Miraflores, the Monastery of Las Huelgas and the local morcilla and roast lamb round off the weekend. See more races in Castilla y León and plan your weekend with the planner.
360Complete Pack
Cross Internacional de Atapuerca 2026 registration
RegistrationA World Athletics Cross Country Tour race with Gold status. The international races are by invitation; the popular and age-group races have open registration.
Browse all registrationTips
- •Check the programme and popular registration on the official website
- •The international elites run by invitation from the organisers
- •Bib collection on Saturday and early Sunday in Atapuerca
- •Access to the circuit is organised with shuttles from Burgos and Ibeas
Where to stay for the Cross de Atapuerca
AccommodationAtapuerca is a small village: the natural base is the city of Burgos, 20 minutes away, with the full range of hotels.
Browse all accommodationTips
- •The city of Burgos, 20 minutes away, with hotels for every budget
- •Ibeas de Juarros and Cardeñuela Riopico, on the Camino de Santiago, closer to the circuit
- •Rural houses in the Sierra de Atapuerca and the Sierra de la Demanda
- •November in Burgos: dry cold, book a room with heating
Gear for the Cross de Atapuerca
GearPure cross country: laps of a circuit of grass, dirt and mud over rolling terrain. November on the Burgos plateau: intense cold, frost and possible snow.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon's most versatile trail shoe, ideal for technical terrain and mud. Exceptional grip with Contagrip sole and EnergyCell+ cushioning.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
Tips
- •Spikes or cross country shoes: the circuit gets muddy
- •Warm technical layers for the warm-up; you race in a singlet
- •Windbreaker and dry clothes for after the finish
Which shoes for Cross Internacional de Atapuerca?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Cross Internacional de Atapuerca?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
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.
Best Trail Running Gloves 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best trail running gloves in 2026: Salomon Cross Warm, Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX, Ronhill Windstopper, Salomon Fast Wing Winter, LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark and Icebreaker Oasis Liners. Which to pick based on cold, wind, rain and whether you run with poles.
Best Trail Running Headlamps 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
In-depth comparison of the best headlamps for trail running in 2026. Petzl Iko Core, Nitecore NU25, Ledlenser iH5R and Petzl Actik Core. Lumens, battery life and weight to help you choose based on your race's night hours.
Nutrition for the Cross de Atapuerca
NutritionA short, very intense effort: from 20 minutes to a little over an hour. The key is the warm-up and pre-race hydration, not on-course fuelling.
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.
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.
Tips
- •A light breakfast 3 hours before; nothing heavy
- •One gel 15 minutes before the start if your race is over 30 minutes
- •Warm isotonic drink during the warm-up because of the cold
How to get to Atapuerca
TransportAtapuerca is 20 km east of Burgos, on the French Way of St James, in the city's alfoz.
Browse all transportTips
- •From Burgos: 20 min via the N-120 and BU-701 through Ibeas de Juarros
- •Burgos has a high-speed rail station, Madrid in 1h40
- •Burgos (Villafría) airport has limited flights; Bilbao and Valladolid 1h30-2h away
Car rental for Burgos and Atapuerca
Car RentalWith a car you can link the circuit with the site, the Museum of Human Evolution in Burgos and the Sierra de la Demanda.
Browse all car rental
Tips
- •Pick up the car at the Burgos-Rosa de Lima high-speed rail station
- •On cross day there is a traffic plan and designated car parks
Sports insurance for the Cross de Atapuerca
InsuranceA cross country athletics event. The popular races require an athletics federation licence or one-day insurance.
Browse all insuranceTips
- •Royal Spanish Athletics Federation licence or one-day insurance
- •Popular registration includes accident insurance
- •The elites compete under their federations' cover
Body care for the Cross de Atapuerca
Body CareCold, mud and maximal effort: the priority is to warm up beforehand and recover your temperature afterwards.
BodyGlide
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Anti-chafe balm in stick format. Creates an invisible barrier on the skin that reduces friction without clogging pores. Sweat-resistant, ideal for critical zones like inner thighs, armpits, and nipples on long races.
Compressport
Compressport Full Socks Recovery
Full-length compression socks (foot to knee) designed specifically for post-exercise recovery. Graduated compression that improves venous return and reduces swelling. Breathable fabric with infrared fibres that improve microcirculation.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe on feet and groin: mud and spikes take their toll
- •Dry, warm clothes immediately after crossing the line
- •Compression socks for the trip home
Sun protection for the Cross de Atapuerca
Sun ProtectionThe circuit runs exposed on the ridge of the sierra; even in cold weather the low November sun on the plateau hits directly.
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.
Tips
- •SPF 30-50 on the face if the day is clear
- •SPF lip balm for the dry plateau wind
- •Sunglasses for the warm-up in low sun
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca 2026?
- The Cross Internacional de Atapuerca 2026 takes place on Sunday, November 22, 2026, on the CAREX circuit next to the Atapuerca archaeological site (Burgos). It is the twenty-second edition.
- What status does the race have?
- It is one of the races on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour with Gold status, the highest on the circuit. It brings together the world's best cross country specialists.
- Can anyone run it?
- The international races are for invited elite athletes only, but the day also includes popular and age-group races open to registration. The organisers publish the full programme each year.
- What distances does it have?
- The senior cross is around 10 km over laps of a cross country circuit; the popular cross, around 6 km. Younger age groups run shorter distances.
- What is the Atapuerca site?
- It is the group of archaeological sites in the Sierra de Atapuerca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with remains of Homo antecessor and the Sima de los Huesos. The Trinchera del Ferrocarril is the most famous excavation cut.
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