Photo: Mario Modesto Mata (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0) (opens in a new tab)Atapuerca
Cross Internacional de Atapuerca
Sunday, 22 November 2026
Your checklist for Cross Internacional de Atapuerca
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
Spikes or cross country shoes: the circuit gets muddy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
A light breakfast 3 hours before; nothing heavy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
SPF 30-50 on the face if the day is clear
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe on feet and groin: mud and spikes take their toll
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Car Rental
Pick up the car at the Burgos-Rosa de Lima high-speed rail station
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Seasonal kit
Rain and mud at Cross Internacional de Atapuerca: pack this kit
Grippy shoes, rain jacket, gaiters and blister protection for a wet race.
See the full kit : Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet RaceYou may also need: What to Wear for Cold-Weather Trail Running 2026: The Complete Layering Kit
Race data
Terrain
Cross Country
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
2 modalities
Cross absoluto 10K
- Distance
- 10 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 150m
- Max Time
- 1h15
Cross popular 6K
- Distance
- 6 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 80m
- Max Time
- 1h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross absoluto 10K | 10 km | D+ 150m | 1h15 |
| Cross popular 6K | 6 km | D+ 80m | 1h |
Will your watch battery last the ~2 h of Cross Internacional de Atapuerca?Worked out for the longest course (10 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watch3 weeks to Cross Internacional de Atapuerca: get your kit ready
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
See comparison
Best Trail Running Headlamps 2026: 12 Models Compared
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Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Historical weather
What to wear at 5 °C: guide and kit →
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.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
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 M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
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 Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
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
Thermal tubular Buff with Primaloft technology. Traps body heat, ultralight and versatile: hat, neck gaiter, headband. Ideal for high mountain.
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 Thermal Neck Gaiter
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
Long-sleeve thermal base layer made from recycled fabric with anti-odour treatment. Active thermal regulation, ideal as a base layer in the mountains.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Women's Longsleeve
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.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Thermal Windproof Balaclava
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
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
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
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.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock (Men's)
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
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.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
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 Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
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.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Consider long tights for nighttime cold
Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials Active Sculpt Plus-Size Leggings
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.
HANKER
HANKER Women's Cropped Compression Leggings with Pockets
Compression capri tights with high waist and phone pockets. Quick-drying, suitable for running and trail.
Izas
Izas Olimpia Women's Long Tights
Women's long leggings with a shaping, push-up compression effect, stretch breathable fabric and reflective details. Originally designed for gym and yoga, but the compression and reflective details also make it usable for low-light running.
Joma
Joma Academy Knight Men's Thermal Tights
Men's thermal pants with a brushed inner lining, built for training and running in cold weather. Elastic drawstring waist and heat-retaining fabric for winter outings or cold early mornings.
Joma
Joma Vela II Women's Shorts
Lightweight, stretch women's running shorts with a wide size range (4XS to 2XL). Breathable fabric built for training and running in summer without overheating.
Salomon
Salomon Comet Warm Tight W
Salomon women's thermal long tights for training and racing in the cold. A warm layer for autumn and winter.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Forecast for 22 November
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
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.
Tips
- •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.
Tips
- •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.
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 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 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.
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.
Tips
- •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.
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.
Tips
- •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.
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.
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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