Photo: Desafío Ultra El Cainejo (opens in a new tab)Caín de Valdeón, León
Desafío Ultra El Cainejo
Saturday, 23 May 2026
3 distances · 19.5–52 km
Desafío Ultra 52K
52km D+ 5500m
Cainejo 35K
35.7km D+ 3200m
Cainejín 19K
19.5km D+ 1800m
Desafío Ultra El Cainejo 2026: Registration
Desafío Ultra El Cainejo is one of Spain's most technical and demanding trail races. Held in Caín de Valdeón (León), in the heart of Picos de Europa National Park, it offers three distances — 52K, 35K and 19K — along ancient shepherd paths through limestone channels, exposed sections with ropes and chains, and brutal elevation gains across the most vertical massifs of the Cantabrian Mountains.
Registration opens: 5 December 2025
Registration closes: 18 May 2026
Registration closed
Visit official website ↗(opens in a new tab)Got your bib? Here's what you still need
Top gear for Desafío Ultra El Cainejo
See all ↓Picked for this race's terrain, distance and elevation gain.
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
✓ Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Petzl Actik Core
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
✓ Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Precision Fuel & Hydration PH 1500
✓ High sodium concentration (1500 mg/L)
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
✓ Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Gear up for Desafío Ultra El Cainejo
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Entry fees by distance
| Distance | Elevation | Price | Time limit | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desafío Ultra 52K52K | 5,500m D+ | 104 EUR | 16h | Closed |
| Cainejo 35K35.7K | 3,200m D+ | 72 EUR | 12h | Closed |
| Cainejín 19K19.5K | 1,800m D+ | 53 EUR | 6h | Closed |
Registration timeline
Registration opens
5 Dec
Registration closes
18 May
How to register
- 1
Go to the official race website using the registration button.
- 2
Select the distance you want to run.
- 3
Fill in the form with your personal details and federation license (if required).
- 4
Complete the payment and save your registration confirmation.
What's included in your entry?
Race bib with timing chip, aid stations along the course, accident insurance during the race, access to finish line services (physiotherapy, showers, finisher meal) and an event t-shirt or memento.
Registration closed
The registration period for this edition has ended. Check the official website in case there's a waitlist or last-minute spots.
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