Covaleda
Desafío Urbión
Saturday, 4 September 2027estimated date
Desafío Urbión 2027: estimated date 4 September 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desafío Urbión 37K | 37 km | D+ 2600m | - | 60 EUR |
| Open 16.5K | 16.5 km | D+ 1200m | - | 30 EUR |
| 6K | 6 km | D+ 300m | - | 20 EUR |
Desafío Urbión requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
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
See comparison
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
See comparisonWhat you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon
Salomon ADV Skin 12
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
11°C – 22°C
Average 16°C
Rain
20%
1.3 mm avg
Wind
17 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
11h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (11h sunshine, up to 22°C)
Forecast for 4 September
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Desafío Urbión: pure mountain and forest
Desafío Urbión is one of the most emblematic mountain races in Castilla y León. From Covaleda, in the Pinares region of Soria, the course heads into the Picos de Urbión and Sierra de Cebollera, crossing some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Iberian System mountain range.
Its motto — “Dare and Dream” — captures what the race offers: a demanding adventure through awe-inspiring natural surroundings, among centenary pine forests, glacial lagoons, and summits exceeding 2,200 meters.
The Challenge: 37 km and 2,600 meters of elevation gain
The main event is the Desafío Urbión 37K, with 2,600 meters of elevation gain combining dense forest sections, technical high-mountain trails, and exposed ridges. The elevation-per-kilometre ratio (~70m/km) places it among the most demanding races on the Spanish calendar.
The course passes through some of the area’s most iconic landmarks:
- Pico de Urbión (2,228m) — The highest peak of the sierra, birthplace of the Duero River
- Laguna Negra — A legendary glacial lagoon, immortalised by poet Antonio Machado
- Laguna Helada — Above 2,000m, in the heart of the glacial cirques
- Scots pine forests — The most extensive pine forests in Spain
The race starts Saturday September 5 at 08:30 from Covaleda.
Open 16.5K: the gateway to Urbión
The Open 16.5K with 1,200 meters of elevation gain is a perfect alternative for those looking to discover the Urbión area without facing the full challenge. It runs through the forests and viewpoints of the zone in a more accessible but equally spectacular format.
It starts Sunday September 6 at 10:00.
6K: a race for everyone
The 6K with 300 meters of elevation gain offers a mountain experience suitable for all levels. It starts at 10:05 on Sunday, right after the Open.
Covaleda and the Pinares region
Covaleda is the heart of the Pinares region, one of the most extensive forested areas on the Iberian Peninsula. The environment is a paradise for trail running lovers: well-marked trails among centenary pine forests, glacial lagoons, and that feeling of deep wilderness found only in places like this.
Laguna Negra, just a few kilometres from Covaleda, is one of Soria’s most visited natural sites and part of the Desafío course. Poet Antonio Machado immortalised this place in his verses, and Pico de Urbión (2,228m) marks the birthplace of the Duero River, the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula.
Discover more races in Castilla y León and plan your season with our race planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Essential above 2,000m
With sufficient battery
Mandatory at aid stations
360Complete Pack
Desafío Urbión 2026 Registration
RegistrationThree distances from Covaleda with registration via Empa-T. Early bird prices available until June-July depending on distance.
Browse all registrationTips
- •Early bird price for 37K until June 15 (€60), then rises to €75
- •Open 16.5K and 6K at reduced price until July 31
- •Bib pickup on Friday and Saturday in Covaleda
- •Headphones prohibited during the race
Where to stay for Desafío Urbión
AccommodationCovaleda is a small village in the Pinares region. There are rural houses, hostels, and options in nearby towns like Vinuesa and Duruelo de la Sierra.
Browse all accommodationTips
- •Book in advance: accommodation in Covaleda is limited
- •Vinuesa (10 min) is next to Laguna Negra with good rural options
- •Duruelo de la Sierra (10 min) is another nearby alternative
- •Soria city (50 min) has more options if you prefer a town
Gear for Desafío Urbión
GearMountain race with sections above 2,000m in the Picos de Urbión. Varied terrain between forest, tracks, and technical mountain trails.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon's most versatile trail shoe, ideal for technical terrain and mud. Exceptional grip with Contagrip sole and EnergyCell+ cushioning.
Salomon
Salomon ADV Skin 12
Chaleco de hidratación de 12 litros con sistema SensiFit. Dos soft flasks frontales de 500 ml incluidas. Bolsillos de fácil acceso y ajuste ceñido sin rebotes.
Leki
Leki Ultratrail FX.One
Foldable trail running poles in 3 sections (110-130 cm). Ultralight carbon (175 g per pole), compact 38 cm folded. Speed Lock 2 locking system.
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.
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.
Tips
- •Shoes with good grip on mixed terrain: roots in forest and rock on summits
- •If you use poles, they must be carried start to finish
- •Waterproof jacket: weather in Urbión changes rapidly
- •Pack of at least 5L to carry mandatory gear
Which shoes for Desafío Urbión?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Desafío Urbión?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
The best trail running poles in 2026, compared on technical criteria: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Leki Ultratrail FX.One, Komperdell Carbon FXP Trail and Cascade Mountain Tech. Weight, folded length, aluminium vs carbon, technique and how to pick your size.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
In-depth comparison of the best hydration vests and packs for trail running in 2026: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set, Salomon Active Skin 8, CamelBak Octane, Compressport UltRun Vest, NNormal Race Vest, AONIJIE 10L and HANKER waist belt. Soft flasks vs reservoir, how many litres by distance, how to stop the vest bouncing and how much water to carry.
Best Value Trail and Mountain GPS Watches 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
The best value-for-money trail and mountain GPS watches in 2026: Coros Pace 3, Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Cheetah Pro, Garmin Forerunner 165 and Suunto Race 2. How much a good trail watch costs, which ones have cheap offline maps, whether an Amazfit performs like a Garmin and which watch to buy for your budget. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
Nutrition for Desafío Urbión
NutritionThe 37K with 2,600m D+ requires good energy management. Gels and bars must be marked with your bib number or QR code.
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.
Dorimed
Dátiles Medjool Dorimed
Palestinian Medjool dates, large and juicy. Each one delivers around 18 g of carbohydrates in a very compact format. Soft texture, easy to chew and with extremely high caloric density. The classic choice among runners looking for natural alternatives to gels.
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.
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
- •Gels and bars must carry your bib number or QR code
- •Aid stations on course, but carry your own reserves
- •The 6K is self-sufficient: bring what you need
- •Dried fruit and dates as natural energy supplements
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
How to get to Covaleda
TransportCovaleda is in the Pinares region, northern Soria, accessible by road from Madrid, Burgos, and Soria.
Browse all transportTips
- •From Madrid: 2h30 via A-1 to San Leonardo and SO-830
- •From Burgos: 1h30 via N-234
- •From Soria: 50 min via SO-830
- •No direct public transport to Covaleda: a car is essential
Car rental for Desafío Urbión
Car RentalCovaleda has no direct public transport. A rental car is the best way to get there.
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
- •Visit Laguna Negra, Laguna de Urbión, and Cañón del Río Lobos while there
- •Mountain roads in good condition but winding
Sports insurance for Desafío Urbión
InsuranceMountain race with technical sections above 2,000m. Insurance with rescue coverage recommended.
Browse all insuranceTips
- •Civil liability insurance recommended
- •Mountain rescue coverage advisable
- •If travelling from abroad, travel insurance with sports coverage
Body care for Desafío Urbión
Body CareForest and mountain terrain with roots and rocks demands foot protection and blister prevention.
Compeed
Compeed Ampollas Medianas Duplo
Hydrocolloid blister plasters for medium blisters. Instant pain relief, protect the blister while it heals and stay in place for hours even with sweat. Pack of 10 individually wrapped plasters, ideal for carrying in a trail running vest.
Lurbel
Lurbel Desafío Four
Ankle-length competition socks with Regenactiv fabric and breathable mesh. Heel and toe reinforcements, flat seams and wrinkle-free fit. Spanish brand designed for trail running. Ultralight and quick-drying.
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.
Tips
- •Technical anti-blister socks are essential
- •Vaseline on friction zones before starting
- •Gaiters if the terrain is muddy
Sun protection for Desafío Urbión
Sun ProtectionMuch of the course runs through exposed areas above 1,800m. UV radiation is high in September at altitude.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tips
- •SPF 50+ for exposed summit sections
- •Lip balm with SPF to prevent sunburn
- •Cap or visor for shadeless sections
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We tested 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — against heat, altitude UV and hours of sweat. See the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Desafío Urbión 2026?
- Desafío Urbión 2026 takes place September 4-6, with the main 37K race on Saturday September 5 from Covaleda, Soria, Spain.
- What distances does Desafío Urbión offer?
- Three distances: Desafío Urbión 37K (2,600m D+), Open 16.5K (1,200m D+), and 6K (300m D+).
- How much does Desafío Urbión registration cost?
- Early bird prices: 37K €60 (until June 15, then €75), Open 16.5K €30 (until July 31, then €40), 6K €20 (until July 31, then €25).
- How do you get to Covaleda?
- Covaleda is in the Pinares region of Soria. From Soria city it's 50 minutes via SO-830. From Madrid approximately 2h30 via the A-1 and N-234. From Burgos 1h30 via the N-234.
- What makes Desafío Urbión special?
- The course crosses the Picos de Urbión (2,228m), passes the legendary Laguna Negra glacial lagoon, and runs through centenary Scots pine forests. The 70m elevation per kilometre ratio makes it a highly demanding race.
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