Photo: Ultra Trail Gredos (opens in a new tab)Hoyos del Espino, Ávila
Ultra Trail Gredos
Saturday, 18 September 2027estimated date
Ultra de Gredos 71K
71km D+ 2322m
Gran Trail de Gredos 54K
54km D+ 1341m
Maratón de Gredos 43K
43km D+ 1347m
Skyline de Gredos 33K
33km D+ 691m
Media Maratón de Gredos 20K
20km D+ 472m
10K de Gredos
10km D+ 168m
Your checklist for Ultra Trail Gredos
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 10 ready
Swipe to see all 11 categories
Swipe to see all 11 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Forerunner 265
Highly accurate dual-frequency multi-band GPS
Downside: No onboard topo maps
Gear
Trail shoes with good grip for granite and loose rock
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
Stay hydrated: September heat on the south-facing slopes can be intense
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 50+ essential: summit sections have high sun exposure
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-chafing cream on feet, groin, and armpits
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Compeed Blister Plasters Medium Duo
Instant pain relief on application
Downside: Medium size may not cover large blisters
Car Rental
Pick up in Madrid, Ávila, or Salamanca depending on your origin
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory
Waterproof jacket
Recommended. Conditions in the Sierra de Gredos can change rapidly above 2,000 meters.
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Mandatory
Headlamp
Recommended for the Ultra (7:00 start, long course).
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Petzl Actik Core
Mandatory
Charged mobile phone
Mandatory with charged battery.
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
Mandatory
Reusable cup
Mandatory. No disposable cups at aid stations.
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Soft Flask 250 ml
High-flow valve: quick sips without hard biting
Downside: Pricier than generic Amazon flasks
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.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Waterproof jacket
Recommended. Conditions in the Sierra de Gredos can change rapidly above 2,000 meters.
Headlamp
Recommended for the Ultra (7:00 start, long course).
Charged mobile phone
Mandatory with charged battery.
Reusable cup
Mandatory. No disposable cups at aid stations.
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
6 modalities
Ultra de Gredos 71K
- Distance
- 71 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2322m
- Max Time
- -
Gran Trail de Gredos 54K
- Distance
- 54 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1341m
- Max Time
- -
Maratón de Gredos 43K
- Distance
- 43 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1347m
- Max Time
- -
Skyline de Gredos 33K
- Distance
- 33 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 691m
- Max Time
- -
Media Maratón de Gredos 20K
- Distance
- 20 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 472m
- Max Time
- -
10K de Gredos
- Distance
- 10 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 168m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra de Gredos 71K | 71 km | D+ 2322m | - |
| Gran Trail de Gredos 54K | 54 km | D+ 1341m | - |
| Maratón de Gredos 43K | 43 km | D+ 1347m | - |
| Skyline de Gredos 33K | 33 km | D+ 691m | - |
| Media Maratón de Gredos 20K | 20 km | D+ 472m | - |
| 10K de Gredos | 10 km | D+ 168m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~15 h of Ultra Trail Gredos?Worked out for the longest course (71 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchUltra Trail Gredos requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 15 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
12°C – 19°C
Average 15°C
Rain
37%
5.4 mm avg
Wind
12 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
10h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (37% 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.
Forecast for 18 September
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Ultra Trail Gredos
The Ultra Trail Gredos (UTG) takes place every September in the Sierra de Gredos, with starts from Hoyos del Espino, Navarredonda de Gredos, and the Plataforma de Gredos (Ávila). A race that runs through the heart of the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park, beneath the shadow of Pico Almanzor (2,592m), the highest peak of the Central System.
The distances
The 2026 edition offers six trail races (the Mítica de Gredos 86K is not held in 2026 and returns in 2027):
- Ultra de Gredos 71K — 2,322m D+. The long-distance event. Starts at 7:00 from Hoyos del Espino and traverses the sierra’s most spectacular landscapes: gorges, glacial lakes, and ridges above 2,000 meters.
- Gran Trail de Gredos 54K — 1,341m D+. Starts at 9:00 from Navarredonda de Gredos. A demanding course combining pine forests, glacial cirques, and high mountain sections.
- Maratón de Gredos 43K — 1,347m D+. Starts at 10:00 from the Plataforma de Gredos (San Juan de Gredos). A privileged start next to Laguna Grande.
- Skyline de Gredos 33K — 691m D+. Starts at 11:00 from the Plataforma de Gredos. A more accessible distance but with high mountain sections.
- Media Maratón de Gredos 20K — 472m D+. Starts at 12:00 from Hoyos del Espino. Ideal for a first experience in the sierra.
- 10K de Gredos — 168m D+. Starts at 12:00. A beginner-friendly distance along the sierra’s lower trails.
The terrain
The Sierra de Gredos is a granitic massif in the Central System, between the provinces of Ávila, Cáceres, Toledo, and Madrid. The courses cross high-mountain landscapes: towering peaks, deep gorges, glacial lakes like the Laguna Grande, and Scots pine forests. The terrain is granite with technical trails, exposed ridges, and loose rock sections. Pico Almanzor (2,592m) dominates the skyline.
Hoyos del Espino
Hoyos del Espino is a village in Ávila province on the northern slopes of the Sierra de Gredos, at 1,500 meters altitude. The classic starting point for ascents to the Plataforma de Gredos and Laguna Grande. It offers a good selection of rural tourism accommodation and serves as the event’s main base.
September weather
September in the Sierra de Gredos brings warm days in the valleys (20-28°C) but high-mountain conditions above 2,000 meters: wind, fog, and sudden temperature drops. The southern slopes tend to be warmer. It’s important to carry clothing for both scenarios: heat at lower elevations and cold at the summits.
360Complete Pack
Ultra Trail Gredos 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration via Orycronsport. Six trail distances available, limited spots.
Tips
- •Registration open from March 1 to August 19, 2026
- •Two pricing tiers: cheaper until July 14
- •Ultra 71K from €75, Gran Trail 54K from €66, Marathon 43K from €56
- •Skyline 33K from €46, Half Marathon 20K from €35, 10K from €25
- •Registration includes timing, aid stations, insurance, medal, and post-race meal
Where to stay for the Ultra Trail Gredos
AccommodationHoyos del Espino is a tourist village in the Sierra de Gredos with a good selection of rural accommodation. Navarredonda de Gredos also offers nearby options.
Tips
- •Rural guesthouses and hotels in Hoyos del Espino
- •Navarredonda de Gredos is 5 minutes away with more accommodation
- •The Parador de Gredos in Navarredonda — a premium option just kilometers away
- •Camping Gredos in the area for campervans and tents
- •Book early: September is peak season in the sierra
Gear for the Ultra Trail Gredos
GearGranite mountain terrain in the Sierra de Gredos. Courses exceed 2,000 meters with technical terrain. September can bring heat in the valleys and cold at the peaks.
Tips
- •Trail shoes with good grip for granite and loose rock
- •Poles recommended for the longer distances
- •Headlamp for the Ultra: 7:00 start and long course
- •Waterproof windbreaker for summit sections
- •Hydration pack with enough water capacity: the sierra can be hot in September
Which shoes for Ultra Trail Gredos?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Ultra Trail Gredos?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
The 6 Best Trail Running Socks 2026
Compare the 6 best trail running socks in 2026: Compressport Pro Racing V3.0 Trail, Injinji Trail Midweight Crew, OrrinSports toe socks, Lurbel Desafío Four, Icebreaker Merino Hike+ and Compressport Full Socks Recovery. Toe socks vs regular, merino vs synthetic, and how to avoid blisters.
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running poles 2026: Black Diamond, Leki and Komperdell compared. Carbon vs aluminium, folding length, technique and how to pick your size.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Nutrition for the Ultra Trail Gredos
NutritionAid stations along the course with food and drink. The heat in the valleys and the effort on the passes demand constant hydration.
Tips
- •Stay hydrated: September heat on the south-facing slopes can be intense
- •Electrolytes from the start to replace salt loss
- •Gels and bars for sections between aid stations
- •Extra solid food for the ultra and gran trail distances
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 Hoyos del Espino
TransportHoyos del Espino is in the heart of the Sierra de Gredos, on the northern slopes of the massif. Road access from Ávila or the A-6 motorway.
Tips
- •From Madrid: 2h 30 min via A-6 and N-502
- •From Ávila: 1h via N-502 and AV-941
- •From Salamanca: 1h 45 min via A-50 and N-502
- •From Valladolid: 2h 15 min via A-6 and N-502
- •No direct public transport: a car is essential
Car rental for the Ultra Trail Gredos
Car RentalMountain area with no public transport. A car is necessary to reach Hoyos del Espino and move between the different start points.
Tips
- •Pick up in Madrid, Ávila, or Salamanca depending on your origin
- •Mountain roads in good condition but winding
- •Parking available at the event area
- •Useful for getting between Hoyos del Espino, Navarredonda, and the Plataforma
Sports insurance for the Ultra Trail Gredos
InsuranceMountain race in the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park. Registration includes accident insurance.
Tips
- •Registration includes accident insurance during the race
- •Federation license recommended but not mandatory
- •The organization provides medical assistance and a safety team
- •Nearest hospital in Barco de Ávila (30 min)
Body care for the Ultra Trail Gredos
Body CareMountain terrain with granite and technical trails. Feet suffer especially on longer distances due to the rocky ground.
Tips
- •Anti-chafing cream on feet, groin, and armpits
- •Technical trail socks for rocky terrain
- •Preventive tape on friction zones
- •The organization offers physiotherapy services at the finish
Sun protection for the Ultra Trail Gredos
Sun ProtectionSeptember in the sierra. Intense UV radiation on exposed summit sections and open valleys.
Tips
- •SPF 50+ essential: summit sections have high sun exposure
- •Lip balm with SPF
- •Apply before the start and carry a small bottle to reapply
- •Cap or visor for open valleys and ridges
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Ultra Trail Gredos 2026?
- September 19, 2026. All races take place on the same day from different starting points in the Sierra de Gredos.
- What distances does the Ultra Trail Gredos offer?
- Six trail distances: Ultra 71K (2,322m D+), Gran Trail 54K (1,341m D+), Marathon 43K (1,347m D+), Skyline 33K (691m D+), Half Marathon 20K (472m D+), and 10K (168m D+). The Mítica 86K is not held in 2026.
- Where is the start?
- It depends on the distance. The Ultra and Half Marathon start from Hoyos del Espino. The Gran Trail starts from Navarredonda de Gredos. The Marathon and Skyline start from the Plataforma de Gredos.
- When do registrations close?
- Registrations close on August 19, 2026. There are two pricing tiers: March 1 to July 14 (cheaper) and July 15 to August 19.
- What is the Mítica de Gredos?
- It's the longest distance (86K, 4,212m D+), but it is not held in the 2026 edition. It returns in 2027.
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