When is {name} {year}?
Nov 7, 2026 · Check official website
Registration
Prices, deadlines and direct registration link
Local guides
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cursa de l'Alba 22K | 22 km | D+ 1200m | - | 5h30 | - |
| MitjAlba 12K | 12 km | D+ 600m | - | 3h30 | - |
What you need
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
4°C – 13°C
Average 8°C
Rain
30%
2.3 mm avg
Wind
18 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
8h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (30% 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.
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 4°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 4°C)
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.
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 November 7
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Cursa de l’Alba
Cursa de l’Alba, also known as the Dawn Race, is one of the most distinctive events on the Catalan trail running calendar. Its sunrise start from Collbató, at the foot of the Montserrat massif, gives runners the experience of watching the sun rise over the mountain’s iconic rock spires during the first kilometers of the race.
The 2026 edition, the 38th, takes place on November 7 as the Martí Gil Memorial.
Two distances beneath Montserrat
- Cursa de l’Alba 22K — The flagship distance: 22 km with 1,200m of elevation gain. Covers the most demanding technical trails around Montserrat.
- MitjAlba 12K — 12 km with 600m D+. A more accessible version that keeps the appeal of the sunrise start.
A course with unique views
Cursa de l’Alba’s trails run through technical terrain of rock and Mediterranean vegetation, with constant views of Montserrat’s rock formations. Trail shoes with good grip are essential for this type of terrain, and a light headlamp is very useful for the first low-light kilometers.
Collbató and Montserrat beyond the race
The Montserrat area is one of Catalonia’s most visited natural landmarks, with the Benedictine monastery and its viewpoints as the main draws. Combining the race with a visit to the monastery or a hike around the massif makes the most of your stay in the area. Plan your full day with our race planner.
Registration
Registration is managed through cursalba.cat. Given the unique appeal of running at sunrise facing Montserrat, the Cursa de l’Alba 22K usually sells out before the MitjAlba 12K, so register early.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Recommended for the first kilometers before sunrise
With sufficient battery and the organization's emergency number
360Complete Pack
Cursa de l'Alba 2026 Registration
InscripciónA historic race with 38 editions, held this year as a memorial to Martí Gil. Two distances with limited spots given the appeal of the Montserrat setting.
Browse all inscripciónTips
- •Register through cursalba.cat
- •38th edition, held as the Martí Gil Memorial
- •The Cursa de l'Alba 22K usually sells out before the MitjAlba 12K
- •Early start: check the exact time to plan your arrival
Where to stay for Cursa de l'Alba
AlojamientoGiven the sunrise start, many runners prefer to stay near Collbató or Montserrat the night before rather than travel on race day.
Hotel 1898
Hotel 1898 - Barcelona
Hotel histórico en pleno paseo de La Rambla, en un antiguo edificio de la Compañía de Tabacos de Filipinas. Ideal para alargar la estancia en Barcelona antes o después de la carrera.
Seventy Barcelona
Seventy Barcelona
Hotel boutique de diseño en la zona alta de Barcelona, cerca de Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. Buena opción para combinar la carrera con una escapada urbana.
B-Hotel
B-Hotel Barcelona
Hotel moderno y de buena relación calidad-precio junto a Plaza España, bien comunicado con el centro de Barcelona. Opción económica para alargar la estancia.
Tips
- •Collbató has limited but charming rural lodging
- •Monistrol de Montserrat, very close by, is another common base
- •Barcelona city offers more options if you'd rather travel on race day
- •Book ahead: the sunrise start makes staying nearby very appealing
- •For sightseeing in Barcelona, book it for the night after the race rather than the night before
Accommodation map
Gear for Cursa de l'Alba
MaterialA technical course at the foot of Montserrat, with a sunrise start and cool early-morning November temperatures.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
La zapatilla de trail más versátil de Salomon, ideal para terrenos técnicos y barro. Agarre excepcional con suela Contagrip y amortiguación EnergyCell+.
Petzl
Petzl Actik Core
Frontal recargable de 600 lúmenes con batería Core incluida. Compatible con pilas AAA. Modo rojo para preservar la visión nocturna. Ideal para ultras con tramos nocturnos.
Tips
- •A headlamp is recommended for the first kilometers before sunrise
- •Trail shoes with good grip on rock: Montserrat's technical terrain
- •A light thermal layer for the early-morning November cold
- •Thin gloves useful at the start before the sun warms things up
Which shoes for Cursa de l'Alba?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Cursa de l'Alba?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Nutrition for Cursa de l'Alba
NutriciónThe Cursa de l'Alba 22K demands careful energy intake given the technical elevation gain; eat breakfast with enough margin before the sunrise start.
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.
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
- •Light breakfast at least 90 minutes before the start
- •Gels or bars for the Cursa de l'Alba 22K
- •Hydration at the aid stations along the course
- •The MitjAlba 12K doesn't require a special nutrition plan
How to get to Collbató
TransporteCollbató is well connected by road to Barcelona, though you should factor in the sunrise start time when planning your trip.
Browse all transporteTips
- •By car: about 45 minutes from Barcelona via the C-55
- •Rodalies train to Olesa de Montserrat or Martorell, then bus or taxi
- •Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): about 1 hour by car
- •If the start is at sunrise, plan to travel the night before
Car rental for Cursa de l'Alba
Alquiler de vehículoHaving a car makes it easier to reach Collbató early in the morning, especially if you're staying outside the Montserrat area.
Browse all alquiler de vehículo
Tips
- •Useful if you're arriving from El Prat airport
- •Makes the overnight or early-morning drive to the start easier
- •Parking available near the start area
Sports insurance for Cursa de l'Alba
SeguroA technical low-mountain trail race; civil liability insurance is recommended for participation.
Browse all seguroTips
- •A federation license or day insurance mandatory per race rules
- •Travel insurance with sports coverage if coming from outside Catalonia
- •The organization provides medical service along the course
Body care for Cursa de l'Alba
Cuidado corporalMontserrat's technical terrain demands good footwear and ankle and foot care, especially on the longer distance.
BodyGlide
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Bálsamo anti-rozaduras en formato stick. Crea una barrera invisible sobre la piel que reduce la fricción sin obstruir los poros. Resistente al sudor, ideal para zonas críticas como ingles, axilas y pezones en carreras largas.
Compressport
Compressport Pro Racing Socks V3.0 Trail
Calcetín de trail sin dedos separados, referencia todoterreno de Compressport. Tejido de empeine reforzado y malla específica en el tobillo para estabilidad en terreno rocoso, suela acolchada con puntos 3D que favorecen la circulación y absorben el impacto, y soporte de arco 360° para prevenir ampollas e irritaciones en kilometrajes largos.
Tips
- •Technical socks to minimize blisters on uneven terrain
- •Preventive ankle taping if you have a history of sprains
- •Anti-chafe balm on friction zones for the Cursa de l'Alba 22K
Sun protection for Cursa de l'Alba
Protección solarAlthough the start is at sunrise, the final hours of the Cursa de l'Alba 22K may run under high sun over Montserrat's more open sections.
Browse all protección solar
Tips
- •Carry sun protection even though the start is in low light
- •Apply before the sun gets high, around the midpoint of the course
- •A cap or visor useful on the more open sections
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does Cursa de l'Alba 2026 take place?
- November 7, 2026, starting and finishing in Collbató, Barcelona, in its 38th edition.
- What distances does Cursa de l'Alba offer?
- Two distances: Cursa de l'Alba 22K (1,200m D+) and MitjAlba 12K (600m D+), both starting and finishing in Collbató.
- Why is it called Cursa de l'Alba?
- Because the race starts at sunrise, giving runners the experience of watching the sun rise over Montserrat's iconic rock spires during the first kilometers of the race.
- Is this a technical race?
- Yes, the course runs along mountain trails at the foot of the Montserrat massif, with technical sections through rock and Mediterranean vegetation. Prior mountain trail experience is recommended.
- How do you get to Collbató from Barcelona?
- Collbató is about 45 kilometers from Barcelona, less than 50 minutes by car via the C-55 and BV-1101. There's also a rodalies train connection to Olesa de Montserrat or Martorell, followed by bus or taxi.
Similar races
View all similar races →
Photo: Diegoriosferreiro, CC BY-SA 4.0, vía Wikimedia CommonsTrail Montañas del Aranda – Brea de Aragón
Brea de Aragón
21K y 1.175 m D+ por la Sierra de la Virgen, desde la cuna del calzado aragonés
Xtrail Series Run Òrrius
Òrrius
21K, 15K y 10K por la Serralada del Litoral desde Òrrius (Barcelona)
Photo: La Pota Roja CervellóLa Pota Roja Cervelló
Cervelló, Barcelona
42K, 24K, 14K y 8K por los senderos del entorno de Cervelló, a menos de una hora de Barcelona