Photo: Cursa de l'Alba (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Collbató, Barcelona
Cursa de l'Alba
Saturday, 7 November 2026
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
2 modalities
Cursa de l'Alba 22K
- Distance
- 22 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1200m
- Max Time
- 5h30
MitjAlba 12K
- Distance
- 12 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 600m
- Max Time
- 3h30
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cursa de l'Alba 22K | 22 km | D+ 1200m | 5h30 | - |
| MitjAlba 12K | 12 km | D+ 600m | 3h30 | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~5 h of Cursa de l'Alba?Worked out for the longest course (22 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Cursa de l'Alba
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 7 ready
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
A headlamp is recommended for the first kilometers before sunrise
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
Light breakfast at least 90 minutes before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
GU Energy Gel Original
Absorción rápida gracias a la mezcla de carbohidratos
Downside: Necesita tomar con agua
Sun Protection
Carry sun protection even though the start is in low light
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Technical socks to minimize blisters on uneven terrain
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
Accommodation
Collbató has limited but charming rural lodging
Done, you already have it
View on Hotel 1898 →(opens in a new tab)
Hotel 1898 - Barcelona
Car Rental
Useful if you're arriving from El Prat airport
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
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 Cursa de l'Alba: 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
Cursa de l'Alba 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 10 °C: guide and kit →
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.
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
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 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
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
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.
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.
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 Braga de Cuello Térmica
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
Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer
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 Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento
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
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.
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 Hombre
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 4°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
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.
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 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.
HANKER
HANKER Mallas Pirata Compresión Mujer con Bolsillos
Compression capri tights with high waist and phone pockets. Quick-drying, suitable for running and trail.
Izas
Izas Olimpia Mallas Largas Mujer
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 Pantalones Térmicos Academy Knight Hombre
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 Shorts Mujer
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
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Forecast for 7 November
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
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
RegistrationA 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.
Tips
- •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
AccommodationGiven the sunrise start, many runners prefer to stay near Collbató or Montserrat the night before rather than travel on race day.
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
GearA technical course at the foot of Montserrat, with a sunrise start and cool early-morning November temperatures.
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
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 Cursa de l'Alba
NutritionThe Cursa de l'Alba 22K demands careful energy intake given the technical elevation gain; eat breakfast with enough margin before the sunrise start.
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
TransportCollbató is well connected by road to Barcelona, though you should factor in the sunrise start time when planning your trip.
Tips
- •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
Car RentalHaving a car makes it easier to reach Collbató early in the morning, especially if you're staying outside the Montserrat area.
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
InsuranceA technical low-mountain trail race; civil liability insurance is recommended for participation.
Tips
- •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
Body CareMontserrat's technical terrain demands good footwear and ankle and foot care, especially on the longer distance.
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
Sun ProtectionAlthough 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.
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.
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