Your checklist for Cursa Neandertal 23K
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 9 ready
Swipe to see all 10 categories
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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
Lugged shoes for autumn mud and leaves
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
Aid stations at km 5, 8, 13 and 18.7
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
Sweat-resistant SPF50
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Piz Buin Mountain SPF 50+
Specifically formulated for altitude and cold
Downside: Thicker texture, takes longer to absorb
Body Care
Blister patches and anti-chafe for feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Start is at 8:00: arrive early
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory
Windproof jacket
Recommended in October
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Bonatti WP
Mandatory
Reusable cup
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
Mandatory
Charged mobile phone
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
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 Neandertal 23K: 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 RaceMandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Windproof jacket
Recommended in October
Reusable cup
Charged mobile phone
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
1 modalities
La Llarga 23K
Price: 28 EUR
- Distance
- 23.5 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1700m
- Max Time
- 5h30
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Llarga 23K | 23.5 km | D+ 1700m | 5h30 | 28 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~6 h of Cursa Neandertal 23K?Worked out for the longest course (23.5 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchCursa Neandertal 23K 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 – 21°C
Average 16°C
Rain
23%
2.0 mm avg
Wind
18 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
10h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (10h sunshine, up to 21°C)
Forecast for 25 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Cursa Neandertal 23K
The Cursa Neandertal is the big trail festival of Capellades, in the Anoia, with 15 editions and over 6,000 participants. Its motto, “hard, wild, unexpected”, sums it up: technical singletrack, cliffs and a charitable spirit in one of Europe’s most important Neanderthal towns.
A 23.5 km route with 1,700 m D+
La Llarga 23K starts at 8:00 from Plaça Catalunya and links the Cinglera del Capelló, the Creu de Miramar, the Llobreia summit, the Serra de la Tardana and the highest point, the Turó de l’Avellana with its watchtower. 80% is singletrack, with steep descents through the Carlet creek.
- 4 aid stations plus finish (km 5, 8, 13 and 18.7)
- Time limit 5h30
- Also La Curta 13K, the Caminada 10K and the Mini-Neandertal
Autumn and solidarity
Late October temperatures are mild, but mud and leaves on descents call for grippy shoes. Every year part of the entry fees supports a charity. Check the gear checklist before race day.
Capellades beyond the race
Capellades is the gateway to the Abric Romaní site and the Anoia cliffs. To chain more races, see the races in Catalonia and plan your season with the planner.
360Complete Pack
Cursa Neandertal 2026 registration
RegistrationRegistration closes on 21 October 2026 at 23:59 on the official platform. The last phase costs 28 €.
Tips
- •Current fee: 28 € until 21 October
- •Bib pick-up Saturday 24 from 18:00 to 20:00 or Sunday until 7:30
- •Part of every entry fee goes to charity (Neandertal Prize)
Where to stay for the Cursa Neandertal
AccommodationCapellades is a small town with limited lodging; look at Igualada, Piera or Martorell.
Tips
- •Igualada (20 min) has most hotels
- •Book early if you want to stay near the start
- •Rural houses in the Anoia for a weekend getaway
Gear for the Cursa Neandertal
Gear80% is singletrack with technical descents and creek crossings: grippy shoes and a light vest.
Tips
- •Lugged shoes for autumn mud and leaves
- •A 5-12 L pack for your gear
- •Windbreaker: it is chilly at 8:00 in October
Which shoes for Cursa Neandertal 23K?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Cursa Neandertal 23K?
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 the Cursa Neandertal
NutritionBetween 2h30 and 5h30 of effort with 4 aid stations: add gels and salts.
Tips
- •Aid stations at km 5, 8, 13 and 18.7
- •Gel every 40-45 minutes
- •Salts on the long climbs
Getting to Capellades
TransportCapellades is about 60 km from Barcelona, in the Anoia region.
Tips
- •From Barcelona: A-2 and C-15 to Capellades
- •Start and finish at Plaça Catalunya
- •Car recommended: public transport is limited
Car rental for the Cursa Neandertal
Car RentalA car gets you to the 7:30 start area and lets you explore the Anoia.
Tips
- •Start is at 8:00: arrive early
- •Visit the Abric Romaní Neanderthal site
Sports insurance for the Cursa Neandertal
InsuranceTechnical trails: a federation licence or day insurance is advisable.
Tips
- •Check the official rules on insurance
- •Rescue coverage recommended
Sun protection for the Cursa Neandertal
Sun ProtectionThe October sun is mild, but some ridge sections are exposed.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50
- •SPF lip balm
Body care for the Cursa Neandertal
Body CareTechnical descents punish feet and joints over 23 km.
Tips
- •Blister patches and anti-chafe for feet
- •Sunglasses for ridge sections
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Cursa Neandertal 2026?
- Sunday 25 October 2026 in Capellades (Anoia, Barcelona). La Llarga 23K starts at 8:00 from Plaça Catalunya.
- How long is La Llarga and how much climbing?
- 23.5 km with 1,700 m D+, 80% singletrack, 10% track and 10% asphalt. Time limit 5h30.
- How much is registration?
- 28 € in the final phase, until 21 October at 23:59.
- What other distances are there?
- La Curta 13K, the non-competitive Caminada 10K and the Mini-Neandertal for kids.
- How do I get to Capellades?
- It is in the Anoia region, about 60 km from Barcelona via the A-2 and C-15. Driving is easiest.
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