Photo: Jordi Santacana Fotografia (opens in a new tab)Tarragona
Imperial Tarraco Trail
Saturday, 5 December 2026
Imperial Trail TGN 26K
26km D+ 600m
Trail TGN 13K
13km D+ 300m
Caminada TGN 12K
12km D+ 250m
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
3 modalities
Imperial Trail TGN 26K
- Distance
- 26 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 600m
- Max Time
- 4h30
Trail TGN 13K
- Distance
- 13 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 300m
- Max Time
- 3h
Caminada TGN 12K
- Distance
- 12 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 250m
- Max Time
- 3h30
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Trail TGN 26K | 26 km | D+ 600m | 4h30 | - |
| Trail TGN 13K | 13 km | D+ 300m | 3h | - |
| Caminada TGN 12K | 12 km | D+ 250m | 3h30 | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~4 h of Imperial Tarraco Trail?Worked out for the longest course (26 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Imperial Tarraco Trail
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)Garmin Forerunner 570
Full-color topo maps, a first for the Forerunner line
Downside: Shorter battery life than a Forerunner 965 with maps on
Gear
Shoes with medium lugs: a mix of track, trail and some rock
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
Take a gel every 40-45 minutes after the first hour
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 on face and ears
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Thermal arm sleeves for the start, removed once you warm up
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Buff Windproof
Windblock membrane: cuts wind chill on ridges
Downside: Less versatile than a standard Buff: designed only for wind/cold
Car Rental
Pick it up at Reus airport or in Barcelona
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
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.
Imperial Tarraco Trail 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
7°C – 15°C
Average 10°C
Rain
13%
1.9 mm avg
Wind
18 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
8h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring thermal layers (low of 7°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.
Forecast for 5 December
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Imperial Tarraco Trail
The Imperial Tarraco Trail is a trail race exploring the paths and trails around Tarragona, blending sea and mountain with the heritage of ancient Roman Tarraco. Organised by C.E. Alliberadrenalina, it holds its sixth edition on December 5, 2026, backed by Tarragona City Council, DIPTA and the FEEC.
It is a sustainable race that looks after nature: there are no cups at aid stations and every runner carries their own.
A route between sea, hills and Roman ruins
The Imperial Trail TGN (about 26K on paper, 23.5 km in reality) is the main event. The routes are varied and entertaining, passing emblematic sites such as the Pont del Diable, the Roman Les Ferreres aqueduct. The other options:
- Trail TGN 13K (about 14 km in reality), ideal for first-timers
- Caminada TGN 12K, family-friendly
- Marxa Nòrdica TGN 12K, for Nordic walkers
A winter trail on the Costa Daurada
December is the best time to run in Tarragona: mild temperatures, clear skies and dry trails. The start is at 8:30 from Av. dels Pins in Sant Salvador. Check the mandatory gear checklist before the race.
Tarragona beyond the race
Tarragona is a UNESCO World Heritage city: amphitheatre, Roman circus, walls and a Part Alta full of restaurants. To keep adding kilometres, browse the races in Catalonia and plan your season with the planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Mandatory: no cups at aid stations (sustainable race)
360Complete Pack
Imperial Tarraco Trail 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration is handled on Rock the Sport and closes on November 30, 2026. The earlier you sign up, the cheaper it is: the Imperial Trail runs from €22 to €32 depending on the date.
Tips
- •Registration open from September 1 to November 30
- •Prices rise in tiers: sign up early
- •Walking and Nordic walking options for companions
Where to Stay for the Imperial Tarraco Trail
AccommodationTarragona has plenty of hotels and apartments. December prices are low, so you can stay near the Roman centre and the Sant Salvador start.
Tips
- •The old town and Part Alta put you within walking distance of the Roman monuments
- •Book early if you want to extend the weekend
Gear for the Imperial Tarraco Trail
GearLow-mountain paths with dirt tracks, loose stone and some mud if it rains. Versatile shoes and a light vest are enough for the 26K.
Tips
- •Shoes with medium lugs: a mix of track, trail and some rock
- •Bring your own cup or flask: no cups at aid stations
- •Light windbreaker for the 8:30 December start
Which shoes for Imperial Tarraco Trail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Imperial Tarraco Trail?
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 Imperial Tarraco Trail
NutritionThe 26K takes roughly 3-4 hours. A couple of gels and salts in your pocket plus the aid stations will cover you.
Tips
- •Take a gel every 40-45 minutes after the first hour
- •Light breakfast 2-3 hours before the start
How to Get to Tarragona
TransportTarragona is an hour from Barcelona on the AP-7 and has high-speed and regional train stations.
Tips
- •AVE, Avant and Regional trains from Barcelona take 35-60 minutes
- •Reus airport (15 min) and Barcelona-El Prat (1 h)
- •The start is in Sant Salvador: check the official parking
Car Rental for the Imperial Tarraco Trail
Car RentalA car makes it easy to reach the Sant Salvador start and explore the Costa Daurada and Priorat afterwards.
Tips
- •Pick it up at Reus airport or in Barcelona
- •Take the chance to visit Siurana or the Ebro Delta
Sports Insurance for the Imperial Tarraco Trail
InsuranceWith the FEEC among its supporters, the race requires cover through a federation licence or day insurance.
Tips
- •Federation licence or day insurance included in registration
- •If travelling from abroad, travel insurance with sports cover
Sun Protection for the Imperial Tarraco Trail
Sun ProtectionTarragona is sunny even in December and many sections along the coast have no shade.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 on face and ears
- •SPF lip balm: sea wind dries lips out
Body Care for the Imperial Tarraco Trail
Body CareA cool start and sun later: layered clothing, anti-chafe and foot protection.
Tips
- •Thermal arm sleeves for the start, removed once you warm up
- •Anti-chafe on feet and underarms for the 26K
- •Recovery massage after finishing
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Imperial Tarraco Trail 2026 held?
- The sixth edition takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2026 in Tarragona, starting at 8:30 from Av. dels Pins in Sant Salvador.
- What distances does the Imperial Tarraco Trail offer?
- Four options: Imperial Trail TGN (about 26K), Trail TGN (13K), Caminada TGN (12K) and Marxa Nòrdica TGN (12K).
- How much does registration cost?
- Prices depend on when you sign up: the Imperial Trail costs €22 to €32, the Trail TGN €14 to €25 and the walks €10 to €20. Registration closes on November 30.
- What are the time limits?
- The Imperial Trail has a 4h30 limit, the Trail TGN 3 hours, and the walk and Nordic walking 3h30.
- Do I need to bring a cup?
- Yes. It is a sustainable race and aid stations provide no cups, so your own cup or bottle is mandatory.
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