Photo: Almaffi (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Saldes
Pedraforca Xtrail
Saturday, 4 September 2027estimated date
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
3 modalities
Marató 42K
- Distance
- 42 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2600m
- Max Time
- 8h
- ITRA
- 2 pts
Trail 26K
- Distance
- 26 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1400m
- Max Time
- 5h30
- ITRA
- 1 pts
Caminada 10K
- Distance
- 10 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 550m
- Max Time
- 3h
- ITRA
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marató 42K | 42 km | D+ 2600m | 2 pts | 8h | - |
| Trail 26K | 26 km | D+ 1400m | 1 pts | 5h30 | - |
| Caminada 10K | 10 km | D+ 550m | - | 3h | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~11 h of Pedraforca Xtrail?Worked out for the longest course (42 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Pedraforca Xtrail
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 →(opens in a new tab)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 strong grip on rock: the Cadí terrain is demanding
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Salomon Speedcross 6
Agarre excepcional en barro y terreno técnico
Downside: Durabilidad media en asfalto
Nutrition
Aid stations along the route, but carry your own reserve
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 mineral cream
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
Mountain sunglasses for the intense high-altitude light
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
The Berguedà mountain roads call for a nimble car
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
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.
Pedraforca Xtrail 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
11°C – 22°C
Average 16°C
Rain
43%
2.7 mm avg
Wind
10 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
11h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (43% 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.
Sun protection essential (11h sunshine, up to 22°C)
Forecast for 4 September
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Pedraforca Xtrail
The Pedraforca Xtrail is a mountain race that loops around the most recognisable summit in the Catalan Pyrenees: the Pedraforca, the twin-peaked “stone pitchfork” that towers over the Berguedà county. Starting and finishing in Saldes, it runs entirely through the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park and the protected Serra d’Ensija, a high-mountain setting of black pine forests, scree slopes and cols above 2,000 metres.
The event offers three options for all levels: the demanding Marató 42K, the Trail 26K and a 10K hike designed as a family-friendly introduction to mountain trail running.
A route around the Pedraforca
The Marató 42K is the flagship race, with 2,600m of climbing between 1,100 and 2,400 metres of altitude. The course links some of the massif’s classic names:
- Comabona and the traverse toward Prat d’Aguiló
- The Pas dels Gosolans, an airy pass between the Pedraforca and the Cadí
- The village of Gósol, a historic Pyrenean cradle
- The Enforcadura gully and the descent via l’Estasen
The Trail 26K traces a full loop around the Pedraforca through Gresolet, el Collell, Gósol and l’Estasen, with 1,400m of gain. The 10K hike, with 550m gain, stays at the base of the mountain as the perfect first taste.
High mountain in September
In early September the Cadí-Moixeró offers long, stable days, but altitude rules: ridges and cols are exposed to wind and temperatures can drop suddenly. A windbreaker is mandatory and poles make a real difference on such a leg-breaking profile. The marathon’s 7:00 start lets you tackle the big climbs before the mid-afternoon heat. Check our mandatory gear checklist before your mountain race.
The Berguedà beyond the race
Saldes and the Pedraforca valley are the gateway to one of the most beautiful corners of the Catalan Pyrenees. It’s worth extending the trip to visit Gósol, the Gresolet viewpoint or the old Berguedà coal mines. If you’re combining your trip with other races nearby, take a look at the races in Catalonia and plan your season with the planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Mandatory: weather at 2,400m changes fast
Cupless race at aid stations
360Complete Pack
Pedraforca Xtrail 2026 registration
RegistrationPlaces are limited by the protected Cadí-Moixeró setting. Registration closes on September 3, 2026 at 23:59, through the 9hsports platform.
Tips
- •Registration open until September 3 at 23:59
- •Unisex t-shirt available separately for an extra €5
- •Group discount for 4+ people by writing to inscripcions@7sports.es
Where to stay for the Pedraforca Xtrail
AccommodationSaldes is a small village at the foot of the Pedraforca. Options are limited, so book early or look in Berga or Gósol.
Tips
- •Saldes and Gósol have rural guesthouses and mountain campsites
- •Berga (40 min) offers more hotels and services
- •September is high mountain season: book early
Gear for the Pedraforca Xtrail
GearA high-mountain race between 1,100 and 2,400 metres, with rocky, technical sections around the Pedraforca. Mountain weather can turn fast.
Tips
- •Shoes with strong grip on rock: the Cadí terrain is demanding
- •Poles are highly recommended for the marathon's 2,600m of climbing
- •Windbreaker is mandatory: weather changes fast at 2,400m
Choosing trekking poles? Read our guide: Best trail running poles
See our complete buying guide: 5 foldable poles compared and tiered for trail running.
Which shoes for Pedraforca Xtrail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Pedraforca Xtrail?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
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.
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
The best GPS watches with offline maps in 2026, ranked by value: Amazfit T-Rex 3, Suunto Race 2, Garmin Forerunner 570, Instinct 3 AMOLED, Coros Apex 2 Pro, Suunto Vertical 2 and Garmin Fenix 8. Maps vs breadcrumbs, the cheapest watch with maps and which to choose for your use.
Nutrition for the Pedraforca Xtrail
NutritionThe marathon can take over 6-7 hours in the mountains. A solid plan of gels, real food and salts makes the difference on this climbing-heavy course.
Tips
- •Aid stations along the route, but carry your own reserve
- •Add salts: early-September mountain afternoons can still get hot
- •Alternate gels with solid food on the long climbs
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 Saldes
TransportSaldes lies in the Berguedà, in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, about 2 hours from Barcelona.
Tips
- •From Barcelona: C-16 to Berga, then BV-4031 toward Saldes
- •Barcelona Airport (BCN) is about 140 km away
- •Public transport is awkward here: driving is best
Car rental for the Pedraforca Xtrail
Car RentalA car lets you reach Saldes and explore the Cadí-Moixeró before and after the race.
Tips
- •The Berguedà mountain roads call for a nimble car
- •Take the chance to visit Gósol and the Gresolet viewpoint
Sports insurance for the Pedraforca Xtrail
InsuranceA mountain race with high-altitude sections. A federation licence or day insurance is required.
Tips
- •Federation licence (FEEC) or day insurance is mandatory
- •Rescue coverage recommended in alpine terrain
- •If travelling from abroad, get travel insurance with sports cover
Sun protection for the Pedraforca Xtrail
Sun ProtectionSolar radiation is far more intense at altitude. The ridge and col sections are fully exposed.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 mineral cream
- •Protect lips and ears on the exposed ridge sections
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.
Body care for the Pedraforca Xtrail
Body CareTechnical descents and 2,600m of climbing punish feet and joints. Sunglasses and anti-chafe are essentials.
Tips
- •Mountain sunglasses for the intense high-altitude light
- •Anti-chafe lubricant for the many hours on the trail
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Pedraforca Xtrail 2026 held?
- The Pedraforca Xtrail 2026 takes place on Saturday, September 5 in Saldes, in the Berguedà county of the Catalan Pyrenees.
- What distances does the Pedraforca Xtrail offer?
- Three options: Marató 42K (2,600m gain), Trail 26K (1,400m gain) and a 10K hike/trail (550m gain) ideal for beginners.
- Does the Pedraforca Xtrail award ITRA points?
- Yes. The Marató 42K awards 2 ITRA points and the Trail 26K awards 1 ITRA point, valid for international rankings.
- What is the marathon's time limit?
- The Marató 42K has an 8-hour time limit, starting at 7:00. The Trail 26K has 5h30 and the 10K hike, 3 hours.
- How do I get to Saldes?
- Saldes is in the Berguedà, about 2 hours from Barcelona via the C-16 to Berga and then the BV-4031. Driving is the most practical option.
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