Pedraforca Xtrail
Photo: Almaffi / Source

Saldes

Pedraforca Xtrail

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Marató 42K

42km D+ 2600m

Trail 26K

26km D+ 1400m

Caminada 10K

10km D+ 550m

Register

Date, registration & deadlines

Sep 5, 2026 · Registration open

Registration

Prices, deadlines and direct registration link

Local guides

Race data

Terrain

Mountain

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

3 modalities

Official website

Visit
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 -
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What you need

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+10 more products ↓

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

11°C – 22°C

Average 16°C

Rain

43%

2.7 mm avg

Wind

10 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

11h

daily average

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

Salomon Bonatti WP

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti WP

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Cupless race at aid stations

Salomon Soft Flask 150 ml

Salomon

Salomon Soft Flask 150 ml

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Fox 40 Classic

Fox 40

Fox 40 Classic

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Lifesystems Thermal Blanket

Lifesystems

Lifesystems Thermal Blanket

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Approx. pack cost: ~152,48 € Prices may vary. Check the store for the current price.
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Pedraforca Xtrail 2026 registration

Inscripción

Places are limited by the protected Cadí-Moixeró setting. Registration closes on September 3, 2026 at 23:59, through the 9hsports platform.

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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

Alojamiento

Saldes is a small village at the foot of the Pedraforca. Options are limited, so book early or look in Berga or Gósol.

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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

Material

A high-mountain race between 1,100 and 2,400 metres, with rocky, technical sections around the Pedraforca. Mountain weather can turn fast.

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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 tested and tiered for trail running.

Salomon Speedcross 6

Which shoes for Pedraforca Xtrail?

Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather

Nutrition for the Pedraforca Xtrail

Nutrición

The 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.

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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

How to get to Saldes

Transporte

Saldes lies in the Berguedà, in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, about 2 hours from Barcelona.

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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

Alquiler de vehículo

A car lets you reach Saldes and explore the Cadí-Moixeró before and after the race.

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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

Seguro

A mountain race with high-altitude sections. A federation licence or day insurance is required.

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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

Protección solar

Solar radiation is far more intense at altitude. The ridge and col sections are fully exposed.

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Tips

  • Sweat-resistant SPF50 mineral cream
  • Protect lips and ears on the exposed ridge sections

Body care for the Pedraforca Xtrail

Cuidado corporal

Technical descents and 2,600m of climbing punish feet and joints. Sunglasses and anti-chafe are essentials.

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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.