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Apr 18, 2026 · Check official website
Registration
Prices, deadlines and direct registration link
Local guides
Weather
Historical climate, forecast & recommended gear
Elevation profile
Map, elevation profile & segment analysis
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSP | 106 km | D+ 5600m | 6 pts | 25h 30min | - |
| MiM | 60 km | D+ 3300m | 4 pts | 15h | - |
What you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
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
10°C – 21°C
Average 15°C
Rain
13%
0.7 mm avg
Wind
17 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
11h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (11h sunshine, up to 21°C)
Forecast for April 18
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Recorrido y perfil de elevación
Race plan
Segment-by-segment course analysis with estimated times. Enter your target time, pace, or select a level.
What's your target finish time?
Your average pace on flat terrain
| Km | Elevation | Gradient | Est. time | Arrival time | Difficulty |
|---|
Coming soon
Penyagolosa Trails
Penyagolosa Trails is one of the most historic and storied ultra trail races in Spain. Since 1999, every April over 2,100 runners gather in Castellón to face a unique challenge: connecting the Mediterranean coast with the summit of the Penyagolosa massif along the historic GR-33 trail, a route that pilgrims have walked for centuries.
With 27 editions under its belt, Penyagolosa Trails has become a cornerstone of Spanish ultra trail and the biggest sporting event of the year in the Levante region. Runners from 40 countries sign up to traverse a rugged, virtually untouched Mediterranean mountain landscape, dotted with medieval villages, farmhouses and monasteries.
The events
Penyagolosa Trails offers two events, both starting from Castellón and finishing at the Sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa:
- CSP (Carrera Senderista Popular) — 106 km with 5,600m D+. The flagship race. Starts at midnight with a 25-hour 30-minute time limit. Only 600 spots. Qualifies for UTMB 100K and Western States.
- MiM (Mítica Montaña) — 60 km with 3,300m D+. Starts at 06:00 with a 15-hour time limit. 1,500 spots. Qualifies for UTMB 50K.
The course
Both events follow the GR-33 from sea level to the 1,280 metres of the Sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa, crossing a succession of Mediterranean landscapes:
- Universitat Jaume I — Start from the athletics track, at sea level
- Borriol, Vilafamés, Les Useres — Inland villages of Castellón province
- Atzeneta, Benafigos, Culla — Heart of the Maestrazgo (CSP only)
- Xodos, Villahermosa del Río, Vistabella — High Mediterranean mountain
- Sant Joan de Penyagolosa — Finish at 1,280m, next to the medieval sanctuary
A course steeped in history
The GR-33 trail that runners follow is the same path pilgrims have walked since the Middle Ages during the “pilgrimages of Les Useres”, declared a Site of Cultural Interest. The race blends centuries-old tradition with elite sport along a route through one of the most sparsely populated and wild areas of the western Mediterranean. Read our ITRA points guide to understand UTMB qualification and how CSP and MiM fit in.
Combining race and tourism
Castellón offers much more than the race: Mediterranean beaches, Levantine cuisine, the Desert de les Palmes and the medieval villages of the Maestrazgo. April is a perfect time to enjoy both the coast and the hinterland of Castellón with pleasant temperatures.
Use our time estimator to set your goals for the CSP 106K, and review the mandatory gear guide to prepare. Explore more races in the Comunidad Valenciana.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Mandatory for CSP (midnight start)
Essential for the Penyagolosa summits
With enough battery for the entire race
Cup or soft flask mandatory at aid stations
360Complete Pack
Penyagolosa Trails 2026 Registration
InscripciónRegistration works via pre-registration and lottery when demand exceeds available spots.
Browse all inscripciónTips
- •CSP: 600 spots — MiM: 1,500 spots
- •Pre-registration with December closing and bib lottery
- •In 2026 there were 4,773 pre-registrations from 48 provinces and 40 countries
- •Medical certificate mandatory
- •CSP qualifies for UTMB 100K and Western States
Where to stay for Penyagolosa Trails
AlojamientoThe start is in Castellón de la Plana, a city with a wide range of accommodation at all levels.
Browse all alojamientoTips
- •Castellón de la Plana (start) is the best base: hotels, hostels and apartments
- •Book well in advance, especially for race weekend
- •Vistabella del Maestrat and inland villages have charming rural houses
- •El Grao de Castellón (beach) is an alternative 5 km from the start
Gear for Penyagolosa Trails
MaterialMediterranean mountain with varied terrain: mountain trails, forests and technical sections. Semi-self-sufficiency race.
Browse all materialTips
- •Shoes with good grip for Mediterranean mountain terrain
- •Headlamp mandatory for the CSP (midnight start)
- •Windbreaker essential for the Penyagolosa summits
- •Poles highly recommended for the CSP elevation
- •Semi-self-sufficiency: carry your own food between aid stations
Choosing trekking poles? Read our guide: Best trail running poles
See our complete buying guide: 5 foldable poles tested and tiered for trail running.
Which shoes for Penyagolosa Trails?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Penyagolosa Trails?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Barefoot & Minimalist Trail Running Shoes 2026
The 5 best barefoot and minimalist trail running shoes in 2026: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III, Altra Lone Peak 9, Freet Feldom 3, Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail and Saguaro. Zero drop, wide toe box, proprioception and how to transition without getting injured.
Best Cushioned Trail Running Shoes for Ultras 2026
The 6 best max-cushion trail shoes for ultra and long distance in 2026: Hoka Tecton X3, Hoka Speedgoat 7, Hoka Mafate 5, Brooks Cascadia 18, Nike Ultrafly and Hoka Challenger 8. Carbon plate, PEBA/ZoomX foams, stability and which runner each one is for.
Best Trail Shoes for Mud & Technical Terrain 2026
The 4 best trail shoes for mud and technical terrain in 2026: Salomon Speedcross 6, Inov-8 Mudclaw G 260, La Sportiva Bushido III and La Sportiva Mutant. Lugs, grip on rock and mud, and which terrain each one is for.
Best Running Belt for Trail 2026: 4 Compared
The 4 best running belts and waist packs for trail running in 2026: phone, keys, gels and a bottle without a vest. Phone belt, HANKER, Salomon Pulse and Compressport Free Belt Pro compared.
Best Trail Running Gloves 2026: 3 Compared
The 3 best trail running gloves in 2026: Salomon Cross Warm, Salomon Fast Wing Winter and Icebreaker Oasis Liners merino wool. Which to pick based on cold and use case.
Best Trail Running Headlamps 2026: 4 Models Compared
In-depth comparison of the 4 best headlamps for trail running in 2026. Petzl Iko Core, Nitecore NU25, Ledlenser iH5R and Petzl Actik Core. Lumens, battery life and weight to help you choose based on your race's night hours.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: 5 Models Compared
In-depth comparison of the 5 best hydration vests for trail running in 2026. Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set, CamelBak Octane, Compressport UltRun Vest, AONIJIE 10L and HANKER waist belt. Flasks vs reservoir, capacity, and who each one suits.
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: 4 Foldable Models Compared
In-depth comparison of the 4 best foldable trail running poles in 2026. Technical analysis of Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Leki Ultratrail FX.One, Komperdell Carbon FXP Trail and Cascade Mountain Tech. Weight, folded length, system and grip.
Best Trail Running Shoes 2026: the 6 That Are Genuinely Worth It
Comparison of the 6 best trail running shoes in 2026: Salomon Sense Ride 5, La Sportiva Bushido III, Hoka Challenger 8, Salomon Speedcross 6, Merrell Agility Peak 5 and NNormal Kjerag. Weight, drop, lugs, grip and which terrain each one is for.
Best ultra trail GPS watches 2026: a battery-life comparison
A comparison of the best GPS watches for ultra trail in 2026, ranked by real battery life. Garmin Enduro 3, Fenix 8, Forerunner 965, Coros Apex 2 Pro, Suunto Vertical and more. Battery in GPS and multi-band mode, maps, weight and price. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
Best Value & Budget Trail Running Shoes 2026
The 4 best value trail running shoes in 2026: Merrell Agility Peak 5, Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX, Saguaro and Hoka Challenger 8. Good performance without paying premium, from €45, and what NOT to sacrifice when saving.
Best value trail GPS watches 2026
The best value-for-money trail GPS watches in 2026. Coros Pace 3, Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Cheetah Pro, Garmin Forerunner 165 and Suunto Race 2. Maximum features per euro: battery, maps and multi-band without overpaying. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
Best Waterproof (GORE-TEX) Trail Running Shoes 2026
The best waterproof GORE-TEX trail shoes in 2026: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX and Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX, plus the non-membrane alternative that drains. When GORE-TEX helps and when a fast-draining shoe is better.
Night Running Safety Kit: What to Wear Besides a Headlamp
A headlamp lights the trail, but it doesn't make you visible to others. Complete guide to the night running safety kit: rear light, reflective armband, high-visibility vest and power bank, with when you actually need each piece.
Plus-Size Women's Trail Running Clothing: Fit Guide & Where to Buy
A plus-size women's trail running gear guide: high-support sports bra, high-waist leggings and a technical shirt. What's actually different about plus-size fit and where to buy.
Nutrition plan for Penyagolosa Trails
NutriciónThe CSP lasts up to 25 hours and the MiM up to 15 hours. Nutrition management is critical.
Browse all nutriciónTips
- •Aid stations on both events with liquids and solids
- •Semi-self-sufficiency: carry your own gels, bars and electrolytes
- •Heat in the early kilometres (coastal area) increases hydration needs
- •The overnight CSP: plan what to eat during the cold hours
Best ultra trail gels and nutrition 2026
A comparison of the best gels, bars, electrolytes and natural alternatives for ultra trail nutrition in 2026: Maurten, GU, SiS, SaltStick, Precision Hydration, Medjool dates and more. How many carbs per hour you need and how to split them.
How to get to Castellón
TransporteCastellón de la Plana has good road and rail connections, and is one hour from Valencia airport.
Browse all transporteTips
- •Valencia Airport (VLC) 75 km away, with domestic and international connections
- •AVE high-speed rail and commuter trains from Valencia, Barcelona and Madrid
- •AP-7 motorway from Valencia (1h) and Barcelona (3h)
- •The organisation arranges transport from the finish back to Castellón
Car rental in Castellón
Alquiler de vehículoA car is useful for exploring inland Castellón and the Penyagolosa area before or after the race.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
Suscripción de alquiler de vehículos tipo SUV/crossover, ideal para llegar a carreras de montaña por carreteras rurales y pistas forestales.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
Suscripción de alquiler de vehículos urbanos, perfecta para desplazarte a carreras con buenos accesos por autovía y carretera convencional.
Tips
- •Ideal for visiting the inland villages of the Maestrazgo
- •The road to Penyagolosa is a mountain road but in good condition
Sports insurance for Penyagolosa Trails
SeguroMountain race passing through high Mediterranean mountain areas. Insurance mandatory.
Browse all seguroTips
- •Civil liability insurance mandatory
- •Medical certificate required for both distances
- •For international runners: travel insurance with sports coverage
- •The organisation includes basic accident insurance during the race
Sun protection for Penyagolosa Trails
Protección solarIn April, UV radiation in the Mediterranean mountains is moderate to high, especially above 1,000m. The course from sea level to the 1,813m Penyagolosa summit exposes runners for many hours.
ISDIN
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Protector solar facial ultraligero de fase acuosa con SPF 50+. Textura fluida que se absorbe al instante sin dejar residuo graso, ideal para aplicar durante la carrera. Resistente al agua y al sudor.
Sun Bum
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Bálsamo labial con protección solar SPF 30 en formato stick. Hidrata y protege los labios de quemaduras solares, un punto que muchos corredores olvidan. Sabor a coco, sin parabenos.
Tips
- •Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
- •The overnight CSP requires sun protection at dawn, with hours of exposed summit running still ahead
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026 (Top 5 Tested)
The 5 best sweat-proof, SPF 50 sunscreens for runners in 2026 — tested against heat, altitude UV and hours of sweat. See which one won.
The Best Trail Running Books in 2026
9 essential trail running and ultra trail books, from Kilian Jornet's memoirs to the classic Born to Run and the most recommended training manuals — most published only in Spanish, with a guide to what to read depending on the kind of runner you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Penyagolosa Trails 2026?
- April 18, 2026. The CSP starts at midnight (00:00) and the MiM at 06:00, both from the Universitat Jaume I in Castellón.
- What distances does Penyagolosa Trails offer?
- Two events: CSP 106K (5,600m D+, 25h30 time limit, 600 spots) and MiM 60K (3,300m D+, 15h time limit, 1,500 spots).
- Is it a qualifier for UTMB or Western States?
- Yes. The CSP qualifies for UTMB 100K and Western States Endurance Run 2026. The MiM qualifies for UTMB 50K.
- How does registration work?
- Registration opens via pre-registration. If demand exceeds spots, a lottery is held. In 2026 there were 4,773 pre-registrations from 48 provinces and 40 countries.
- Where are the start and finish?
- The start is at the athletics track of Universitat Jaume I (Castellón, sea level). The finish is at the Sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa, at 1,280 metres elevation.
- What's the weather like during the race?
- In April temperatures in Castellón are around 15-20°C. At Penyagolosa summit (1,813m) they can drop to 5°C with wind. Thermal layers and a windbreaker are essential.
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