Alcoy, Alicante
UltraMediterrània
Friday, 22 January 2027
PRO 162K
162km D+ 8050m
ONE 90K
90km D+ 4400m
MAX 55K
55km D+ 2710m
EXP 25K
25km D+ 1150m
CXM 16K
16km D+ 550m
VRT 4K
4km D+ 450m
Your checklist for UltraMediterrània
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 13 ready
Swipe to see all 14 categories
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GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Suunto Race 2
Bright 2,000-nit AMOLED display
Downside: No onboard music
Gear
Shoes with good grip for limestone rock and possible snow/ice
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
Mandatory food reserve: 600-800 kcal at all times
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
The long races include daytime hours with sun exposure on ridges
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on friction areas before the start (feet, armpits, groin)
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)After Bite Xtra Gel
Immediate relief from processionary caterpillar irritation
Downside: Strong ammonia smell
Car Rental
Start points are in different towns: car almost essential
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory
Waterproof jacket
Hooded jacket with 10,000 membrane, mandatory in all distances
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Mandatory · PRO 162K, ONE 90K
Headlamp
Two headlamps mandatory plus red rear light
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Petzl Actik Core
Mandatory
Emergency blanket
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Lifesystems Thermal Blanket
Mandatory
Emergency whistle
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Fox 40 Classic
Mandatory
Charged mobile phone
With enough battery and GPS track loaded
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
Mandatory
Reusable cup
Minimum 1L of water plus cup or soft flask
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
Food reserve
Food reserve of 600-800 kcal mandatory at all times
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)GU Energy Gel Original
Fast absorption thanks to the carbohydrate blend
Downside: Needs to be taken with water
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
UltraMediterrània runs into the night: low-light kit
Main and backup headlamp, battery, pre-dawn layers and night-time fuelling.
See the full kit : Night Trail Running Kit: What to Carry in Autumn and Winter Races With Short DaylightYou may also need: What to Wear for Cold-Weather Trail Running 2026: The Complete Layering Kit
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Waterproof jacket
Hooded jacket with 10,000 membrane, mandatory in all distances
HeadlampPRO 162K, ONE 90K
Two headlamps mandatory plus red rear light
Emergency blanket
Emergency whistle
Charged mobile phone
With enough battery and GPS track loaded
Reusable cup
Minimum 1L of water plus cup or soft flask
Food reserve
Food reserve of 600-800 kcal mandatory at all times
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
6 modalities
PRO 162K
- Distance
- 162 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 8050m
- Max Time
- 37h
ONE 90K
- Distance
- 90 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 4400m
- Max Time
- 21h
MAX 55K
- Distance
- 55 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2710m
- Max Time
- 12h 50min
EXP 25K
- Distance
- 25 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1150m
- Max Time
- 4h 35min
CXM 16K
- Distance
- 16 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 550m
- Max Time
- 2h 40min
VRT 4K
- Distance
- 4 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 450m
- Max Time
- 2h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRO 162K | 162 km | D+ 8050m | 37h |
| ONE 90K | 90 km | D+ 4400m | 21h |
| MAX 55K | 55 km | D+ 2710m | 12h 50min |
| EXP 25K | 25 km | D+ 1150m | 4h 35min |
| CXM 16K | 16 km | D+ 550m | 2h 40min |
| VRT 4K | 4 km | D+ 450m | 2h |
Will your watch battery last the ~42 h of UltraMediterrània?Worked out for the longest course (162 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchUltraMediterrània 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
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
See comparison
Best Trail Running Headlamps 2026: 12 Models Compared
See comparisonBest GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
See comparison
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
See comparison
Historical weather
What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
5°C – 13°C
Average 8°C
Rain
20%
4.9 mm avg
Wind
15 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
7h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring thermal layers (low of 5°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Thermal tubular Buff with Primaloft technology. Traps body heat, ultralight and versatile: hat, neck gaiter, headband. Ideal for high mountain.
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 Thermal Neck Gaiter
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
Long-sleeve thermal base layer made from recycled fabric with anti-odour treatment. Active thermal regulation, ideal as a base layer in the mountains.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Women's Longsleeve
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 Thermal Windproof Balaclava
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
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
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 (Men's)
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Bring thermal gloves (low of 5°C)
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.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Oasis Liners
Thin merino wool glove, lightweight and breathable, with good moisture management and none of the overheating of a thick technical glove. Ideal as a liner layer or for mild winter temperatures.
LEKI
LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark
Glove for pole runners with the Shark system: clips straight into the grip of compatible LEKI poles, transferring force without closing your hand. Windproof and water-repellent.
Ronhill
Ronhill GORE-TEX Windstopper Glove
Running glove with GORE-TEX Windstopper fabric: blocks wind and repels light rain without the bulk of an insulated glove. Thin, close-fitting and dexterous.
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 Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
Salomon
Salomon Fast Wing Winter Glove
Technical winter trail running glove with a windproof outer shell and warm lining. Built for long outings in intense cold, wind and some moisture in the mountains.
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.
Consider long tights for nighttime cold
Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials Active Sculpt Plus-Size Leggings
High-waisted leggings with Active Sculpt compression fabric, available in plus sizes. Wide waistband that doesn't roll down or over-compress during long mountain outings.
HANKER
HANKER Women's Cropped Compression Leggings with Pockets
Compression capri tights with high waist and phone pockets. Quick-drying, suitable for running and trail.
Izas
Izas Olimpia Women's Long Tights
Women's long leggings with a shaping, push-up compression effect, stretch breathable fabric and reflective details. Originally designed for gym and yoga, but the compression and reflective details also make it usable for low-light running.
Joma
Joma Academy Knight Men's Thermal Tights
Men's thermal pants with a brushed inner lining, built for training and running in cold weather. Elastic drawstring waist and heat-retaining fabric for winter outings or cold early mornings.
Joma
Joma Vela II Women's Shorts
Lightweight, stretch women's running shorts with a wide size range (4XS to 2XL). Breathable fabric built for training and running in summer without overheating.
Salomon
Salomon Comet Warm Tight W
Salomon women's thermal long tights for training and racing in the cold. A warm layer for autumn and winter.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Forecast for 22 January
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
UltraMediterrània
UltraMediterrània is the trail running festival in the heart of Alicante province. From Alcoy, six mountain races traverse the Mariola and Aitana ranges and the valleys of the L’Alcoià, El Comtat, Marina Baixa and Vall d’Albaida regions. The PRO 162K, with 8,050 m D+ and 6 ITRA points, is one of the most demanding ultras on the Spanish calendar.
The races
- PRO 162K — The flagship event. 162 km with 8,050 m D+ traversing all the mountain ranges of northern Alicante and southern Valencia. Starts on Friday at 2:00 PM from Alcoy with a 37-hour cutoff. 20 aid stations on course.
- ONE 90K — 90 km with 4,400 m D+. Starts on Saturday at 6:00 AM from Gorga. Condenses the ultra experience into one day with a 21-hour cutoff and 11 aid stations.
- MAX 55K — 55 km with 2,710 m D+ through the Sierra de Mariola. Starts on Saturday at 9:00 AM from Muro de Alcoy. 12 hours 50 minutes cutoff.
- EXP 25K — 25 km with 1,150 m D+ through the Foia d’Alcoi. Starts on Sunday at 9:00 AM from Alcoy. 4 hours 35 minutes cutoff.
- CXM 16K — 16 km with 550 m D+ along the rivers of Alcoy. Starts on Sunday at 10:30 AM from the Polytechnic University. 2 hours 40 minutes cutoff.
- VRT 4K — Vertical race. 4 km with 450 m D+ from Banyeres de Mariola. Starts on Friday at 2:00 PM. 2-hour cutoff.
There is also a stage competition (84K combining the MAX 55K + EXP 25K + VRT 4K) and an inclusive modality with joëlette covering 11 km.
The course
The routes cross a mosaic of mountain ranges in the Alicante and Valencia interior. From the summits of the Sierra de Mariola (1,390 m) to the foothills of the Serra d’Aitana (1,558 m), runners pass through the municipalities of Alcoy, Banyeres de Mariola, Penàguila, Quatretondeta, Planes, Muro de Alcoy, Gorga, Cocentaina, Agres, Alcoleja and Benifallim. The terrain combines limestone rocky trails, ravines, pine and holm oak forests, and exposed ridgeline sections.
Winter Mediterranean mountains
January in these ranges is a different experience. Summits may dawn with snow or frost, nights are long and cold, and wind on the ridges demands serious winter preparation. The organisation requires a 10,000 membrane jacket, two headlamps and food reserves at all times. Check the best trail shoes for technical terrain before choosing your footwear.
Alcoy, trail running capital
Alcoy is an industrial city turned trail running hub. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, it offers solid hotel, dining and transport infrastructure. Just 50 minutes from Alicante airport and just over an hour from Valencia, it is an accessible base for a mountain weekend. After crossing the finish line, the Sierra de Mariola and Font Roja natural parks invite you to stay an extra day. Plan your trail season with the race planner and explore the rest of the Comunidad Valenciana races.
360Complete Pack
UltraMediterrània 2026 Registration
RegistrationSix competitive distances from the VRT 4K vertical race to the PRO 162K. The flagship race awards 6 ITRA points. There is also a stage competition and an inclusive modality with joëlette.
Tips
- •PRO 162K: €192-222 depending on registration period
- •ONE 90K: €115-145
- •MAX 55K: €60-82
- •EXP 25K: €35-51, CXM 16K: €27-41, VRT 4K: €22-35
Where to stay for UltraMediterrània
AccommodationAlcoy is a city with good hotel options. Nearby towns like Cocentaina, Muro de Alcoy and Banyeres de Mariola offer rural accommodation.
Tips
- •Alcoy: main base with hotels and apartments near the finish line
- •Cocentaina (10 min): quiet alternative with rural houses
- •Muro de Alcoy: ideal if you run the MAX 55K (starts from there)
- •January is low season: affordable prices in the area
Gear for UltraMediterrània
GearInland Mediterranean mountains with technical terrain and major elevation changes. In January, summits may be snow-covered and temperatures drop below 0°C.
Tips
- •Shoes with good grip for limestone rock and possible snow/ice
- •Two headlamps mandatory: the PRO 162K has many night hours in January
- •10,000 membrane jacket mandatory in all distances
- •Poles highly recommended for long distances (162K, 90K, 55K)
Which shoes for UltraMediterrània?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for UltraMediterrània?
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 UltraMediterrània
NutritionThe PRO 162K lasts up to 37 hours and the ONE 90K up to 21 hours. Nutrition management is critical with cold temperatures that increase caloric expenditure.
Tips
- •Mandatory food reserve: 600-800 kcal at all times
- •Plates and cutlery required: hot food served at life bases
- •20 aid stations on the PRO 162K, 11 on the ONE 90K
- •In cold weather, the body burns more calories: increase planned intake
How to get to Alcoy
TransportAlcoy is in the interior of Alicante province, in the mountains, well connected by motorway.
Tips
- •Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) 65 km away (50 min via A-7)
- •Valencia Airport (VLC) 110 km away (1h 15 min via A-7)
- •From Madrid: 3h 30 min via the A-31
- •Buses from Alicante and Valencia stop in Alcoy
Car rental for UltraMediterrània
Car RentalCar highly recommended to get between the different start points (Alcoy, Gorga, Muro de Alcoy, Banyeres).
Tips
- •Start points are in different towns: car almost essential
- •Mountain roads in good condition but with curves
- •Useful for exploring the Sierra de Mariola and Font Roja natural parks
Sports insurance for UltraMediterrània
InsuranceMountain races in winter high-mountain conditions with technical sections and possible snow.
Tips
- •Federation licence or day insurance mandatory
- •ID document mandatory during the entire race
- •Hospital Virgen de los Lirios in Alcoy just minutes from the finish
- •Travel insurance with sports coverage for international runners
Body care for UltraMediterrània
Body CareEffort of up to 37 hours on technical winter mountain terrain. Prevention of chafing, blisters and cold-related issues.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on friction areas before the start (feet, armpits, groin)
- •Technical anti-blister socks: essential for the PRO 162K and ONE 90K
- •In cold and damp conditions, blisters appear sooner: carry a blister kit
- •Change socks and clothes at life bases (PRO 162K and ONE 90K)
Sun protection for UltraMediterrània
Sun ProtectionJanuary in the Alicante mountains: low-moderate UV radiation but with many hours of exposure at altitude for the long distances.
Tips
- •The long races include daytime hours with sun exposure on ridges
- •SPF 50 sunscreen on face, neck and hands
- •Lip balm with SPF: cold wind at altitude dries out lips
- •Cap or buff for the central hours of the day
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does UltraMediterrània 2026 take place?
- From January 23 to 25, 2026. The PRO 162K starts on Friday at 2:00 PM from Alcoy. The ONE 90K on Saturday at 6:00 AM from Gorga. The MAX 55K on Saturday at 9:00 AM from Muro de Alcoy. The shorter races (25K, 16K) on Sunday from Alcoy.
- What distances does UltraMediterrània offer?
- Six main races: PRO 162K (8,050 m D+), ONE 90K (4,400 m D+), MAX 55K (2,710 m D+), EXP 25K (1,150 m D+), CXM 16K (550 m D+) and VRT 4K vertical (450 m D+). There is also a stage competition (84K) and an inclusive modality with joëlette (11K).
- Where are the start and finish locations?
- The PRO 162K and VRT 4K start from Alcoy and Banyeres de Mariola respectively. The ONE 90K from Gorga, the MAX 55K from Muro de Alcoy, and the EXP 25K and CXM 16K from Alcoy. All races finish in Alcoy.
- Is it ITRA-scored?
- Yes. The PRO 162K awards 6 ITRA points, the MAX 55K 2 points, and the EXP 25K and CXM 16K 1 point each.
- What mandatory gear is required?
- Hooded jacket with 10,000 membrane, backpack, plates and cutlery, two headlamps plus red rear light, ID card, thermal blanket, mobile phone, GPS watch or phone with loaded track, whistle, minimum 1L of water plus cup, and food reserve of 600-800 kcal.
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