I Trail Desfiladero del Ruecas

I Trail Desfiladero del Ruecas

The I Trail Desfiladero del Ruecas debuts on the calendar in 2026 in Cañamero, a small village in the Las Villuercas district (Cáceres) that sits within the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara UNESCO Global Geopark. Organized to promote outdoor sport, rural tourism and respect for the district’s natural heritage, the race is set in one of Extremadura’s most striking geological features: the gorge carved by the Ruecas river between the quartzite ridges of Los Castillejos and La Lóriga.

A route through gorges and Mediterranean woodland

The course runs through trails, forest tracks and natural spaces of great scenic value:

• Trail 21K (1,050 m D+) — The long distance, starting at 9:00am from Avenida Cervantes
• Trail 12K (600 m D+) — A more accessible option, starting at 9:30am, ideal for those new to mountain trail running

The Ruecas gorge also holds archaeological value: its rock shelters — such as the Álvarez cave (or Cueva Chiquita), Rosa cave and the Vencejos shelter — preserve Chalcolithic-era cave paintings, a contrast between athletic effort and historical heritage along the route.

A first edition with room to grow

Like any debut race, the Trail Desfiladero del Ruecas launches with the ambition of becoming a fixture on Extremadura’s mountain running calendar. The organization, led by Juanma, has set up the race under the umbrella of the Extremaduran Mountain and Climbing Federation (FEXME), with registration opening on June 18, 2026. As a first edition in a protected natural area, the field size is likely to be limited.

Cañamero and Las Villuercas beyond the race

Cañamero is the gateway to some of the best-preserved corners of Las Villuercas. Just 15 minutes away lies Guadalupe, home to its Royal Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the whole district offers hiking routes, natural pools and mountain cuisine built around game, honey and goat cheese. Discover more mountain races in Extremadura or plan your full season with the planner.