Photo: Organisation Ultra de los Castillos (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)La Parra
Ultra de los Castillos
Friday, 30 October 2026
Your checklist for Ultra de los Castillos
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
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GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Suunto Run 2
Very light: 35 g case
Downside: 24 h of GPS: short for ultras over 100 km
Gear
Headlamp with spare battery for the night of 30-31 October
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
Indicative target of 60-90 g of carbohydrate per hour in the 100K
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
Sweat-resistant SPF50, reapplied at aid stations
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 on feet, underarms and groin before the start
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
Book early: demand rises on race weekends
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA 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.
Race data
Terrain
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
3 modalities
Ultra 100K
- Distance
- 100 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2150m
- Max Time
- 24h
Maratón 42K
- Distance
- 42 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1170m
- Max Time
- 10h
Trail 15K
- Distance
- 15 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 349m
- Max Time
- 4h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra 100K | 100 km | D+ 2150m | 24h | - |
| Maratón 42K | 42 km | D+ 1170m | 10h | - |
| Trail 15K | 15 km | D+ 349m | 4h | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~18 h of Ultra de los Castillos?Worked out for the longest course (100 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchSeasonal kit
Ultra de los Castillos 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: Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet Race
1 week to Ultra de los Castillos: get your kit ready
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
12°C – 21°C
Average 16°C
Rain
33%
3.9 mm avg
Wind
17 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
8h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (33% 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
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
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
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
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.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
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.
Forecast for 30 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Ultra de los Castillos
The Ultra de los Castillos is a trail race that highlights the heritage and landscapes of southern Extremadura, starting and finishing in La Parra, in Badajoz province. The 2026 edition is the second and takes place on 30-31 October, with three distances to choose from.
Three distances, one long night
The flagship is the 100K, with 2,150 m of positive elevation and a start at 23:59 on 30 October: you run through the whole night with a 24-hour limit. The 42K marathon (1,170 m D+) starts at 8:15 on Saturday 31 and the 15K trail (349 m D+) at 9:00. There is also a 100K relay format for teams of three runners and children’s races.
Extremaduran autumn: headlamp and warmth
In late October the days are short and the nights cool. Bring a headlamp with a spare battery, a warm layer and a light windbreaker for the 100K. Check the gear checklist and the official rules for the exact mandatory gear.
Extremadura beyond the race
Southern Badajoz hides castles, dehesas and white villages worth a getaway. If you want to chain more races, see the races in Extremadura and plan your season with the planner.
360Complete Pack
Ultra de los Castillos 2026 registration
RegistrationRegistration is handled through CCNorte and was open from 1 May to 5 October 2026. Check the organiser website for remaining spots.
Tips
- •Published window: 1 May to 5 October 2026
- •A 100K relay format is available for teams of 3 runners
- •Children’s races on 31 October at 11:30
Where to stay for Ultra de los Castillos
AccommodationLa Parra is a small town in southern Badajoz. With a midnight start for the 100K, it pays to sleep nearby and rest in the afternoon.
Tips
- •Look for lodging in La Parra or nearby towns such as Zafra
- •Book early: rural lodging is limited
- •If you run the 100K, sleep in the afternoon before the 23:59 start
Gear for Ultra de los Castillos
GearA 100K starting at midnight in October calls for a powerful spare headlamp, warm clothing and a grippy shoe for dehesa and hill tracks and trails.
Tips
- •Headlamp with spare battery for the night of 30-31 October
- •Grippy shoe: tracks, trails and possible autumn mud
- •Poles are useful in the 100K with 2,150 m of climbing
- •Check the official rules for the exact mandatory gear
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 Ultra de los Castillos?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Ultra de los Castillos?
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 Ultra de los Castillos
NutritionA 100K of up to 24 hours calls for a serious nutrition plan: steady carbohydrate, salts and real food at aid stations.
Tips
- •Indicative target of 60-90 g of carbohydrate per hour in the 100K
- •Salts and electrolytes even in October
- •The organiser announces hot food at key points: use it
Getting to La Parra
TransportLa Parra is in the Tierra de Barros area, in the south of Badajoz province.
Tips
- •From Badajoz or Seville, drive by motorway and regional road
- •Badajoz airport and Seville airport are arrival options
- •Public transport is not convenient: a car is the best option
Car rental for Ultra de los Castillos
Car RentalA car gives you freedom to reach the start, move between race points and explore the area before and after.
Tips
- •Book early: demand rises on race weekends
- •Check the fuel policy and the mileage included
Sports insurance for Ultra de los Castillos
InsuranceA long mountain event: check what the day insurance or licence covers and consider rescue cover.
Tips
- •Federation licence or day insurance as the rules require
- •Rescue cover recommended on mountain terrain
- •If you travel from abroad, travel insurance with sports cover
Sun protection for Ultra de los Castillos
Sun ProtectionMany hours outdoors punish the skin even on cloudy days. A sweat-resistant SPF and a lip balm are cheap and very useful.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50, reapplied at aid stations
- •Protect lips and ears
Body care for Ultra de los Castillos
Body CareHours of racing punish feet and skin: anti-chafe, blister patches and good sunglasses prevent silly DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe on feet, underarms and groin before the start
- •Blister patches and sports tape in your pack
- •Recovery footwear for after the finish
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Ultra de los Castillos 2026?
- The second edition takes place on 30-31 October 2026 in La Parra (Badajoz). The 100K starts at 23:59 on 30 October; the 42K and 15K start on 31 October.
- What distances and elevation are there?
- The 100K has 2,150 m of climbing (2,140 m descent), the 42K 1,170 m and the 15K 349 m. There is also a team relay format of the 100K and children’s races.
- What are the start times and cut-offs?
- 100K: start at 23:59, maximum 24 hours. 42K: start at 8:15, maximum 10 hours. 15K: start at 9:00, maximum 4 hours.
- Is registration still open?
- The published window ran from 1 May to 5 October 2026. Check the official website for any remaining spots.
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