Your checklist for Valcorchero Extreme Trail
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
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Swipe to see all 11 categories
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Mandatory
Windproof jacket
Recommended under FEXME circuit regulations. Check the exact list in the official ChipSerena regulations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
Aggressive-lug trail shoes: technical, rocky terrain
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
Energy gels for the steepest sections
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
Sunscreen on exposed sections, even in November
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 zones: feet, thighs, armpits
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Buff CoolNet UV+
UPF 50+: blocks 98% of UV radiation
Downside: UV protection decreases with wear after many washes
Car Rental
La Bombonera has nearby parking, but arrive early due to race-day traffic restrictions
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory
Water reserve
Bottle, soft flask, or hydration pack
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
Charged mobile phone
Powered on with sufficient battery
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
Mandatory
Emergency whistle
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Fox 40 Classic
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
Rain and mud at Valcorchero Extreme Trail: pack this kit
Grippy shoes, rain jacket, gaiters and blister protection for a wet race.
See the full kit : Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet RaceYou may also need: What to Wear for Cold-Weather Trail Running 2026: The Complete Layering Kit
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Windproof jacket
Recommended under FEXME circuit regulations. Check the exact list in the official ChipSerena regulations
Water reserve
Bottle, soft flask, or hydration pack
Charged mobile phone
Powered on with sufficient battery
Emergency whistle
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
2 modalities
Extreme Trail 23K
Price: 19 EUR
- Distance
- 23 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1100m
- Max Time
- 5h
- UTMB
20K
Race Trail 13.5K
Price: 14 EUR
- Distance
- 13.5 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 500m
- Max Time
- 3h
- UTMB
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | UTMB | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Trail 23K | 23 km | D+ 1100m | 20K | 5h | 19 EUR |
| Race Trail 13.5K | 13.5 km | D+ 500m | - | 3h | 14 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~5 h of Valcorchero Extreme Trail?Worked out for the longest course (23 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchValcorchero Extreme Trail 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 comparison
Best 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
8°C – 15°C
Average 11°C
Rain
40%
6.0 mm avg
Wind
17 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
7h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (40% 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.
Bring thermal layers (low of 8°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.
Forecast for 8 November
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Valcorchero Extreme Trail
The Valcorchero Extreme Trail is the standout mountain-running event on northern Cáceres’s calendar. Launched in 2025 by the Atletas Populares de Plasencia running club, together with Plasencia City Council and the Extremadura Mountain and Climbing Federation (FEXME), its second edition (November 8, 2026) makes an international leap by securing official entry into the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) world circuit. Runners from France and Portugal are already registered for this edition.
A course almost entirely inside a protected landscape
95% of the route runs through the Valcorchero Protected Landscape, a unique natural setting on Plasencia’s doorstep: technical trails weaving between centuries-old cork oaks, granite boulders and spectacular springs. The course passes emblematic landmarks such as the Cueva de Boquique (historically linked to the 19th-century Carlist Wars), the Fuente Pajares spring, the well-known Ruta de los Pollitos — marked with its distinctive yellow chick signs — and offers sweeping views of Plasencia and the Ermita de la Virgen del Puerto, the city’s patron shrine.
- Extreme Trail 23K (1,100 m D+) — The flagship distance, technical and demanding, scoring for the Extremadura Cup and the UTMB circuit
- Race Trail 13.5K (500 m D+) — An entry-level option, ideal for a first taste of mountain trail running without missing out on the Valcorchero setting
A “zero waste” race with very limited capacity
Because of its location inside a protected area, the organizers enforce a strict environmental conservation and waste-management plan: the event is designed to be 100% eco-sustainable and caps participation at a maximum of 340 runners. Demand is high — more than 100 bibs sold out within the first 48 hours when 2026 registration opened. In the first edition, more than 300 runners took the start, with winning times of 1:47:54 (men) and 2:14:19 (women) on the long distance.
Plasencia beyond the race
Plasencia is the gateway to northern Extremadura: the Jerte Valley, famous for its cherry blossom, and the La Vera region, home to the Monastery of Yuste, are both less than an hour away. The city keeps a walled historic center with a cathedral, main square and a lively food scene — a great way to round out your race weekend. Discover more mountain races in Extremadura or plan your full season with the planner.
360Complete Pack
Valcorchero Extreme Trail 2026 Registration
RegistrationSecond edition organized by Atletas Populares de Plasencia, Plasencia City Council, and the Extremadura Mountain and Climbing Federation (FEXME). Capacity is very limited: over 100 bibs sold out in 48 hours during the previous edition.
Tips
- •Extreme Trail 23K: €19 until 29/10, €24 until 4/11
- •Race Trail 13.5K: €14 until 29/10, €19 until 4/11
- •Non-federated runners: +€5 for day insurance
- •Capped at 340 runners under Valcorchero's environmental conservation plan
- •Online registration via ChipSerena — minimum age 18
Where to stay for the Valcorchero Extreme Trail
AccommodationPlasencia is a mid-sized city with good hotel availability, an ideal base for the race and for exploring northern Cáceres.
Tips
- •Plasencia's old town: hotels and guesthouses close to the start
- •Tourist apartments near the Ciudad Deportiva (La Bombonera)
- •November is low season: good availability and lower prices than in spring
- •The Jerte Valley (30-40 min) also has charming rural houses
Gear for the Valcorchero Extreme Trail
GearThe course is technical: trails weaving between granite boulders, cork oak roots and rocky sections of the Valcorchero Protected Landscape. The Extreme Trail packs 1,100 m of elevation gain into 23 km.
Tips
- •Aggressive-lug trail shoes: technical, rocky terrain
- •Hooded windbreaker recommended — November in northern Cáceres can be cold
- •Folding poles useful for the Extreme Trail's 1,100 m D+
- •Check the official ChipSerena regulations for the exact mandatory gear list
Which shoes for Valcorchero Extreme Trail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Valcorchero Extreme Trail?
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 the Valcorchero Extreme Trail
NutritionA mid-length race (23K) with intense effort from the technical elevation gain. Carry your own supplies between aid stations.
Tips
- •Energy gels for the steepest sections
- •Electrolyte salts — the technical effort on granite terrain demands good hydration
- •Carry some solid food if racing the Extreme Trail (23K, up to 5h)
How to get to Plasencia
TransportPlasencia is in northern Cáceres province, on a transport hub along the Ruta de la Plata (A-66).
Tips
- •From Madrid: ~2h30 via the A-5 and EX-A1
- •From Cáceres city: ~1h via the A-66
- •From Salamanca: ~1h15 via the A-66
- •Plasencia has a medium-distance train station (Madrid-Cáceres)
Car rental for the Valcorchero Extreme Trail
Car RentalA car makes it easy to combine the race with a getaway through northern Extremadura: the Jerte Valley, Hervás, or the Monastery of Yuste.
Tips
- •La Bombonera has nearby parking, but arrive early due to race-day traffic restrictions
- •Great for combining with a trip through the Jerte Valley or La Vera
Sports insurance for the Valcorchero Extreme Trail
InsuranceRace included in the FEXME circuit and scoring for the Extremadura Cup. Federation licence or day insurance mandatory.
Tips
- •FEXME federation licence or a valid licence from another region
- •Without a licence: mandatory day insurance (+€5 on top of registration)
- •Mountain rescue coverage recommended given the technical terrain
Sun protection for the Valcorchero Extreme Trail
Sun ProtectionNovember lowers sun intensity, but the course still has open, shadeless sections in the Valcorchero Protected Landscape.
Tips
- •Sunscreen on exposed sections, even in November
- •SPF lip balm against the wind on higher ground
Body care for the Valcorchero Extreme Trail
Body CareTechnical terrain among granite boulders: risk of chafing and knocks on rocky sections.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on friction zones: feet, thighs, armpits
- •Technical socks to avoid blisters on rocky terrain
- •Arm sleeves or leggings if November mornings turn cold
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Valcorchero Extreme Trail 2026?
- The second edition takes place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, starting at 9:30 AM from the Pabellón at Plasencia's Ciudad Deportiva (nicknamed La Bombonera).
- What distances does the Valcorchero Extreme Trail have?
- Two options: the Extreme Trail, 23 km with 1,100 m of elevation gain, technical and scoring for the Extremadura Cup and the UTMB circuit; and the Race Trail, 13.5 km with 500 m D+, more accessible for runners starting out in the mountains.
- How much does registration cost?
- The Extreme Trail costs €19 until 29/10/2026 and €24 until 4/11/2026. The Race Trail costs €14 until 29/10/2026 and €19 until 4/11/2026. Non-federated runners must add €5 for day insurance. Minimum age is 18.
- Why is capacity so limited?
- The organizers cap entries at 340 runners under a strict environmental conservation and waste-management plan for the Valcorchero Protected Landscape: the event is designed to be 100% eco-sustainable and "zero waste". More than 100 bibs sold out within the first 48 hours of the 2026 registration opening.
- Does it score for the UTMB circuit?
- Yes. The 23K Extreme Trail secured official entry into the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) world circuit in 2026, awarding points valid for international UTMB circuit events. Runners from France and Portugal are already registered.
- How do you get to Plasencia?
- Plasencia is in northern Cáceres, well connected via the A-66 (Ruta de la Plata). From Madrid it's about 2h30 via the A-5 and EX-A1; from Cáceres city, 1 hour via the A-66; from Salamanca, 1h15 also via the A-66. Plasencia has a medium-distance train station.
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