Photo: Quiroga Trail Challenge (opens in a new tab)Quiroga
Quiroga Trail Challenge
Saturday, 20 February 2027
Desafío Xeoparque 50K
50km D+ 2800m
Trail do Castelo 27K
27km D+ 1700m
Minitrail do Castelo 17K
17km D+ 1150m
Minitrail do Lor 18K
18km D+ 1300m
Carreiriña do Lor 9K
9km D+ 600m
Carreiriña do Castelo 10K
10km D+ 400m
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
6 modalities
Desafío Xeoparque 50K
- Distance
- 50 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2800m
- Max Time
- -
Trail do Castelo 27K
- Distance
- 27 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1700m
- Max Time
- -
Minitrail do Castelo 17K
- Distance
- 17 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1150m
- Max Time
- -
Minitrail do Lor 18K
- Distance
- 18 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1300m
- Max Time
- -
Carreiriña do Lor 9K
- Distance
- 9 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 600m
- Max Time
- -
Carreiriña do Castelo 10K
- Distance
- 10 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 400m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desafío Xeoparque 50K | 50 km | D+ 2800m | - | - |
| Trail do Castelo 27K | 27 km | D+ 1700m | - | - |
| Minitrail do Castelo 17K | 17 km | D+ 1150m | - | - |
| Minitrail do Lor 18K | 18 km | D+ 1300m | - | - |
| Carreiriña do Lor 9K | 9 km | D+ 600m | - | - |
| Carreiriña do Castelo 10K | 10 km | D+ 400m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~13 h of Quiroga Trail Challenge?Worked out for the longest course (50 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Quiroga Trail Challenge
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)Garmin Forerunner 165
Sharp AMOLED display at an entry-level price
Downside: No multi-band GPS (less accurate in canyons and dense forest)
Gear
Aggressive lugs: expect mud and Atlantic forest
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
Carry a water reservoir: there are no cups at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 on face and ears
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on feet and groin
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Car Rental
Pick it up in Santiago, Vigo or Lugo depending on your flight
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción 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.
Quiroga Trail Challenge 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
Historical weather
What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
6°C – 15°C
Average 10°C
Rain
23%
2.4 mm avg
Wind
12 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
8h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring thermal layers (low of 6°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
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 Braga de Cuello Térmica
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
Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer
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 Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento
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
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
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 Hombre
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 20 February
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Quiroga Trail Challenge
The Quiroga Trail Challenge is a trail-running weekend in the heart of the Courel Mountains Geopark, in southern Lugo province. Starting and finishing in Quiroga, it offers six routes split into two circuits: the Trail do Castelo, run on Saturday 20 February 2027 and home to the demanding Desafío Xeoparque 50K, and the Trail do Lor, run on Sunday 21st. It is organised by Quiroga town council and the Montouto Club de Montaña.
A route for every level
The Desafío Xeoparque 50K is the flagship, with around 2,800m of positive elevation and a high point of about 1,150 metres. The Trail do Castelo 27K climbs roughly 1,700m, and the other options scale down to the 9K Carreiriña, ideal for a first trail race. Walking (andaina) versions are also available.
- Desafío Xeoparque 50K: Saturday morning start, with ridges, firebreaks and Atlantic forest
- Trail do Castelo 27K, 17K and 10K: the Saturday circuit
- Trail do Lor 18K and 9K: the Sunday circuit, so you can combine two days
Winter in the Ribeira Sacra
February in the Courel means cold, damp and mud. Forest descents get technical when it rains, and the wind bites on the ridges. Grippy shoes, a membrane windproof jacket, gloves and a hat are essential, and organisers may require a cold or rain kit depending on the forecast. There are no cups at the aid stations, so bring your own water reservoir.
Quiroga beyond the race
Quiroga overlooks the Sil canyon in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, with terraced vineyards, wineries and monasteries. If you stay for the weekend, try the local wines and visit the canyon viewpoints. To link up more Galician events, browse the races in Galicia and plan your season with the race planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Membrane jacket recommended; organisers may require a cold or rain kit depending on the forecast
No cups at aid stations: carry a water reservoir
360Complete Pack
Quiroga Trail Challenge 2027 registration
RegistrationRegistration is handled on the empa-t platform and closes on 7 February 2027 at 11:59 PM. Prices rise in stages, so signing up early is cheaper.
Tips
- •The first price tier ends on 1 November 2026
- •A combined circuit is available if you want to race both days
- •Read the official rules before paying: they include the mandatory gear
Where to stay for the Quiroga Trail Challenge
AccommodationQuiroga is a small town and demand peaks on race weekend in February. The official website lists local accommodation and rural houses.
Tips
- •Book early: there are few beds in the town itself
- •Monforte de Lemos and A Pobra do Brollón are also options
- •If you race both days, stay close to the start
Gear for the Quiroga Trail Challenge
GearFebruary in the Courel is cold and wet, with mud on the descents and exposed ridge and firebreak sections. Grippy shoes, a windproof jacket and gloves make a difference.
Tips
- •Aggressive lugs: expect mud and Atlantic forest
- •Windproof jacket with membrane, gloves and a hat or buff in your pack
- •Poles help on the 50K with its 2,800m D+
Which shoes for Quiroga Trail Challenge?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Quiroga Trail Challenge?
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 Quiroga Trail Challenge
NutritionIn the cold you drink less and eat worse. A planned mix of gels, salts and solid food keeps you from bonking in the 50K and 27K.
Tips
- •Carry a water reservoir: there are no cups at aid stations
- •Alternate gels and solid food every 30-40 minutes
- •Keep taking salts and drinking even when it's cold
How to get to Quiroga
TransportQuiroga lies on the Sil river in southern Lugo province, near the borders with Ourense and León.
Tips
- •Reference airports: Santiago (SCQ) and Vigo (VGO)
- •Lugo and Ourense are reachable by road
- •San Clodio-Quiroga station has train service
Car rental for the Quiroga Trail Challenge
Car RentalA car makes it easy to reach Quiroga and move between start, accommodation and finish, especially if you race both days.
Tips
- •Pick it up in Santiago, Vigo or Lugo depending on your flight
- •Use it to visit the Sil canyon viewpoints in the Ribeira Sacra
Sports insurance for the Quiroga Trail Challenge
InsuranceA winter mountain race. You need a federation licence or a one-day insurance to take part.
Tips
- •Federation licence or one-day insurance required
- •Rescue cover recommended for the 50K
- •If you travel from abroad, get travel insurance covering sports
Sun protection for the Quiroga Trail Challenge
Sun ProtectionThe sun can shine in February too, and there is no shade on the ridges and firebreaks. Clear skies and cold weather are deceptive.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 on face and ears
- •Lip balm with SPF: cold and wind dry out your lips
Body care for the Quiroga Trail Challenge
Body CareMud, damp and long descents punish feet and skin. Anti-chafe and blister protection are essentials, and a neck warmer helps with the cold.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on feet and groin
- •Spare socks in your finish-line bag
- •A windproof buff for the start and the summits
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Quiroga Trail Challenge 2027?
- The weekend of 20-21 February 2027 in Quiroga (Lugo). The Trail do Castelo races, including the Desafío Xeoparque 50K, run on Saturday 20th and the Trail do Lor races on Sunday 21st.
- What distances does the Quiroga Trail Challenge offer?
- Six routes in two circuits. Trail do Castelo: Desafío Xeoparque 50K, Trail 27K, Minitrail 17K and Carreiriña 10K. Trail do Lor: Minitrail 18K and Carreiriña 9K. Some also have a walking (andaina) version.
- What is the registration deadline?
- Registration closes on 7 February 2027 at 11:59 PM on the empa-t platform. Prices rise in stages: the cheapest tier lasts until 1 November 2026.
- How much does it cost to enter?
- In the first price tier, the Desafío Xeoparque 50K costs €50, the Trail do Castelo 27K €35 and the 10K Carreiriña €15. Prices go up in later tiers.
- Can I get there without a car?
- Quiroga sits on the Sil river in southern Lugo province. San Clodio-Quiroga station has train service, although a car is the most convenient option.
- Is there a night race?
- Yes. The organisers hold A Nocturna do Xeoparque (16K, 9K and an 8K walk) separately in autumn, with its own registration.
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