Photo: La Ribera Club de Montaña (opens in a new tab)Cervera del Río Alhama
CxM Alhama Trail
Saturday, 24 October 2026
25K
25km D+ 1350m
13K
13km D+ 625m
16.2K Hike
16.2km D+ 550m
Your checklist for CxM Alhama Trail
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 7 ready
Swipe to see all 8 categories
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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-grip trail shoes: the cobbled, pyrite-flecked tracks get slippery when wet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
Add electrolytes on the sun-exposed hill sections of the Rioja Baja
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 sunscreen for the 3-4 hours of the 25K
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
Sunglasses for the exposed hill sections during mid-morning
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 ahead if traveling from outside the region: local rental supply is limited
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory
Charged mobile phone
With charged battery, recommended across all three distances
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
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 CxM Alhama 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 RaceMandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Charged mobile phone
With charged battery, recommended across all three distances
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
3 modalities
25K
- Distance
- 25 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1350m
- Max Time
- -
13K
- Distance
- 13 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 625m
- Max Time
- -
16.2K Hike
- Distance
- 16.2 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 550m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25K | 25 km | D+ 1350m | - |
| 13K | 13 km | D+ 625m | - |
| 16.2K Hike | 16.2 km | D+ 550m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~6 h of CxM Alhama Trail?Worked out for the longest course (25 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchCxM Alhama 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
Historical weather
What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
9°C – 17°C
Average 13°C
Rain
30%
2.3 mm avg
Wind
19 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
8h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (30% 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 9°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 24 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
CxM Alhama Trail
The CxM Alhama Trail cuts through the ravines and gorges of Cervera del Río Alhama, at the far southeastern edge of Rioja Baja, close to the border with Navarre. Organized by La Ribera Club de Montaña, the 3rd edition arrives on October 24, 2026, with a special addition: the 25K distance now doubles as La Rioja’s official mixed-club mountain running championship, drawing more affiliated runners from across the region every year.
The route moves through terrain that feels distinctly different from La Rioja’s northern ranges: natural ravines, rock-cut gorges, and Mediterranean scrubland hills.
A Route of Gorges and Cobbled Tracks
All three formats share the technical character of the terrain, with trails, tracks, and stretches of the GR 93 long-distance path crossing both Cervera’s town center and the surrounding gorges:
- 25K (+1,350m gain): the competitive, championship-status distance, packing the circuit’s steepest elevation profile into its shortest race.
- 13K (+625m gain): designed as an entry point into trail running or a step up from road racing, without losing the technical character of the terrain.
- 16.2K Hike (+550m): a non-competitive hiking format, part of the Liga Ibérica de Senderismo circuit, ideal for covering the same ground without race pace.
A distinctive feature of the route is its cobbled tracks flecked with pyrite outcrops, a local geological quirk that calls for solid-grip footwear, especially if the ground is damp.
Regional Championship and Club Atmosphere
With the 25K counting toward La Rioja’s official mixed-club championship, this edition becomes a standout fixture on the region’s mountain running calendar. Clubs across the community tend to bring full squads, giving the start and finish in Cervera a distinct club-racing atmosphere.
Cervera del Río Alhama Beyond the Race
Cervera del Río Alhama preserves a natural landscape that’s still underexplored even within La Rioja: the Alhama gorges and ravines are worth a visit in their own right beyond race day. If you’re spending the weekend in the area, pair the race with a look at races in the La Rioja region or plan the rest of your autumn season with the season planner.
360Complete Pack
CxM Alhama Trail 2026 Registration
RegistrationOrganized by La Ribera Club de Montaña, with bib registration managed through Cronolimits. The 25K also hosts La Rioja's official mixed-club mountain running championship, which tends to draw a strong turnout from affiliated running clubs.
Tips
- •Check the official regulations on the La Ribera Club de Montaña website before registering
- •The 25K counts toward the La Rioja championship: confirm your category with your federation if racing for a club
- •Spots for the 16.2K hike tend to sell out later than the competitive races
Where to Stay in Cervera del Río Alhama
AccommodationCervera del Río Alhama is a small town in the Rioja Baja with limited accommodation options. Book ahead or look at nearby towns like Alfaro or Cintruénigo.
Tips
- •Book early: the town itself has limited hotel capacity
- •Alfaro, less than 20 minutes away by car, offers more hotel and apartment options
- •Cintruénigo or Corella, in Navarre, are also close via the N-113
Gear for the CxM Alhama Trail
GearThe route mixes technical trails, cobbled tracks with pyrite outcrops, and gorge sections. Solid-grip shoes are essential, especially for the 25K and its 1,350m of elevation gain.
Tips
- •Aggressive-grip trail shoes: the cobbled, pyrite-flecked tracks get slippery when wet
- •Poles recommended for the 25K, with 1,350m of gain packed into a short distance
- •A lightweight hydration vest for carrying whatever mandatory gear the regulations require
Which shoes for CxM Alhama Trail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for CxM Alhama 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 CxM Alhama Trail
NutritionThe 25K can take 3-4 hours of effort with a demanding elevation profile for its distance. Supplement the race aid stations with your own gel and electrolyte strategy.
Tips
- •Add electrolytes on the sun-exposed hill sections of the Rioja Baja
- •Carry backup gels: aid stations on a small mountain race route tend to be spaced out
- •The organization provides a runner's bag and finish-line refreshments per the official regulations
How to Get to Cervera del Río Alhama
TransportCervera sits in the far southeast of La Rioja, near the border with Navarre and close to the A-68 and N-113.
Tips
- •From Logroño: about 1 hour via the A-68 and N-232
- •From Zaragoza or Pamplona: around 1h30 via the A-68/N-113
- •A car is the most practical option given the town's small size and limited public transport
Car Rental in Rioja Baja
Car RentalA car makes it easy to move between Cervera and nearby towns like Alfaro or Cintruénigo, and to explore the Rioja Baja over the weekend.
Tips
- •Book ahead if traveling from outside the region: local rental supply is limited
- •Take the chance to explore the Alhama gorges beyond race day
Sports Insurance for the CxM Alhama Trail
InsuranceAs with most races on La Rioja's mountain running circuit, registration requires a valid federation license or day insurance.
Tips
- •Current-year FEDME license or day insurance required to start
- •Check the official regulations to confirm the exact coverage required for this edition
Sun Protection for the CxM Alhama Trail
Sun ProtectionThe hill and gorge sections around Cervera are highly exposed to the sun, especially on the 25K, which runs through midday hours in October.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant sunscreen for the 3-4 hours of the 25K
- •Lip balm with SPF for the windy gorge sections
Body Care for the CxM Alhama Trail
Body CareThe pyrite-flecked cobbled tracks and technical gorge descents take a toll on ankles and feet throughout the race.
Tips
- •Sunglasses for the exposed hill sections during mid-morning
- •Anti-chafing balm if tackling the 25K's longer effort
- •A lightweight buff for the dust kicked up on the cobbled tracks
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the CxM Alhama Trail 2026?
- The 3rd edition of the CxM Alhama Trail takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Cervera del Río Alhama, La Rioja.
- What distances does the CxM Alhama Trail offer?
- Three formats: the 25K (+1,350m elevation gain), which also serves as La Rioja's official mixed-club mountain running championship; the 13K (+625m), designed for runners transitioning from road running or new to trail; and the non-competitive 16.2K hike (+550m), part of the Liga Ibérica de Senderismo circuit.
- What is the CxM Alhama Trail route like?
- It combines trails, tracks, and stretches of the GR 93 long-distance path through Cervera's town center and the surrounding gorges and hills covered in Mediterranean scrubland, including cobbled tracks with pyrite outcrops typical of the area.
- Where can I register for the CxM Alhama Trail?
- Registration is handled through Cronolimits. Check the official regulations on the La Ribera Club de Montaña website for deadlines, prices, and conditions.
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