Photo: Juan Luis Pérez / Source (opens in a new tab)Foncea
Foncea Trail
Sunday, 11 April 2027
Foncea Trail 20K
20km D+ 820m
Foncea Trail 13.5K
13.5km D+ 500m
Your checklist for Foncea Trail
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
Swipe to see all 7 categories
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
Trail shoes with good grip on rock and loose ground
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
Gels or bars for sections between aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Gourmet Latino Guava Sandwich
100% natural, no artificial ingredients
Downside: Very sweet flavour, can get tiring with repeated intake
Sun Protection
Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
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
Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Squirrel's Nut Butter Anti-Chafe Cream
Car Rental
Great opportunity to combine with a winery tour around Haro
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
Mountain
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
2 modalities
Foncea Trail 20K
Price: 28 EUR
- Distance
- 20 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 820m
- Max Time
- 4h
Foncea Trail 13.5K
Price: 26 EUR
- Distance
- 13.5 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 500m
- Max Time
- 3h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foncea Trail 20K | 20 km | D+ 820m | 4h | 28 EUR |
| Foncea Trail 13.5K | 13.5 km | D+ 500m | 3h | 26 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~4 h of Foncea Trail?Worked out for the longest course (20 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGet ready for Foncea Trail with the 8-week plan
22 weeks to go: the 8-week plan starts in 14 weeks. Enter your date and it highlights your current week.
Week-by-week table with hill work, descents, strength and a taper, plus the right gear at each stage.
See the week-by-week planGear up for Foncea Trail
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
5°C – 16°C
Average 10°C
Rain
33%
1.5 mm avg
Wind
20 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
9h
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.
Bring thermal layers (low of 5°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.
Bring thermal gloves (low of 5°C)
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.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Oasis Liners
Thin merino wool glove, lightweight and breathable, with good moisture management and none of the overheating of a thick technical glove. Ideal as a liner layer or for mild winter temperatures.
LEKI
LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark
Glove for pole runners with the Shark system: clips straight into the grip of compatible LEKI poles, transferring force without closing your hand. Windproof and water-repellent.
Ronhill
Ronhill GORE-TEX Windstopper Glove
Running glove with GORE-TEX Windstopper fabric: blocks wind and repels light rain without the bulk of an insulated glove. Thin, close-fitting and dexterous.
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 Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
Salomon
Salomon Fast Wing Winter Glove
Technical winter trail running glove with a windproof outer shell and warm lining. Built for long outings in intense cold, wind and some moisture in the mountains.
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.
Consider long tights for nighttime cold
Amazon Essentials
Amazon Essentials Active Sculpt Plus-Size Leggings
High-waisted leggings with Active Sculpt compression fabric, available in plus sizes. Wide waistband that doesn't roll down or over-compress during long mountain outings.
HANKER
HANKER Women's Cropped Compression Leggings with Pockets
Compression capri tights with high waist and phone pockets. Quick-drying, suitable for running and trail.
Izas
Izas Olimpia Women's Long Tights
Women's long leggings with a shaping, push-up compression effect, stretch breathable fabric and reflective details. Originally designed for gym and yoga, but the compression and reflective details also make it usable for low-light running.
Joma
Joma Academy Knight Men's Thermal Tights
Men's thermal pants with a brushed inner lining, built for training and running in cold weather. Elastic drawstring waist and heat-retaining fabric for winter outings or cold early mornings.
Joma
Joma Vela II Women's Shorts
Lightweight, stretch women's running shorts with a wide size range (4XS to 2XL). Breathable fabric built for training and running in summer without overheating.
Salomon
Salomon Comet Warm Tight W
Salomon women's thermal long tights for training and racing in the cold. A warm layer for autumn and winter.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Forecast for 11 April
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Foncea Trail
Foncea Trail is a mountain race created by and for trail running enthusiasts, running through the Obarenes Mountains from the small village of Foncea in La Rioja, Spain. The event combines sport, gastronomy, nature and tourism in a privileged setting within the Natura 2000 network.
The course
The routes traverse the Obarenes Mountains, a limestone range separating La Rioja from Burgos. The terrain mixes mountain trails through rocky formations, cliffs with views over the Ebro valley, and wooded areas inhabited by birds of prey.
The start is from Calle Crucero de la plaza in Foncea, a village of barely 100 inhabitants that transforms on race day into a meeting point for runners from across northern Spain.
The distances
The Foncea Trail 20K (820m D+) is the long distance, a full tour of the Obarenes Mountains with technical sections and panoramic views. The Foncea Trail 13.5K (500m D+) is the short distance, ideal for those seeking a first mountain trail experience. Both races start at 11:00.
The organisation also offers a 13.5K hiking march (starting at 9:00) and a 1K children’s race (starting at 10:00), making the event a family-friendly day out.
Terrain and difficulty
The terrain is predominantly mountain: rocky trails, forest tracks and technical sections through the Obarenes cliffs. The difficulty is intermediate, accessible for runners with some trail experience. In March, expect possible mud and cool temperatures at higher elevations. Check our best trail running shoes guide for tips on choosing the right footwear for rocky mountain terrain.
How to get there
Foncea is in the Haro area, northern La Rioja, about 40 minutes from Logroño via the AP-68 motorway. Haro, the capital of Rioja Alta, is just 20 minutes away and the perfect base for accommodation and winery visits. Miranda de Ebro (Burgos) is 30 minutes away with more budget-friendly options.
Use our pace calculator to plan your effort on the Obarenes trails, and discover more races in La Rioja.
360Complete Pack
Foncea Trail 2027 Registration
RegistrationRegistration through the Ascentium Events platform. Bibs limited to 325 per distance.
Tips
- •Online registration at eventos.ascentium.org
- •Final price: €28 (20K) and €26 (13.5K)
- •Includes technical shirt, insurance, timing and aid stations
- •Limited spots: 325 bibs per distance
Where to stay for Foncea Trail
AccommodationFoncea is a small village. The best accommodation options are in Haro and Miranda de Ebro.
Tips
- •Haro (20 min): capital of Rioja Alta, with hotels and rural houses
- •Miranda de Ebro (30 min): more budget-friendly options
- •The Haro area is perfect for combining with wine tourism
- •Book ahead if it coincides with winery season
Recommended gear for Foncea Trail
GearMountain terrain through the Obarenes range: rocky trails, forest tracks and technical sections. Maximum altitude around 1,000m.
Tips
- •Trail shoes with good grip on rock and loose ground
- •Poles optional but useful for the 20K climbs
- •Windbreaker recommended for March conditions at 1,000m
- •Hydration pack with at least 500ml
Which shoes for Foncea Trail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Foncea Trail?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best GPS watches for beginner runners 2026
The best entry-level GPS watches to start running in 2026: Garmin Forerunner 165, Coros Pace 3, Polar Pacer Pro and Amazfit Cheetah Pro compared.
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running poles 2026: Black Diamond, Leki and Komperdell compared. Carbon vs aluminium, folding length, technique and how to pick your size.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Nutrition for Foncea Trail
NutritionAid stations along the course with water and fruit. Carry some supplies between stations.
Tips
- •Gels or bars for sections between aid stations
- •Cool March temperatures mean lower hydration needs
- •The 13.5K can be completed with minimal extra nutrition
How to get to Foncea
TransportFoncea is in northern La Rioja, in the Haro area, well connected via the AP-68 motorway.
Tips
- •Bilbao Airport (BIO): 120 km (~1h 15min)
- •Logroño-Agoncillo Airport: 60 km (~40min)
- •Vitoria Airport (VIT): 70 km (~45min)
- •Parking available in the village
Car rental for Foncea Trail
Car RentalA car is recommended to reach Foncea and explore the Rioja Alta region.
Tips
- •Great opportunity to combine with a winery tour around Haro
Sports insurance for Foncea Trail
InsuranceMountain race with technical sections. Registration includes accident insurance.
Tips
- •Registration includes basic accident insurance
- •La Rioja federation licence includes additional coverage
- •Mountain rescue insurance recommended
Sun protection for Foncea Trail
Sun ProtectionIn March, UV radiation in the Obarenes Mountains can be deceptive. Open terrain and exposed hillsides with little tree cover increase sun exposure throughout the race.
Tips
- •Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
- •The open hillsides of the Obarenes offer little shade, even in March
Body care for Foncea Trail
Body CareFeet and skin face hours of sweat and friction. A blister and anti-chafe kit prevents the silliest DNF.
Tips
- •Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
- •Blister plasters in the vest from the first kilometre
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Foncea Trail 2027?
- Foncea Trail takes place on April 11, 2027, starting from Calle Crucero de la plaza in Foncea (La Rioja, Spain).
- What distances does Foncea Trail offer?
- Two trail distances: 20K with 820m elevation gain and 13.5K with 500m elevation gain. There's also a 13.5K hiking march and a 1K children's race.
- Is it suitable for beginners?
- Yes, the 13.5K distance with 500m elevation gain is accessible for runners with some mountain experience. The hiking march is ideal for those just starting out.
- How to get to Foncea?
- Foncea is in the Haro area, northern La Rioja, about 40 minutes from Logroño via the AP-68 motorway and 30 minutes from Miranda de Ebro.
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