Ezcaray
Trail Picos de la Demanda
Saturday, September 12, 2026
35K Trail
35km D+ 2300m
24K Trail
24km D+ 1200m
10K Trail
10.5km D+ 450m
Nocturna by Irier
7km D+ 350m
Date, registration & deadlines
Sep 12, 2026 · Check official website
Local guides
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35K Trail | 35 km | D+ 2300m | - | 8h | - |
| 24K Trail | 24 km | D+ 1200m | - | 5h | - |
| 10K Trail | 10.5 km | D+ 450m | - | 3h | - |
| Nocturna by Irier | 7 km | D+ 350m | - | 2h | - |
What you need
How long will it take you?
Estimate your race time based on distance, elevation and your runner level.
Historical weather
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
12°C – 23°C
Average 17°C
Rain
27%
2.6 mm avg
Wind
14 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
10h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (10h sunshine, up to 23°C)
Forecast for September 12
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Trail Picos de la Demanda
The Trail Picos de la Demanda is one of La Rioja’s most historic mountain races. From Ezcaray, a charming village in the Oja river valley, the courses head into the Sierra de la Demanda along its Riojan slopes, reaching Pico San Lorenzo (2,271m), the region’s highest summit.
The course
Start and finish are at Parque Tenorio in Ezcaray. The main event, the 35K, crosses the Demanda range passing through hamlets like Urdanta, Zaldierna, and Azárrulla before tackling the ascent to San Lorenzo. The route combines mountain trails, centuries-old beech forests, high-mountain scree fields, and ridges with views across the entire Riojan slope.
The distances
- 35K Trail — 2,300m elevation gain, the flagship race. Summit of San Lorenzo via the Riojan slope. High-mountain terrain with technical sections.
- 24K Trail — 1,200m elevation gain, a demanding route through the mid-mountain Demanda, without reaching the San Lorenzo summit.
- 10K Trail — 450m elevation gain, the entry-level distance. A route around Ezcaray, ideal for a first taste of mountain trail.
- Night Race by Irier — 7K with 350m elevation gain, a Friday night race. A unique experience on Ezcaray’s trails under the stars.
Children’s races also take place, making the weekend a family event.
Terrain and difficulty
The Sierra de la Demanda is the western end of the Iberian System. The terrain is high mountain: scree, exposed ridges, beech forests, and technical trails. The 35K is an advanced race requiring mountain experience and the ability to handle altitude and rapidly changing weather. In September, conditions on San Lorenzo can shift from sunshine to cold and wind in minutes.
Ezcaray and the Sierra de la Demanda
Ezcaray is one of La Rioja’s prettiest villages, known for its gastronomy, mountain architecture, and the Valdezcaray ski station (15 minutes away). The Sierra de la Demanda offers authentic mountain landscapes, with beech forests that begin turning ochre and red in September. Explore more races in La Rioja and plan your trail weekend with the season planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
360 Complete Pack
Trail Picos de la Demanda 2026 Registration
InscripciónRegistration through the official website. The event is organized by the Asociación Amigos de Ezcaray with over 10 editions of experience.
Browse all inscripciónTips
- • Online registration at picosdelademanda.com
- • Limited bibs across all distances
- • Includes aid stations, timing, and insurance
- • Registration usually opens in February
Where to stay for the Picos de la Demanda
AlojamientoEzcaray is a tourist village with good accommodation options, but September is high season. Book well in advance.
Browse all alojamientoTips
- • Ezcaray has hotels, rural houses, and apartments near the start
- • Santo Domingo de la Calzada (30 min) is an alternative with more options
- • Haro (40 min) lets you combine with Rioja Alta wine tourism
- • September is peak season in Ezcaray: book as early as possible
Recommended gear for the Picos de la Demanda
MaterialHigh mountain in the Sierra de la Demanda. The 35K summits San Lorenzo (2,271m) with technical terrain, scree, and exposed ridges. September weather at altitude can change rapidly.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
La zapatilla de trail más versátil de Salomon, ideal para terrenos técnicos y barro. Agarre excepcional con suela Contagrip y amortiguación EnergyCell+.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
Petzl
Petzl Actik Core
Frontal recargable de 600 lúmenes con batería Core incluida. Compatible con pilas AAA. Modo rojo para preservar la visión nocturna. Ideal para ultras con tramos nocturnos.
Tips
- • Mountain trail shoes with strong grip on rock and scree
- • Trekking poles highly recommended for the 35K with 2,300m elevation gain
- • Windbreaker mandatory: on San Lorenzo at 2,271m temperatures drop dramatically
- • Headlamp for the Night Race and as safety gear for the 35K
- • Hydration pack with at least 1 liter capacity
Nutrition for the Picos de la Demanda
NutriciónAid stations along the course. On the 35K, gaps between stations can be long in the high-mountain sections.
Maurten
Maurten Gel 100
Gel de hidrogel con 25g de carbohidratos. La tecnología de hidrogel encapsula los carbohidratos para una absorción sin molestias gástricas. Sabor neutro, sin edulcorantes artificiales. Usado por corredores de élite en maratón y ultra.
226ERS
226ERS Isotonic Drink
Bebida isotónica en polvo de la marca española 226ERS. Aporta carbohidratos, electrolitos y minerales para mantener la hidratación durante el ejercicio. Fórmula con amilopectina para absorción rápida sin molestias digestivas.
Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de guayaba natural en formato individual de 26 g. Alto contenido en vitamina C y carbohidratos de rápida absorción. Textura sólida y envoltorio fácil de abrir, ideal para llevar en carrera. Sabor dulce intenso que aporta energía inmediata sin necesidad de agua.
Tips
- • Carry enough nutrition between aid stations
- • September temperatures at altitude are cool, but hydration remains key
- • Gels and bars for the long stretches on the 35K
- • The 10K can be completed with minimal extra nutrition
How to get to Ezcaray
TransporteEzcaray sits in the Oja river valley, on the northern slope of the Sierra de la Demanda. Main access via the LR-111 from Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Browse all transporteTips
- • From Logroño: 60 km (~50 min) via the LR-111
- • From Bilbao: 130 km (~1h 30min) via the AP-68
- • From Vitoria: 100 km (~1h 15min)
- • From Burgos: 100 km (~1h 15min) via the N-120
- • Parking available in the village
Car rental for the Picos de la Demanda
Alquiler de vehículoA car is essential to reach Ezcaray. Great for exploring the Oja Valley and Rioja Alta wine country.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
Suscripción de alquiler de vehículos tipo SUV/crossover, ideal para llegar a carreras de montaña por carreteras rurales y pistas forestales.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
Suscripción de alquiler de vehículos urbanos, perfecta para desplazarte a carreras con buenos accesos por autovía y carretera convencional.
Tips
- • Combine the race with a winery tour through Haro and San Vicente de la Sonsierra
- • Valdezcaray ski station is just 15 min from Ezcaray
Sports insurance for the Picos de la Demanda
SeguroHigh-mountain race with technical sections and significant altitude. Sports insurance is essential.
Browse all seguroTips
- • Basic accident insurance included with registration
- • La Rioja federation license includes additional coverage
- • Mountain rescue coverage highly recommended, especially for the 35K
Body care for the Picos de la Demanda
Cuidado corporalHigh mountain with wind exposure and temperature changes. The San Lorenzo ridges are demanding on the skin.
Browse all cuidado corporal
Tips
- • Anti-chafe cream for longer distances
- • A buff protects from cold wind on ridges above 2,000m
- • Light gloves recommended for the 35K in September
Sun protection for the Picos de la Demanda
Protección solarIn September, UV radiation at high altitude is intense. Altitude amplifies exposure, and exposed ridges offer no shade.
ISDIN
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Protector solar facial ultraligero de fase acuosa con SPF 50+. Textura fluida que se absorbe al instante sin dejar residuo graso, ideal para aplicar durante la carrera. Resistente al agua y al sudor.
Sun Bum
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Bálsamo labial con protección solar SPF 30 en formato stick. Hidrata y protege los labios de quemaduras solares, un punto que muchos corredores olvidan. Sabor a coco, sin parabenos.
Tips
- • At 2,271m UV radiation is 25% more intense than at sea level
- • Reapply every 2 hours, essential on exposed ridges
- • Protect lips and ears, commonly forgotten areas
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Trail Picos de la Demanda 2026?
- The Trail Picos de la Demanda takes place in September 2026 in Ezcaray (La Rioja). The event runs over two days: the Night Race on Friday and the trail races on Saturday.
- What distances does the Trail Picos de la Demanda offer?
- Four distances: 35K with 2,300m elevation gain, 24K with 1,200m elevation gain, 10K with 450m elevation gain, and the Night Race 7K with 350m elevation gain. There are also children's races.
- Is it suitable for beginners?
- The 10K with 450m elevation gain is accessible for runners with some trail experience. The 7K Night Race is the most approachable distance. The 35K is for advanced runners with high-mountain experience.
- How do I get to Ezcaray?
- Ezcaray is in the Oja Valley, 60 km from Logroño via the LR-111. The nearest airports are Bilbao (BIO, 130 km), Vitoria (VIT, 100 km), and Logroño-Agoncillo (RJL, 60 km).
- Does the course summit Pico San Lorenzo?
- Yes, the 35K passes through Pico San Lorenzo (2,271m), La Rioja's highest peak. It's the high point of the long course and one of the race's main attractions.
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