Ezcaray
Trail Picos de la Demanda
Saturday, 1 May 2027
35K Trail
35km D+ 2300m
24K Trail
24km D+ 1200m
10K Trail
10.5km D+ 450m
Nocturna by Irier
7km D+ 350m
Your checklist for Trail Picos de la Demanda
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 11 ready
Swipe to see all 12 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
Mountain trail shoes with strong grip on rock and scree
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
Carry enough nutrition between aid stations
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
At 2,271m UV radiation is 25% more intense than at sea level
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 cream for longer distances
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
Combine the race with a winery tour through Haro and San Vicente de la Sonsierra
Done, you already have it
View on Carla →(opens in a new tab)Carla Car Rental - Book Now, Pay Later
Mandatory
Windproof jacket
Mandatory for the 35K due to San Lorenzo altitude
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Bonatti WP
Mandatory
Charged mobile phone
Fully charged with emergency number saved
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
Mandatory
Reusable cup
For aid stations
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
Water reserve
Mandatory for the 35K
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)MARLOAR Soft Flask 500 ml (Pack of 2)
Two units for the price of one branded flask
Downside: Silicone is heavier and tastes slightly more than branded TPU flasks
Mandatory
Headlamp
Mandatory for the Night Race and recommended for the 35K
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Petzl Actik Core
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.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Windproof jacket
Mandatory for the 35K due to San Lorenzo altitude
Charged mobile phone
Fully charged with emergency number saved
Reusable cup
For aid stations
Water reserve
Mandatory for the 35K
Headlamp
Mandatory for the Night Race and recommended for the 35K
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
4 modalities
35K Trail
- Distance
- 35 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2300m
- Max Time
- 8h
24K Trail
- Distance
- 24 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1200m
- Max Time
- 5h
10K Trail
- Distance
- 10.5 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 450m
- Max Time
- 3h
Nocturna by Irier
- Distance
- 7 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 350m
- Max Time
- 2h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Will your watch battery last the ~10 h of Trail Picos de la Demanda?Worked out for the longest course (35 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchTrail Picos de la Demanda 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 15 °C: guide and kit →
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 1 May
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
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.
360Complete Pack
Trail Picos de la Demanda 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration through the official website. The event is organized by the Asociación Amigos de Ezcaray with over 10 editions of experience.
Tips
- •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
AccommodationEzcaray is a tourist village with good accommodation options, but September is high season. Book well in advance.
Tips
- •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
GearHigh 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.
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
Which shoes for Trail Picos de la Demanda?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Trail Picos de la Demanda?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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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.
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Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Nutrition for the Picos de la Demanda
NutritionAid stations along the course. On the 35K, gaps between stations can be long in the high-mountain sections.
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
TransportEzcaray 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.
Tips
- •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
Car RentalA car is essential to reach Ezcaray. Great for exploring the Oja Valley and Rioja Alta wine country.
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
InsuranceHigh-mountain race with technical sections and significant altitude. Sports insurance is essential.
Tips
- •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
Body CareHigh mountain with wind exposure and temperature changes. The San Lorenzo ridges are demanding on the skin.
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
Sun ProtectionIn September, UV radiation at high altitude is intense. Altitude amplifies exposure, and exposed ridges offer no shade.
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
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Trail Picos de la Demanda 2027?
- 1-2 May 2027 in Ezcaray (La Rioja). The race moves from September to May because Ezcaray hosts the Spanish national championships that weekend: the Night Race and the Vertical Uphill open the programme and the mountain races split across Saturday and Sunday.
- Is this the Spanish Trail Running Championships 2027?
- Yes. Ezcaray and the Sierra de la Demanda host the 2027 Spanish Championships in Vertical Uphill and Classic Mountain Running. Picos de la Demanda organises it, adapting courses, aid stations and logistics to a national championship with the country's best specialists.
- 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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