Cross de Cuerda Larga

Cross de Cuerda Larga: the classic Copa de Hierro traverse

Cross de Cuerda Larga is one of Madrid’s most historic mountain races. Organized since 1988 by RSEA Peñalara (Royal Spanish Mountaineering Society Peñalara), the race was born coinciding with the society’s 75th anniversary and is part of the Copa de Hierro circuit, alongside Cross de los 3 Refugios, Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca, Carrera de Las Dehesas and Cross de La Pedriza.

The 38th edition in 2026 maintains the spring date (May 31), having moved from autumn in recent years for better weather conditions.

The course: the Cuerda Larga ridge

The 26 kilometers follow the spectacular ridge connecting Puerto de la Morcuera to Puerto de Navacerrada, one of the most iconic traverses in the Sierra de Guadarrama:

• Miraflores de la Sierra — Start from the village, climb to Puerto de la Morcuera
• Loma de Bailanderos (2,133 m) — First summit on the ridge
• Asómate de Hoyos (2,242 m) — High point with impressive views
• Cabeza de Hierro Mayor (2,383 m) — Highest point of the race and roof of Cuerda Larga
• Cerro de Valdemartín (2,283 m) — Continuing along the ridge
• Alto de Guarramillas (2,265 m) — Last major summit before the descent
• Puerto de Navacerrada — Finish at the Military Residence

The terrain is granite ridge with an average altitude above 2,000 m. Despite the altitude, the course is very runnable overall, without major technical difficulties, though with continuous ascents and descents between summits.

Copa de Hierro: Madrid’s mountain tradition

Cross de Cuerda Larga is the second race in the Copa de Hierro Peñalara, a circuit of five mountain races in the Sierra de Guadarrama. To earn a trophy and classification in the Copa de Hierro, runners must complete at least four of the five races. It’s one of the most respected trail competitions in Madrid, with decades of history.

Miraflores de la Sierra: Madrid’s northern sierra

Miraflores de la Sierra is a mountain village 50 km from Madrid, on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama. At 1,150 m altitude, it’s a classic starting point for routes to Puerto de la Morcuera and Cuerda Larga. In May, the sierra is in full spring: pleasant temperatures, green meadows and residual snow on the highest peaks.