Manzanares el Real
Cross de la Pedriza
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Cross de la Pedriza 25K
25km D+ 1600m
Cross de la Pedriza 18K
18km D+ 1000m
Cross de la Pedriza 12K
12km D+ 600m
Cross de la Pedriza 5K
5km D+ 250m
Date, registration & deadlines
May 10, 2026 · Registration open
Local guides
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross de la Pedriza 25K | 25 km | D+ 1600m | - | - | 34 EUR |
| Cross de la Pedriza 18K | 18 km | D+ 1000m | - | - | 28 EUR |
| Cross de la Pedriza 12K | 12 km | D+ 600m | - | - | 20 EUR |
| Cross de la Pedriza 5K | 5 km | D+ 250m | - | - | 12 EUR |
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
10°C – 20°C
Average 15°C
Rain
40%
2.8 mm avg
Wind
17 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
12h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (40% chance of rain)
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
Bring thermal layers (low of 10°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Sun protection essential (12h sunshine, up to 20°C)
Forecast for May 10
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Cross de la Pedriza: legendary race in the heart of the Guadarrama
Cross de la Pedriza is one of Madrid’s most iconic mountain races. Organized by the Real Sociedad Española de Alpinismo Peñalara (RSEA Peñalara) in partnership with the Madrid Mountain Federation, the race reaches its 35th edition in 2026. Start and finish at the Town Hall Square of Manzanares el Real, the gateway to Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
The race scores for the Copa de Hierro by RSEA Peñalara and serves as the Madrid Mountain Running Championship, making it an essential event for runners in the region. Created in 1989 as “Cross de Escalada” by legendary mountaineer Carlos Soria, the race has grown to offer four distances for all levels.
The course: rock, water and granite summits
La Pedriza is a unique landscape in Europe: an immense granite chaos sculpted by erosion over millions of years. The 25 km course crosses this spectacular scenery along technical trails featuring:
- Senda Maeso — Classic access to La Pedriza with views of the Santillana reservoir
- El Yelmo (1,717 m) — La Pedriza’s most iconic granite spire, visible from kilometers away
- Collado de la Ventana — Pass between the Anterior and Posterior sections of La Pedriza
- Las Torres — Area of spectacular rock formations with mandatory scrambles
- Streams and meadows — Water crossings and green zones breaking through the granite
The terrain combines technical trail, rock scrambles (hands-on), stream crossings and mountain paths. A race where technique matters as much as fitness.
Four distances for all levels
Cross de la Pedriza offers distances for runners of all abilities:
- 25K (1,600 m D+): the complete route through La Pedriza, with the most technical sections and highest summits. Time limit: 6 hours.
- 18K (1,000 m D+): long route without the most extreme sections. Time limit: 4 hours.
- 12K (600 m D+): mid-distance ideal for first-timers in La Pedriza.
- 5K (250 m D+): short route for families and beginners.
Places are limited for all distances due to National Park regulations.
Manzanares el Real: castle, reservoir and mountains
Manzanares el Real is a charming village just 50 km from Madrid. Famous for its 15th-century Mendoza Castle (one of the best-preserved in the region), the Santillana reservoir and, of course, La Pedriza, the largest granite formation in Europe. In May, the sierra is in full spring: pleasant temperatures, flowing streams and green meadows. A perfect weekend to combine racing, nature and sightseeing.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Mobile phone with sufficient battery
Waterproof jacket or windbreaker with hood, correct size
360 Complete Pack
Cross de la Pedriza 2026 Registration
InscripciónRegistration managed through RockTheSport. Places limited for each distance due to Sierra de Guadarrama National Park regulations.
Browse all inscripciónTips
- • Registration opens first for federation members (February 25-27), then for everyone
- • Limited places: La Pedriza is a National Park with regulated access
- • Reduced price for FMM federation members
- • No cups provided at aid stations: bring your own collapsible cup
Where to stay for Cross de la Pedriza
AlojamientoManzanares el Real is a charming village at the foot of Sierra de Guadarrama, famous for its medieval castle and the Santillana reservoir.
Browse all alojamientoTips
- • Hotels and rural houses in Manzanares el Real: book in advance
- • Soto del Real and Colmenar Viejo are 10-15 minutes away
- • Madrid city center is 50 km away (under 1 hour via M-607)
- • The race is on Sunday: arrive Saturday and visit the Mendoza Castle
Gear for Cross de la Pedriza
MaterialTechnical race through La Pedriza with scrambles, granite rock and stream crossings. The terrain demands shoes with excellent grip and protection.
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 Soft Flask 150 ml
Vaso blando reutilizable de 150 ml para avituallamientos. Se pliega vacío, cabe en cualquier bolsillo. Válvula de mordida para beber sin parar.
Tips
- • Trail shoes with sticky soles: smooth granite rock and wet stream crossings
- • Hydration vest mandatory: you need to carry water and your own cup
- • May in La Pedriza: hot in lower areas but cool on the summits
- • Extensive mandatory gear list: check the full list before starting
Nutrition for Cross de la Pedriza
NutriciónDemanding race with aid stations on course. Remember to bring your own cup: none are provided at aid stations.
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.
Tips
- • Bring your own collapsible cup: mandatory and not provided at aid stations
- • Extra gels and bars for the technical sections between aid stations
- • Hydration is key in May: temperatures can exceed 25 C in lower areas
- • Water and isotonic drinks available at aid stations
How to get to Manzanares el Real
TransporteManzanares el Real is north of Madrid, at the foot of La Pedriza, well connected by road.
Browse all transporteTips
- • From Madrid: 50 km via M-607 and M-862 (45 minutes)
- • Intercity buses from Plaza de Castilla (line 724)
- • Parking in Manzanares el Real (arrive early: race starts at 8:45 AM)
- • Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is 60 km away
Car rental for Cross de la Pedriza
Alquiler de vehículoA car lets you explore Sierra de Guadarrama and reach Manzanares el Real comfortably.
Browse all alquiler de vehículo
Tips
- • Great for a weekend in the sierra: La Pedriza, Peñalara, La Barranca
- • The bus from Plaza de Castilla is an alternative if you don't need a car
Sports insurance for Cross de la Pedriza
SeguroRegistration includes accident and liability insurance. Mountain federation members also have their federation coverage.
Browse all seguroTips
- • Accident and liability insurance included in registration
- • Medical service and ambulances on course during the race
- • FMM federation members have additional coverage
Body care for Cross de la Pedriza
Cuidado corporalTechnical terrain with granite rock, scrambles and stream crossings. Blisters and chafing are common on this type of course.
Compeed
Compeed Ampollas Medianas Duplo
Apósitos hidrocoloides para ampollas medianas. Alivio inmediato del dolor, protegen la ampolla mientras se cura y se mantienen en su sitio durante horas incluso con sudor. Pack de 10 unidades en envases individuales, ideal para llevar en la mochila de trail.
BodyGlide
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Bálsamo anti-rozaduras en formato stick. Crea una barrera invisible sobre la piel que reduce la fricción sin obstruir los poros. Resistente al sudor, ideal para zonas críticas como ingles, axilas y pezones en carreras largas.
Tips
- • Durable trail socks: granite rock and streams are tough on feet
- • Anti-chafe balm on friction areas
- • Mandatory gloves protect during rock scrambles
- • Watch your ankles: the uneven terrain demands constant attention
Sun protection for Cross de la Pedriza
Protección solarMay race with high sun exposure in the open areas of La Pedriza. Few shaded sections on the summit route.
Browse all protección solar
Tips
- • Apply sunscreen before the start: La Pedriza has very little shade
- • Cap or visor recommended: several hours under the May sun
- • May sun in the sierra can be intense: reapply at aid stations
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Cross de la Pedriza 2026?
- The 35th edition of Cross de la Pedriza takes place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM from the Town Hall Square in Manzanares el Real.
- What distances are available at Cross de la Pedriza?
- Four distances: 25 km (1,600 m D+), 18 km (1,000 m D+), 12 km (600 m D+) and 5 km (250 m D+). Places are limited for each distance as the race takes place inside a National Park.
- What is the Cross de la Pedriza 25K route?
- It starts from the Town Hall Square in Manzanares el Real and runs through La Pedriza via Senda Maeso, El Yelmo, Collado de la Ventana and Las Torres. Technical terrain with scrambles, granite rock, streams and mountain trails.
- What mandatory gear is required?
- Gloves and buff, mobile phone, waterproof jacket or windbreaker with hood, emergency thermal blanket, hydration bottle or pack, your own cup and the race track loaded on a GPS watch or mobile phone.
- How much does Cross de la Pedriza registration cost?
- Approximately 34 EUR for non-federation members in the 25K. Reduced prices for mountain federation members. Registration opens February 25 (federation members first) and closes May 4 or when places sell out.
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