Cercedilla
Cross de Las Dehesas
Sunday, 27 September 2026
Registration closed for Cross de Las Dehesas 2026
The race is on 27 September 2026. Check the mandatory kit before you travel.
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross de Las Dehesas | 29 km | D+ 1900m | - | 35 EUR |
| Trail Dehesas de la Fuenfría | 15.2 km | D+ 960m | - | 24 EUR |
Cross de Las Dehesas requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Best Value Trail and Mountain GPS Watches 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
See comparisonWhat you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon
Salomon Soft Flask 250 ml
Maurten
Maurten Gel 100
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
13%
0.4 mm avg
Wind
15 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
11h
daily average
Forecast for 27 September
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Cross de Las Dehesas: Sierra de Guadarrama classic
Cross de Las Dehesas is one of Spain’s most historic mountain races. Organized since 1986 by Club Tierra Trágame in partnership with the Madrid Mountain Federation (FMM), the race reaches its 39th edition in 2026. Start and finish at the Cercedilla Sports Center, in the heart of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
The race counts towards the Madrid Mountain Running Cup and the Regional Championship, making it a must-run for mountain runners in the Madrid region.
The course: iconic Guadarrama summits
The 29 kilometers of the Cross trace a spectacular circuit through Sierra de Guadarrama’s most iconic summits:
- Roman road to Puerto de la Fuenfría — Starting along the historic route crossing the mountain range
- Siete Picos (1,934 m) — The sierra’s most photogenic ridge, with views of both Castiles
- Montón de Trigo (2,161 m) — The highest point of the race, the course ceiling
- Peña Bercial and Peña del Águila — Technical summits above 2,000 m
- Fuenfría Valley — Final descent through pine forests back to Cercedilla
The terrain is 55% technical trail with granite rock, roots and mountain paths. Starting elevation is 1,196 m and the highest point reaches 2,161 m.
Trail Dehesas de la Fuenfría: mid-distance alternative
For those seeking a more accessible challenge, Trail Dehesas de la Fuenfría offers 15.2 km with 960 m elevation gain through the Fuenfría Valley. A course that shares the race’s essence without the demands of the highest summits.
Cercedilla: gateway to Sierra de Guadarrama
Cercedilla is one of Madrid’s most accessible mountain villages, just 60 km from the capital. Connected by commuter train (C-8b line from Chamartín), it’s the classic starting point for routes in the Fuenfría Valley and Puerto de Navacerrada. In September, the sierra is at its best: pleasant temperatures, golden pine forests and the first colors of autumn.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
360Complete Pack
Cross de Las Dehesas 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration open on the race website, managed through YouEvent. Bibs limited to 300 for the Cross and limited spots for the Fuenfría Trail.
Browse all registrationTips
- •Reduced price for FMM federation members (€3 less per distance)
- •Cross bibs sell out: don't leave registration until the last minute
- •Includes TUGA technical shirt, insurance, aid stations and gear storage
- •Minimum age 21 years for Cross de Las Dehesas
Where to stay for Cross de Las Dehesas
AccommodationCercedilla is a Sierra de Guadarrama village with good rural accommodation options. You can also stay in nearby towns like Navacerrada or Los Molinos.
Browse all accommodationTips
- •Rural houses and hotels in Cercedilla: book in advance for weekends
- •Navacerrada and Los Molinos are 10-15 minutes away
- •The race is on Sunday: arrive Saturday and stay overnight
- •Madrid city center is 60 km away (1 hour via A-6 and AP-6)
Gear for Cross de Las Dehesas
GearTechnical mountain race with sections above 2,000 m in September. Varied terrain with technical trail, Roman road and granite ridgeline.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon's most versatile trail shoe, ideal for technical terrain and mud. Exceptional grip with Contagrip sole and EnergyCell+ cushioning.
Salomon
Salomon Soft Flask 250 ml
Collapsible 250 ml soft flask with a high-flow valve and a wide 42 mm mouth for fast refills at aid stations. It shrinks as you drink, fits the front pocket of any vest and weighs just a few grams empty.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Ultralight carbon Z-pole foldable trekking poles. 137 g per pole in 110 cm length, 33 cm folded. EVA grip and adjustable strap. The trail running reference.
Hoka
Hoka Speedgoat 7
The best-selling trail shoe in the US and an absolute ultra-trail classic. Max Hoka cushioning, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip in mud and technical terrain, and a snug Matryx upper. Built to eat up kilometres without punishing your legs in long races.
Altra
Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running shoe with zero drop and wide FootShape toe box that allows natural toe splay. 25 mm stack with EGO foam for balanced cushioning without losing ground contact. MaxTrac outsole with 3.5 mm lugs, ideal for non-technical trails, forest tracks and long-distance paths.
New Balance
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
The model breaking into Spain's best-seller charts. Fresh Foam X midsole with a solid balance between cushioning and ground feel, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a comfortable last suited to wide feet. A reliable all-rounder for training runs and mountain races of any distance.
Saucony
Saucony Peregrine 16
The all-round trail shoe par excellence, with excellent reviews across every type of runner. PWRTRAC outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip on mixed and technical terrain, balanced PWRRUN cushioning, and rock-plate protection depending on the version. The perfect middle ground between responsiveness and protection.
Freet
Freet Feldom 3
100% barefoot trail shoe with zero drop, minimal stack (6 mm sole) and anatomical last that respects the natural width of the foot. No midsole cushioning: maximum proprioception and ground feedback. Multi-directional lugs for dirt trails and paths. Designed for runners already adapted to minimalist footwear or those transitioning gradually from cushioned natural footwear.
Tips
- •Trail shoes with good grip: technical terrain with granite rock and roots
- •Hydration vest or pack for the 29 km with 1,900 m elevation gain
- •September in the sierra: can be hot below and cold on the summits
- •Poles are NOT allowed in this race
Which shoes for Cross de Las Dehesas?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Cross de Las Dehesas?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
The best trail running poles in 2026, compared on technical criteria: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Leki Ultratrail FX.One, Komperdell Carbon FXP Trail and Cascade Mountain Tech. Weight, folded length, aluminium vs carbon, technique and how to pick your size.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
In-depth comparison of the best hydration vests and packs for trail running in 2026: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set, Salomon Active Skin 8, CamelBak Octane, Compressport UltRun Vest, NNormal Race Vest, AONIJIE 10L and HANKER waist belt. Soft flasks vs reservoir, how many litres by distance, how to stop the vest bouncing and how much water to carry.
Best Value Trail and Mountain GPS Watches 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
The best value-for-money trail and mountain GPS watches in 2026: Coros Pace 3, Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Cheetah Pro, Garmin Forerunner 165 and Suunto Race 2. How much a good trail watch costs, which ones have cheap offline maps, whether an Amazfit performs like a Garmin and which watch to buy for your budget. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
Nutrition for Cross de Las Dehesas
NutritionDemanding race with 4 aid stations on course plus the finish. Water, isotonic drink and fruit available 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.
Crown Sport Nutrition
Crown Sport Nutrition 3:1 Recovery+
Recuperador muscular a base de proteína de suero aislada (whey isolate) con ratio carbohidratos-proteína 3:1, enriquecido con L-Leucina y L-Glutamina. Certificado Informed Sport y sin alérgenos añadidos. Formato de 750 g, sabor sandía.
GU
GU Energy Gel Original
Gel energético con 100 calorías y 21g de carbohidratos por sobre. Mezcla de maltodextrina y fructosa para absorción óptima. Incluye aminoácidos y electrolitos. El gel más usado en ultratrails de todo el mundo.
Victory Endurance
Victory Endurance Total Recovery
Preparado en polvo para bebida de recuperación post-entreno con carbohidratos, electrolitos y proteína en ratio BCAA 2:1:1. Incluye 12 vitaminas y 9 minerales para acelerar la recuperación muscular tras un trail largo. Formato de 1250 g, sabor sandía.
226ERS
226ERS Recovery Drink
Muscle recovery shake from Spanish brand 226ERS. Formula with whey protein, amylopectin, amino acids (including glutamine and BCAAs) and minerals. Carb-to-protein ratio optimised for the post-exercise window. Good taste and digestive tolerance.
226ERS
226ERS Sub9 Pro Salts Electrolytes
The caffeinated version of Sub9 Salts: 250 mg of sodium and 40 mg of caffeine per capsule, plus potassium, magnesium and ginger. Made for the final stretch of an ultra, when you need to replace salts and get a lift without opening another caffeine gel.
226ERS
226ERS Sub9 Salts Electrolytes
Mineral salt capsules with 250 mg of sodium each, plus potassium, magnesium and ginger extract for better digestive tolerance. The highest sodium per capsule from Spain's benchmark endurance brand. Zero calories: you replace salts without touching your gel plan.
Tips
- •4 aid stations on the Cross course with water, isotonic drink and fruit
- •Carry extra gels or bars: long gaps between aid stations at altitude
- •The Fuenfría Trail also has aid stations on course
- •Finish line meal included in registration
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
How to get to Cercedilla
TransportCercedilla is in the Sierra de Guadarrama, well connected by road and train from Madrid.
Browse all transportTips
- •From Madrid: 60 km via A-6 and AP-6, Cercedilla exit
- •Cercanías train C-8b from Chamartín to Cercedilla (1h 15min)
- •Parking available at the Sports Center and surroundings
- •Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is 75 km away
Car rental for Cross de Las Dehesas
Car RentalA car gives you flexibility to explore Sierra de Guadarrama over the weekend, though Cercedilla has good train connections.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
Urban vehicle rental subscription, perfect for getting to races with good highway and conventional road access.
Carla
Carla Car Rental - Reserva ahora, paga después
Car rental comparison in over 180 countries with free cancellation. Book now and pay when you pick up the vehicle, no hidden fees or upfront card charges.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
SUV/crossover vehicle rental subscription, ideal for reaching mountain races via rural roads and forest tracks.
Hertz
Hertz - Alquiler de coches
Car rental with one of the world's most recognised brands, with offices at airports and cities across Spain.
Tips
- •Great if you want to explore the sierra: La Pedriza, Peñalara, Cotos
- •If you're only coming for the race, the Cercanías train is a good alternative
Sports insurance for Cross de Las Dehesas
InsuranceRegistration includes accident and liability insurance. Mountain federation members also have their federation coverage.
Browse all insuranceTips
- •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 Las Dehesas
Body CareDemanding mountain race with technical terrain. 29 km and nearly 2,000 m elevation require good preparation.
Compeed
Compeed Ampollas Medianas Duplo
Hydrocolloid blister plasters for medium blisters. Instant pain relief, protect the blister while it heals and stay in place for hours even with sweat. Pack of 10 individually wrapped plasters, ideal for carrying in a trail running vest.
BodyGlide
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Anti-chafe balm in stick format. Creates an invisible barrier on the skin that reduces friction without clogging pores. Sweat-resistant, ideal for critical zones like inner thighs, armpits, and nipples on long races.
Buff
Buff CoolNet UV+
Multifunctional tubular with UPF 50+ UV protection and cooling technology. Can be worn as neck gaiter, headband, balaclava or wristband. CoolNet fabric reflects UV rays and cools the skin by evaporation.
Julbo
Julbo Aerospeed
Sport sunglasses with Reactiv photochromic lenses that automatically adapt to light conditions (category 1 to 3). Designed for trail running with non-slip temples and integrated ventilation.
OOFOS
OOFOS OOriginal Sport
Unisex recovery sandal with patented OOfoam technology, which absorbs 37% more impact than conventional EVA foam and reduces stress on feet, ankles and back after exertion. Closed thong-style toe post with built-in arch support in the footbed. Machine washable.
Therabody
Theragun Mini (2.ª generación)
Compact massage gun with QuietForce motor and 3 speeds (1750-2400 percussions/min). Weighs just 500g and fits in your race vest or bag. Ideal for self-massage of quads, calves and glutes after a trail.
Compex
Compex Ayre Recovery Boots
Pneumatic pressotherapy boots with 4 sequential air chambers. Dynamic compression that improves venous return and speeds up toxin elimination after mountain races. 3 pressure levels and 20-30 minute sessions. Built-in rechargeable battery.
Salomon
Salomon Mangas Running
Lightweight, breathable and absorbent running sleeves from Salomon, with a comfortable adaptable fit for variable mountain temperature conditions.
Tips
- •Quality trail socks to prevent blisters on technical terrain
- •Anti-chafe balm on friction areas
- •Showers available at Cercedilla Sports Center after the race
Sun protection for Cross de Las Dehesas
Sun ProtectionDaytime September race with long ridgeline sections above 2,000 m. High sun exposure on the summits.
ISDIN
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight water-phase facial sunscreen with SPF 50+. Fluid texture that absorbs instantly with no greasy residue, ideal for applying during a race. Water and sweat resistant.
Cantabria Labs
Heliocare 360º Sport Transparent Stick SPF 50+
Transparent SPF 50+ sun stick, 25 g, with 360º protection (UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared). Goes on dry in seconds over face, ears, neck and bald scalp with no sticky hands and no white cast: the format built for reapplying at an aid station. High water and sweat resistance, from a Spanish pharmacy brand.
Columbia
Columbia Schooner Bank II Cachalot
Legionnaire-style cap with neck flap, ideal for long-duration races with intense sun exposure. Covers the neck and ears, two of the areas most prone to sunburn in the mountains.
Julbo
Julbo Aero
Sports sunglasses with a Reactiv photochromic lens that automatically adapts to changing light, an ultralight panoramic frame and the Air Link temple system for a secure, pressure-free fit. Built for high-mountain trail running, where light shifts constantly between forest, rock and open summits.
Sun Bum
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Lip balm with SPF 30 sun protection in stick format. Moisturises and protects lips from sunburn, a spot many runners forget. Coconut flavour, paraben-free.
Buff
Buff Venture Gorra 5 Panel
Lightweight 5-panel cap with UPF 50+ protection, breathable fabric and comfortable fit. Ideal for summer trail running races where weight and ventilation are a priority.
d'Alba
d'Alba Air Fit Fresh Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
Facial SPF 50+ PA++++ sun stick, 19 g, Korean skincare, vegan and fragrance-free. Dry, powdery finish, not sticky, doesn't sting the eyes when you sweat: comfortable for daily training and shorter races. The lightest and cheapest option in the comparison.
Piz Buin
Piz Buin Mountain SPF 50+
Mountain sunscreen with SPF 50+ formulated for extreme altitude conditions. Extra protection against intensified UV radiation and cold wind. Rich texture that protects skin from dehydration.
Tips
- •Apply sunscreen before the start: the Siete Picos ridge has no shade
- •Cap or visor essential: several hours above 2,000 m
- •September still has strong sun in the Sierra de Guadarrama
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We tested 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — against heat, altitude UV and hours of sweat. See the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Cross de Las Dehesas 2026?
- The 39th edition of Cross de Las Dehesas takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM from the Cercedilla Sports Center.
- What distances are available at Carrera de Las Dehesas?
- Two competitive distances for adults: Cross de Las Dehesas (29 km, 1,900 m D+) and Trail Dehesas de la Fuenfría (15.2 km, 960 m D+). There are also children's races.
- What is the Cross de Las Dehesas route?
- It starts from Cercedilla Sports Center, climbs via the Roman road to Puerto de la Fuenfría, traverses the Siete Picos ridge (1,934 m), continues to Montón de Trigo summit (2,161 m), Peña Bercial and Peña del Águila, then descends back through the Fuenfría Valley.
- How much does Las Dehesas registration cost?
- Approximately €32 for mountain federation members and €35 for non-members for the Cross. The Fuenfría Trail costs €21 (federation) and €24 (non-members). Registration through the race website.
- What does registration include?
- Accident and liability insurance, technical race shirt, photos, aid stations on course and at the finish, gear storage, showers and raffle.
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