Cercedilla
Cross de Las Dehesas
Sunday, 26 September 2027estimated date
Cross de Las Dehesas
29km D+ 1900m
Trail Dehesas de la Fuenfría
15.2km D+ 960m
Your checklist for Cross de Las Dehesas
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 8 ready
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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
Trail shoes with good grip: technical terrain with granite rock and roots
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
4 aid stations on the Cross course with water, isotonic drink and fruit
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
Apply sunscreen before the start: the Siete Picos ridge has no shade
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
Quality trail socks to prevent blisters on technical terrain
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Compeed Blister Plasters Medium Duo
Instant pain relief on application
Downside: Medium size may not cover large blisters
Car Rental
Great if you want to explore the sierra: La Pedriza, Peñalara, Cotos
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud City
Mandatory
Charged mobile phone
Mobile phone with sufficient battery
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
Mandatory
Water reserve
Minimum 500 ml of water or isotonic drink
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
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
Charged mobile phone
Mobile phone with sufficient battery
Water reserve
Minimum 500 ml of water or isotonic drink
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
2 modalities
Cross de Las Dehesas
Price: 35 EUR
- Distance
- 29 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1900m
- Max Time
- -
Trail Dehesas de la Fuenfría
Price: 24 EUR
- Distance
- 15.2 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 960m
- Max Time
- -
| 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 |
Will your watch battery last the ~8 h of Cross de Las Dehesas?Worked out for the longest course (29 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchCross de Las Dehesas 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
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 26 September
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
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.
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.
Tips
- •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.
Tips
- •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.
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
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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 Cross de Las Dehesas
NutritionDemanding race with 4 aid stations on course plus the finish. Water, isotonic drink and fruit available at aid stations.
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.
Tips
- •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.
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.
Tips
- •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.
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.
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 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 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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