Cross de los 3 Refugios

Cross de los 3 Refugios: the legendary Sierra de Guadarrama traverse

Cross de los 3 Refugios is one of Madrid’s and Spain’s most historic mountain races. Its origins date back to 1923, when RSEA Peñalara organized a rally between three mountain refuges in the Sierra de Guadarrama: the Fuenfría Refuge, the Navacerrada Shelter and the Ventisquero de la Condesa Refuge. After a hiatus, the race was revived in 1991 as a mountain running event and has been held every year since.

The 2026 edition will be the 35th in the modern format, carrying the subtitle Memorial Cris Santurino in memory of a community runner who died in the mountains. It is a qualifying race for the Copa de Hierro RSEA Peñalara and the Madrid Mountain Running Championship for individuals and teams.

The course: from La Pedriza to Bola del Mundo

The 24-kilometer traverse starts at Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Manzanares el Real and finishes at the Military Residence in Puerto de Navacerrada, with 1,700 meters of accumulated elevation gain. The linear course crosses some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Sierra de Guadarrama:

• La Pedriza — Enter via Collado del Perro and Quebrantaherraduras, passing Canto Cochino and the sierra’s most iconic granite formations
• Manzanares River — Following the river upstream to Puente de los Manchegos
• Collado de los Pastores and Collado de las Vacas — Demanding climbing section toward the summits
• La Maliciosa (2,227 m) — Technical ascent up the south face of one of Guadarrama’s most imposing peaks
• Guarramillas / Bola del Mundo (2,265 m) — The race’s highest point, with the Navacerrada station antennas as a landmark
• Descent to Puerto de Navacerrada — Final downhill via Los Emburriaderos to the finish

November conditions in the sierra

Cross de los 3 Refugios is held on November 1, All Saints’ Day. Conditions in the Sierra de Guadarrama at this time of year can be demanding: temperatures near 0°C on the summits, possible snow or ice on the highest sections, and strong winds on the ridges. Mandatory gear requirements are strict and must include waterproof clothing, a whistle and an emergency blanket.

Manzanares el Real: gateway to La Pedriza

Manzanares el Real is a charming village at the foot of La Pedriza, in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Its 15th-century medieval castle and the Santillana reservoir are the main tourist attractions. Just 50 km from Madrid, it’s an ideal destination to combine the race with a long weekend taking advantage of the November 1 public holiday.