Navacerrada
Gran Trail de Peñalara
Friday, October 9, 2026
Date, registration & deadlines
Oct 9, 2026 · Registration open
Local guides
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTP 104K | 104 km | D+ 5100m | - | 24h30 | 142 EUR |
| TP60 | 61 km | D+ 2700m | - | 13h | - |
| Cross Nocturno Navacerrada | 11 km | D+ 450m | - | - | - |
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
11°C – 20°C
Average 16°C
Rain
23%
1.7 mm avg
Wind
11 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
9h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (9h sunshine, up to 20°C)
Forecast for October 9
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Gran Trail de Peñalara: the loop around the Sierra de Guadarrama
The Gran Trail de Peñalara (GTP) is the most iconic ultra trail race in the Madrid region. Organised by the Royal Spanish Mountaineering Society Peñalara — the oldest mountaineering club in Spain, founded in 1913 — the race offers a complete circular loop around the Sierra de Guadarrama with start and finish in Navacerrada.
The GTP has established itself as one of the most coveted mountain ultras on the national calendar, with spots selling out every year within hours.
GTP 104K: 5,100 metres of elevation in one night
The flagship event is the GTP 104K, starting on Friday at 23:30 from the Paseo de los Españoles in Navacerrada. Runners have 24 hours and 30 minutes to complete the 104 kilometres and 5,100 metres of elevation gain circling the entire sierra.
The circular course passes through the most iconic spots of the Sierra de Guadarrama:
- La Maliciosa (2,227m) — First major climb after the night start
- La Pedriza — Unique granite landscape, technical terrain
- Puerto de la Morcuera (1,796m) — Key pass between valleys
- Rascafría — Relay point, main aid station
- Peñalara (2,428m) — Roof of the sierra and highest point on course
- La Granja de San Ildefonso — Segovian side of the sierra
- Puerto de Cotos (1,830m) — Start of the final section
- Bola del Mundo (2,265m) — Last major climb before the descent to Navacerrada
The terrain combines 54% trails, 38% forest tracks and only 8% asphalt, crossing the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park in its entirety. Use our time estimator to set realistic goals for the 104K based on the cumulative elevation.
TP60: the sierra in long marathon format
The TP60 covers 61 kilometres with 2,700 metres of elevation gain, starting from Miraflores de la Sierra on Sunday at 7:30 and finishing in Navacerrada. The time limit is 13 hours. The course passes through Morcuera, Rascafría, Peñalara, Puerto de Cotos and Alto de Guarramillas.
Cross Nocturno Navacerrada (CNN)
The CNN is a night race of 11 km with 450 metres of elevation that loops around the Navacerrada reservoir. It takes place on Friday evening, serving as a festive prelude to the trail weekend.
Sierra de Guadarrama: mountains at the gates of Madrid
The Sierra de Guadarrama, declared a National Park in 2013, offers a high-mountain environment less than an hour from Madrid. Peaks exceeding 2,400 metres, glacial cirques, Scots pine forests and granite rock formations shape a landscape of immense natural value. October conditions can be demanding: cold nights, wind on the ridges and possible rain.
Review the mandatory gear guide before packing, and check our budget guide to plan your expenses. Explore more races in Madrid.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
With enough battery and emergency numbers saved
360 Complete Pack
Gran Trail de Peñalara 2026 Registration
InscripciónRegistration opens from February 10, 2026 via the official website. No lottery for the GTP — direct allocation until the 300 spots are filled.
Browse all inscripciónTips
- • Direct registration for the GTP 104K: no lottery, sells out fast
- • The TP60 works via pre-registration and lottery in January
- • Mandatory accident insurance: 5€ individual, 10€ relay
- • Medical certificate mandatory for all distances
Where to stay for the Gran Trail de Peñalara
AlojamientoNavacerrada is a small town with limited accommodation. Cercedilla and the sierra area have more options. Madrid city centre is 50 minutes away.
Browse all alojamientoTips
- • Book well in advance: October is peak season in the sierra
- • Cercedilla (10 min) has hostels and rural houses
- • Miraflores de la Sierra is the TP60 start, a good alternative base
- • Madrid city centre 50 km away: more hotel options
Gear for the Gran Trail de Peñalara
MaterialNight-start mountain ultra in the Sierra de Guadarrama. The course passes through high terrain with technical ground and changeable October weather.
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+.
Petzl
Petzl Actik Core
Frontal recargable de 600 lúmenes con batería Core incluida. Compatible con pilas AAA. Modo rojo para preservar la visión nocturna. Ideal para ultras con tramos nocturnos.
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.
Tips
- • Powerful headlamp with spare batteries: GTP starts at 23:30 with a full night ahead
- • Waterproof jacket and trousers mandatory
- • Full thermal layers: October nights above 2,000m are cold
- • Poles recommended for the cumulative elevation
- • Shoes with good grip on rock and technical terrain
Nutrition plan for the Gran Trail de Peñalara
NutriciónThe GTP 104K has a 24-hour 30-minute time limit. Nutrition management is key in an overnight ultra with demanding elevation.
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.
Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de guayaba natural en formato individual de 26 g. Alto contenido en vitamina C y carbohidratos de rápida absorción. Textura sólida y envoltorio fácil de abrir, ideal para llevar en carrera. Sabor dulce intenso que aporta energía inmediata sin necesidad de agua.
Tips
- • Plan high caloric intake: cold nights and elevation spike energy expenditure
- • Carry solid food and warm broth for the night
- • There are aid stations on course, but carry your own reserves
- • Hydration: cold reduces thirst but dehydration is a real risk
How to get to Navacerrada
TransporteNavacerrada is in the Sierra de Guadarrama, northwest of Madrid, with good road and public transport connections.
Browse all transporteTips
- • From Madrid: 50 km via A-6 and M-601 (45-60 minutes)
- • Bus line 691 from Moncloa (Madrid) to Navacerrada
- • Cercanías commuter rail: line C-8b to Cercedilla, then taxi or bus
- • Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) 65 km away
- • The TP60 starts from Miraflores de la Sierra: shuttle buses from Navacerrada
Car rental for the Gran Trail de Peñalara
Alquiler de vehículoA car gives you freedom to move around the Sierra de Guadarrama and access start and finish points.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
Suscripción de alquiler de vehículos tipo SUV/crossover, ideal para llegar a carreras de montaña por carreteras rurales y pistas forestales.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
Suscripción de alquiler de vehículos urbanos, perfecta para desplazarte a carreras con buenos accesos por autovía y carretera convencional.
Tips
- • Free parking in Navacerrada on race days
- • Take the chance to explore La Pedriza, Rascafría or La Granja de San Ildefonso
Sports insurance for the Gran Trail de Peñalara
SeguroNight mountain ultra with sections above 2,000m in the Sierra de Guadarrama. Accident insurance is mandatory.
Browse all seguroTips
- • Accident insurance included in registration (5€)
- • Civil liability insurance recommended
- • Mountain rescue coverage is a worthwhile extra
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Gran Trail de Peñalara 2026?
- The 2026 edition takes place on the weekend of October 9-11, with the GTP 104K starting on Friday at 23:30 from Navacerrada.
- What distances does the Gran Trail de Peñalara offer?
- Three events: GTP 104K (104 km, 5,100m D+), TP60 (61 km, 2,700m D+) and the Cross Nocturno Navacerrada or CNN (11 km, 450m D+). The GTP can also be run as a relay in pairs.
- How much does GTP 104K registration cost?
- Individual registration for the GTP 104K costs 142€ plus 5€ accident insurance. The relay format for pairs costs 180€ plus 10€ insurance.
- How many spots are available?
- The GTP 104K has 300 individual bibs and 75 relay spots. Direct registration without lottery until sold out. The TP60 works via pre-registration and lottery.
- How to get to Navacerrada?
- Navacerrada is in the Sierra de Guadarrama, 50 km north of Madrid. Access via the A-6 and M-601, or by bus from Madrid (line 691 from Moncloa).
- Where does the GTP 104K course go?
- A full circular loop around the Sierra de Guadarrama passing through La Maliciosa, La Pedriza, Puerto de la Morcuera, Rascafría, La Granja, Peñalara (2,428m), Puerto de Cotos and Bola del Mundo.
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