Navacerrada
Gran Trail de Peñalara
Friday, 9 October 2026
Registration open for Gran Trail de Peñalara 2026
Places for UTMB World Series races sell out. Secure your bib.
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | 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 | - | - |
Gran Trail de Peñalara requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
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See comparisonWhat you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Petzl
Petzl Actik Core
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
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 9 October
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 spare batteries for night racing
Essential above 2,000m
Waterproof jacket and trousers mandatory
October nights in the sierra
With enough battery and emergency numbers saved
Mandatory at aid stations
360Complete Pack
Gran Trail de Peñalara 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration opens from February 10, 2026 via the official website. No lottery for the GTP — direct allocation until the 300 spots are filled.
Browse all registrationTips
- •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
AccommodationNavacerrada is a small town with limited accommodation. Cercedilla and the sierra area have more options. Madrid city centre is 50 minutes away.
La Arbolada
La Arbolada
Accommodation in Navacerrada with city views and free wifi. It has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet, free toiletries and hairdryer. It also has a fridge, microwave, stovetop, coffee maker and kettle. 38 km from Madrid's Plaza Mayor and 55 km from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
Nava Real
Nava Real
Accommodation in Navacerrada with a garden, restaurant, bar and free wifi throughout the property. It has a ski school and ski storage, 24-hour reception and luggage storage. Rooms include a desk, a terrace with mountain views, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, bed linen, towels and a wardrobe. Hiking, skiing and fishing are available nearby. 55 km from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, with paid airport transfer available.
BOX ART ALPINO
BOX ART ALPINO
Accommodation in Navacerrada with a garden, free private parking, terrace, restaurant and bar. It offers 24-hour reception, airport transfer, room service and free wifi. Rooms have air conditioning, wardrobe, coffee maker, safe, flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower, with bed linen and towels. 38 km from Madrid's Plaza Mayor.
Suite de montaña independiente
Suite de montaña independiente en Navacerrada
Independent mountain chalet in Navacerrada with a seasonal outdoor pool, garden and terrace, free wifi and mountain views. It has free private parking and its own ski storage, in an area for hiking, skiing and cycling. It has 1 bedroom, a kitchen area with fridge and microwave, flat-screen TV, a living area and 1 bathroom with shower, with towels and bed linen included. English, Spanish, French and Italian are spoken at reception.
Tips
- •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
Accommodation map
Gear for the Gran Trail de Peñalara
GearNight-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
Salomon's most versatile trail shoe, ideal for technical terrain and mud. Exceptional grip with Contagrip sole and EnergyCell+ cushioning.
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.
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.
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
Which shoes for Gran Trail de Peñalara?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Gran Trail de Peñalara?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
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The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
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Nutrition plan for the Gran Trail de Peñalara
NutritionThe 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
Natural guava bar in individual 26 g format. High in vitamin C and fast-absorbing carbohydrates. Solid texture with easy-open wrapper, perfect for carrying during races. Intense sweet flavor that delivers immediate energy without needing water.
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.
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.
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.
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
TransportNavacerrada is in the Sierra de Guadarrama, northwest of Madrid, with good road and public transport connections.
Browse all transportTips
- •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
Car RentalA 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
SUV/crossover vehicle rental subscription, ideal for reaching mountain races via rural roads and forest tracks.
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.
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
- •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
InsuranceNight mountain ultra with sections above 2,000m in the Sierra de Guadarrama. Accident insurance is mandatory.
Browse all insuranceTips
- •Accident insurance included in registration (5€)
- •Civil liability insurance recommended
- •Mountain rescue coverage is a worthwhile extra
Body care for Gran Trail de Peñalara
Body CareProtect your feet, skin and joints during the race: sunglasses, anti-chafe balm and post-race recovery.
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.
Salomon
Salomon Polaina Cuello Merino
Salomon merino wool neck gaiter. Natural warmth, breathable and odour-resistant even after several uses without washing, key for multi-day ultras. Versatile use in the mountains and premium trail running.
Bob and Brad
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini
Mini massage gun designed by two physiotherapists: 430 g, brushless motor with 15 kg stall force and operation under 45 dB. Charges over USB-C from any charger and ships with a case. The value pick for packing recovery into your bag or car boot.
Sun protection for Gran Trail de Peñalara
Sun ProtectionMountain UV radiation is more intense. Protect your skin and lips with sweat-resistant sunscreen.
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.
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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