Navacerrada
Gran Trail de Peñalara
Friday, 8 October 2027estimated date
GTP 104K
104km D+ 5100m
TP60
61km D+ 2700m
Cross Nocturno Navacerrada
11km D+ 450m
Your checklist for Gran Trail de Peñalara
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 16 ready
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GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Polar Pacer Pro
Ultra-light: just 41 g
Downside: No multi-band GPS
Gear
Powerful headlamp with spare batteries: GTP starts at 23:30 with a full night ahead
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
Plan high caloric intake: cold nights and elevation spike energy expenditure
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
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
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
Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)BSN Medical (Leukotape) Leukotape P Sports Tape
Accommodation
Book well in advance: October is peak season in the sierra
Done, you already have it
Car Rental
Free parking in Navacerrada on race days
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory
Headlamp
With spare batteries for night racing
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Petzl Actik Core
Mandatory
Windproof jacket
Essential above 2,000m
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Bonatti WP
Mandatory
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof jacket and trousers mandatory
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Mandatory
Long-sleeve thermal layer
October nights in the sierra
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Odlo Active Warm Eco
Mandatory
Emergency whistle
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Fox 40 Classic
Mandatory
Emergency blanket
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Lifesystems Thermal Blanket
Mandatory
Charged mobile phone
With enough battery and emergency numbers saved
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
Mandatory
Reusable cup
Mandatory at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Soft Flask 250 ml
High-flow valve: quick sips without hard biting
Downside: Pricier than generic Amazon flasks
Mandatory
Water reserve
Minimum 1 litre capacity
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.
Seasonal kit
Gran Trail de Peñalara runs into the night: low-light kit
Main and backup headlamp, battery, pre-dawn layers and night-time fuelling.
See the full kit : Night Trail Running Kit: What to Carry in Autumn and Winter Races With Short DaylightYou may also need: Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet Race
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Headlamp
With spare batteries for night racing
Windproof jacket
Essential above 2,000m
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof jacket and trousers mandatory
Long-sleeve thermal layer
October nights in the sierra
Emergency whistle
Emergency blanket
Charged mobile phone
With enough battery and emergency numbers saved
Reusable cup
Mandatory at aid stations
Water reserve
Minimum 1 litre capacity
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
3 modalities
GTP 104K
Price: 142 EUR
- Distance
- 104 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 5100m
- Max Time
- 24h30
TP60
- Distance
- 61 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2700m
- Max Time
- 13h
Cross Nocturno Navacerrada
- Distance
- 11 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 450m
- Max Time
- -
| 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 | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~28 h of Gran Trail de Peñalara?Worked out for the longest course (104 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGran Trail de Peñalara 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
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 8 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
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.
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.
Tips
- •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.
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.
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
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
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.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
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.
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.
Tips
- •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.
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.
Tips
- •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 CareFeet and skin face hours of sweat and friction. A blister and anti-chafe kit prevents the silliest DNF.
Tips
- •Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
- •Blister plasters in the vest from the first kilometre
Sun protection
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
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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