Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca

Navacerrada

Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca

7.3km D+ 1010m

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Date, registration & deadlines

Jun 7, 2026 · Registration open

Local guides

Race data

Terrain

Vertical Km

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

1 modalities

Official website

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Modality Distance Elevation Gain ITRA Max Time Price
Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca 7.3 km D+ 1010m - - 27 EUR
360

What you need

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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

10°C – 21°C

Average 16°C

Rain

30%

1.8 mm avg

Wind

15 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

13h

daily average

Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca: Madrid’s classic vertical race

The Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca is one of the most iconic vertical races in the Madrid region. Organized by the Royal Spanish Mountaineering Society Peñalara (RSEA Peñalara) as part of the Copa de Hierro circuit, the race reaches its 24th edition in 2026. Start from the Barranca Valley in Navacerrada and finish at the Alto de Guarramillas (Bola del Mundo) at 2,267 m elevation.

The race counts towards the Madrid Vertical Running Cup and the Regional Vertical Kilometer Championship, attracting the best vertical running specialists in the region.

The course: from valley to summit

The 7.3 kilometers of the KV de la Barranca trace a relentless ascent from 1,260 m in the Barranca Valley to 2,267 m at the Guarramillas summit:

  • Barranca Valley (1,260 m) — Start on the rural road, with a neutralized start before the timed section
  • Forest trails — First section through Scots pine forests with progressive gradients
  • Upper zone — Open mountain terrain with extreme gradients and panoramic views
  • Alto de Guarramillas / Bola del Mundo (2,267 m) — Finish at the summit, with views across the entire Sierra de Guadarrama

The terrain combines forest trail, mountain track and steep sections on loose ground. The neutralized start groups runners before the timed section begins.

Copa de Hierro: Madrid’s premier mountain running circuit

The KV de la Barranca is part of the Copa de Hierro, the most prestigious mountain running circuit in the Sierra de Guadarrama. The circuit includes five classic races: Cross de los 3 Refugios, Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca, Carrera de Las Dehesas, Cross de la Pedriza and Cross de Cuerda Larga.

Navacerrada is one of the most emblematic municipalities in the Sierra de Guadarrama, located just 55 km from Madrid. The Barranca Valley is a natural area of pine forests and mountain streams, a starting point for numerous hiking routes. In June, the sierra offers pleasant temperatures in the valley and cool conditions at the summits, with the longest days of the year.

Mandatory Gear

According to the official race regulations

Approx. pack cost: ~0,00 € Prices may vary. Check the store for the current price.
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360 Complete Pack

KV de la Barranca 2026 Registration

Inscripción

Online registration through the Copa de Hierro website. Bibs limited to 350 participants. Organized by RSEA Peñalara.

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Tips

  • Reduced price for FMM federation members (€22) and Peñalara members (€12)
  • Online registration only at copadehierro.es, no on-site registration
  • Includes technical shirt, insurance, aid stations and finish line meal
  • Minimum age 18 years for the main race

Where to stay for KV de la Barranca

Alojamiento

Navacerrada is a Sierra de Guadarrama village with good rural accommodation options. You can also stay in Cercedilla, Becerril de la Sierra or Collado Mediano.

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Tips

  • Hotels and rural houses in Navacerrada: book in advance for weekends
  • Cercedilla and Becerril de la Sierra are 10 minutes away
  • The race is on Sunday with a 9:30 AM start: arrive Saturday and stay overnight
  • Madrid city center is 55 km away (50 minutes via A-6 and M-601)

Gear for KV de la Barranca

Material

Pure vertical race with 1,000 m elevation gain in 7.3 km. Mountain terrain with technical trail and steep gradients. Poles prohibited.

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Tips

  • Lightweight trail shoes with good grip: steep gradients with loose terrain
  • Soft flask or bottle: minimum hydration for the ascent
  • Poles are NOT allowed in this race
  • Light clothing but bring a windbreaker: the finish is at 2,267 m

Nutrition for KV de la Barranca

Nutrición

Short but intense race. Aid stations on course and finish line meal included in registration.

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Tips

  • One gel before or during the climb is enough for the 7 km
  • Aid stations with water and isotonic drink on course
  • Finish line meal included in registration
  • Full breakfast 2-3 hours before the start

How to get to the Barranca Valley

Transporte

The Barranca Valley is in Navacerrada, Sierra de Guadarrama, well connected by road from Madrid.

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Tips

  • From Madrid: 55 km via A-6 and M-601 to Navacerrada
  • Parking at the Barranca Valley area (arrive early)
  • No direct train to the valley: driving is the best option
  • Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is 70 km away

Car rental for KV de la Barranca

Alquiler de vehículo

Essential if you don't have your own car. There is no direct public transport to the Barranca Valley.

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Tips

  • A car is almost mandatory: no direct train or bus to the start
  • Great if you want to explore the sierra over the weekend

Sports insurance for KV de la Barranca

Seguro

Non-federation registration includes accident and liability insurance. Mountain federation members also have their federation coverage.

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Tips

  • Accident and liability insurance included for non-federation runners
  • Medical service on course during the race
  • FMM federation members have additional coverage through their license

Body care for KV de la Barranca

Cuidado corporal

Short but very intense vertical race. Extreme gradients that demand good muscular preparation.

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Tips

  • Quality trail socks to prevent blisters on the climb
  • Anti-chafe balm: extreme gradients create more friction
  • Proper warm-up essential to prevent muscle injuries

Sun protection for KV de la Barranca

Protección solar

Daytime June race ascending to 2,267 m. High sun exposure especially on the upper section.

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Tips

  • Apply sunscreen before the start: June has strong sun in the sierra
  • Cap or visor recommended: the upper course has no shade
  • At 2,267 m UV radiation is significantly higher

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca 2026?
The 24th edition of the Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, with a timed start at 9:30 AM from the Barranca Valley in Navacerrada.
What is the KV de la Barranca course like?
The course ascends 7.3 km from the Barranca Valley (1,260 m) to the summit of Guarramillas, known as Bola del Mundo (2,267 m), accumulating over 1,000 m of elevation gain through Sierra de Guadarrama mountain trails.
How much does KV de la Barranca registration cost?
Approximately €22 for mountain federation members, €27 for non-members and €12 for RSEA Peñalara club members. Registration through the Copa de Hierro website.
Are poles allowed at the KV de la Barranca?
No. The use of trekking or trail running poles is prohibited at the Kilómetro Vertical de la Barranca.
What does registration include?
Timing with intermediate splits, aid stations on course and at the finish, finish line meal, technical race shirt, accident and liability insurance (for non-federation members) and prize raffle.