Madrid Alpine Marathon
Photo: Maratón Alpino Madrileño / Source

Cercedilla

Madrid Alpine Marathon

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Alpine Marathon 44K

44km D+ 2500m

Cross Alpino del Telégrafo 19K

19km D+ 1050m

Register

Date, registration & deadlines

Jun 14, 2026 · Registration open

Local guides

Race data

Terrain

Mountain

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

2 modalities

Official website

Visit
Modality Distance Elevation Gain ITRA Max Time Price
Alpine Marathon 44K 44 km D+ 2500m - 9h 58 EUR
Cross Alpino del Telégrafo 19K 19 km D+ 1050m - - 29 EUR
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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

12°C – 24°C

Average 18°C

Rain

20%

0.6 mm avg

Wind

18 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

13h

daily average

Gear recommendations

Sun protection essential (13h sunshine, up to 24°C)

Maratón Alpino Madrileño: high mountain just one hour from Madrid

The Maratón Alpino Madrileño (MAM) is one of Spain’s most storied mountain races. Born in 1999, its 28th edition in 2026 preserves the original spirit: a demanding alpine marathon across the highest peaks of Sierra de Guadarrama, starting and finishing in the heart of Cercedilla.

The course: 44 km across the roof of Madrid

The MAM traverses the most iconic points of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park:

  • Siete Picos (2,138m) — A spectacular and technical ridge
  • Alto de las Guarramillas / Bola del Mundo (2,265m) — The Sierra’s iconic summit
  • Pico de Peñalara (2,428m) — The highest point in the Community of Madrid
  • Puerto de Navacerrada and Puerto de Cotos — Intermediate passes with aid stations

Approximately 50% of the course runs above 2,000 metres, with technical terrain (rock, scrambles, possible snow patches in June) that demands high-mountain experience. Use our time estimator to predict your finish time based on the elevation profile.

Cross Alpino del Telégrafo: Saturday’s race

On Saturday afternoon, the Cross Alpino del Telégrafo takes place — a short, intense 19 km race with 1,050m D+ passing through Fuenfría, Siete Picos, and the Navalmedio Valley. Start at 17:45 from Cercedilla’s Plaza Mayor.

Cercedilla: gateway to Sierra de Guadarrama

Cercedilla is one of the best-connected mountain towns from Madrid: a direct Cercanías commuter train from Chamartín (line C-8b, ~1h15) and the A-6 motorway just 60 km away. A town with deep mountaineering heritage, it is the starting point of the historic Camino Schmidt and routes through the Valle de la Fuenfría.

Cut-off times for the Alpine Marathon

The maximum time to complete the Alpine Marathon is 9 hours, with intermediate checkpoints:

  • Puerto de Navacerrada (outbound): 2h35
  • Puerto de Cotos (outbound): 3h40
  • Puerto de Cotos (return): 5h45
  • Puerto de Navacerrada (return): 8h00

A race where pacing, weather management, and technical terrain skills matter as much as fitness.

Review the mandatory gear guide to prepare for the equipment requirements, and discover more races in Madrid.

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

Maratón Alpino Madrileño 2026 Registration

Inscripción

28th edition. Registration limited to 400 bibs per race via Deporticket. Discounts for FEDME and RFEA Trail licence holders.

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Tips

  • Bibs sell out fast: register on February 27 at 10:00 AM
  • 4 EUR discount for Saturday bib pickup (June 13)
  • 2 EUR discount for FEDME or RFEA Trail licence holders
  • Optional cancellation insurance for 4 EUR (80% refund until May 22)

Where to stay for the Maratón Alpino Madrileño

Alojamiento

Cercedilla has good rural accommodation and is just one hour from Madrid city centre.

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Tips

  • Cercedilla has rural houses, guesthouses, and a few hotels
  • Navacerrada and Los Molinos are nearby alternatives
  • Madrid city centre is 60 km away: a viable option if you start early
  • June is high season in the Sierra: book well in advance

Gear for the Maratón Alpino Madrileño

Material

High-mountain race with technical terrain. 50% of the course is above 2,000m and there may be snow patches in June.

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Tips

  • Trail shoes with strong grip on rock and technical terrain
  • Windproof jacket mandatory: weather changes fast at 2,400m
  • Gloves and hat/buff mandatory for the Alpine Marathon
  • Emergency blanket mandatory (minimum 130x210 cm)
  • Personal cup or container mandatory at aid stations

Nutrition for the Maratón Alpino Madrileño

Nutrición

9-hour time limit for the marathon. Eight liquid aid stations and four solid food stations on the course.

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Tips

  • The Alpine Marathon has 8 liquid and 4 solid aid stations
  • The Cross del Telégrafo is shorter but very intense: carry gels
  • June heat in the Sierra can dehydrate you quickly
  • Carry at least 1 litre of water capacity

How to get to Cercedilla

Transporte

Cercedilla is in Sierra de Guadarrama, 60 km northwest of Madrid, with excellent train connections.

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Tips

  • Cercanías commuter train line C-8b from Chamartín (~1h15)
  • By car: A-6 motorway to Collado Villalba, then M-622
  • Parking available in Cercedilla (arrive early)
  • From Cercedilla train station, everything is within walking distance

Car rental for the Maratón Alpino Madrileño

Alquiler de vehículo

If you're coming from outside Madrid, a car lets you explore Sierra de Guadarrama and the area around Cercedilla.

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Tips

  • 60 km via motorway to Cercedilla
  • Take the chance to visit La Pedriza, Valle de la Fuenfría, or Segovia

Sports insurance for the Maratón Alpino Madrileño

Seguro

High-mountain race with technical sections and possible snow patches. Registration includes liability and accident insurance.

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Tips

  • Registration includes civil liability and accident insurance
  • If you're not a Spanish federation member, consider additional sports insurance
  • Sierra de Guadarrama has 112 emergency rescue services

Sun protection for the Maratón Alpino Madrileño

Protección solar

Mid-June near the summer solstice means maximum daylight hours and strong UV at 2,400m altitude. With 50% of the course above 2,000m, sun exposure is relentless on the open ridges.

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Tips

  • Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
  • The Siete Picos and Peñalara ridges are fully exposed — apply before the start and at every aid station

Body care for the Maratón Alpino Madrileño

Cuidado corporal

Eye protection and head coverage are essential for the long hours above 2,000m on exposed granite ridges in the Sierra de Guadarrama.

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Tips

  • Sunglasses with category 3 lenses reduce eye strain on the bright, reflective rock
  • A UV buff under the mandatory hat or buff keeps your neck protected on the exposed ridgeline

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Maratón Alpino Madrileño 2026?
The 28th edition takes place on June 13-14, 2026. The Cross Alpino del Telégrafo starts on Saturday at 17:45 and the Alpine Marathon on Sunday at 8:00.
What distances does the Maratón Alpino Madrileño offer?
Two races: the Alpine Marathon 44K with 2,500m D+ (Sunday) and the Cross Alpino del Telégrafo 19K with 1,050m D+ (Saturday).
How much does registration cost?
The Alpine Marathon costs 58 EUR (56 EUR with Saturday bib pickup, 54 EUR for FEDME/RFEA Trail licence holders). The Cross del Telégrafo costs 29 EUR (26 EUR for licence holders).
How many spots are available?
400 bibs per race, on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration usually sells out quickly.
How do you get to Cercedilla?
Cercedilla is 60 km from Madrid, reachable by car via the A-6/AP-6 motorway or by Cercanías commuter train (line C-8b from Chamartín, ~1h15).