Photo: Maratón Alpino Madrileño / SourceCercedilla
Madrid Alpine Marathon
Sunday, 13 June 2027estimated date
Madrid Alpine Marathon 2027: estimated date 13 June 2027
The organiser has not published the official 2027 schedule yet. The estimated date is based on last year's edition; we'll confirm it as soon as it's announced. Start sorting your gear and logistics.
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Marathon 44K | 44 km | D+ 2500m | 9h | 58 EUR |
| Cross Alpino del Telégrafo 19K | 19 km | D+ 1050m | - | 29 EUR |
Madrid Alpine Marathon 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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Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
See comparisonWhat you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
226ERS
226ERS Isotonic Drink
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)
Forecast for 13 June
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
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
360Complete Pack
Maratón Alpino Madrileño 2026 Registration
Registration28th edition. Registration limited to 400 bibs per race via Deporticket. Discounts for FEDME and RFEA Trail licence holders.
Browse all registrationTips
- •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
AccommodationCercedilla has good rural accommodation and is just one hour from Madrid city centre.
Browse all accommodationTips
- •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
GearHigh-mountain race with technical terrain. 50% of the course is above 2,000m and there may be snow patches in June.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon's most versatile trail shoe, ideal for technical terrain and mud. Exceptional grip with Contagrip sole and EnergyCell+ cushioning.
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.
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
Lifesystems
Lifesystems Thermal Blanket
Manta térmica de emergencia reflectante. Retiene el 90% del calor corporal. Ultraligera (60 g) y compacta, cabe en cualquier mochila de trail.
Salomon
Salomon Soft Flask 250 ml
Collapsible 250 ml soft flask with a high-flow valve and a wide 42 mm mouth for fast refills at aid stations. It shrinks as you drink, fits the front pocket of any vest and weighs just a few grams empty.
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.
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
Which shoes for Madrid Alpine Marathon?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Madrid Alpine Marathon?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best soft flasks and collapsible bottles for trail running 2026
A comparison of the best soft flasks and collapsible bottles for trail running 2026: Salomon Soft Flask 250 ml for your vest, MARLOAR 500 ml two-pack for value, and FANTÉ Gel Flask 300 ml for homemade gel. Which capacity to choose, how long they last and how to get rid of the plastic taste.
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
The best trail running poles in 2026, compared on technical criteria: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Leki Ultratrail FX.One, Komperdell Carbon FXP Trail and Cascade Mountain Tech. Weight, folded length, aluminium vs carbon, technique and how to pick your size.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
In-depth comparison of the best hydration vests and packs for trail running in 2026: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set, Salomon Active Skin 8, CamelBak Octane, Compressport UltRun Vest, NNormal Race Vest, AONIJIE 10L and HANKER waist belt. Soft flasks vs reservoir, how many litres by distance, how to stop the vest bouncing and how much water to carry.
Nutrition for the Maratón Alpino Madrileño
Nutrition9-hour time limit for the marathon. Eight liquid aid stations and four solid food stations on the course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- •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
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
How to get to Cercedilla
TransportCercedilla is in Sierra de Guadarrama, 60 km northwest of Madrid, with excellent train connections.
Browse all transportTips
- •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
Car RentalIf you're coming from outside Madrid, a car lets you explore Sierra de Guadarrama and the area around Cercedilla.
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
- •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
InsuranceHigh-mountain race with technical sections and possible snow patches. Registration includes liability and accident insurance.
Browse all insuranceTips
- •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
Sun ProtectionMid-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We tested 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — against heat, altitude UV and hours of sweat. See the winner.
Body care for the Maratón Alpino Madrileño
Body CareEye protection and head coverage are essential for the long hours above 2,000m on exposed granite ridges in the Sierra de Guadarrama.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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