Photo: Maratón Alpino Madrileño (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Cercedilla
Madrid Alpine Marathon
Sunday, 13 June 2027estimated date
Alpine Marathon 44K
44km D+ 2500m
Cross Alpino del Telégrafo 19K
19km D+ 1050m
Your checklist for Madrid Alpine Marathon
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 12 ready
Swipe to see all 13 categories
Swipe to see all 13 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Forerunner 570
Full-color topo maps, a first for the Forerunner line
Downside: Shorter battery life than a Forerunner 965 with maps on
Gear
Trail shoes with strong grip on rock and technical terrain
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
The Alpine Marathon has 8 liquid and 4 solid aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)226ERS Isotonic Drink
Leading Spanish brand in sports nutrition
Downside: Requires prior preparation with water
Sun Protection
Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
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
Sunglasses with category 3 lenses reduce eye strain on the bright, reflective rock
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
60 km via motorway to Cercedilla
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory · Alpine Marathon 44K
Charged mobile phone
With enough battery for the entire race
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
Mandatory · Alpine Marathon 44K
Reusable cup
Personal container 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 · Alpine Marathon 44K
Windproof jacket
Waterproof and windproof
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Bonatti WP
Mandatory · Alpine Marathon 44K
Gloves
Mandatory along with hat or buff
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Mandatory · Alpine Marathon 44K
Hat or buff
Hat or neck gaiter
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Buff Thermonet
Mandatory · Alpine Marathon 44K
Emergency blanket
Minimum 130x210 cm
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Lifesystems Thermal Blanket
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.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Charged mobile phoneAlpine Marathon 44K
With enough battery for the entire race
Reusable cupAlpine Marathon 44K
Personal container mandatory at aid stations
Windproof jacketAlpine Marathon 44K
Waterproof and windproof
GlovesAlpine Marathon 44K
Mandatory along with hat or buff
Hat or buffAlpine Marathon 44K
Hat or neck gaiter
Emergency blanketAlpine Marathon 44K
Minimum 130x210 cm
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
2 modalities
Alpine Marathon 44K
Price: 58 EUR
- Distance
- 44 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2500m
- Max Time
- 9h
Cross Alpino del Telégrafo 19K
Price: 29 EUR
- Distance
- 19 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1050m
- Max Time
- -
| 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 |
Will your watch battery last the ~11 h of Madrid Alpine Marathon?Worked out for the longest course (44 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchMadrid Alpine Marathon 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
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
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
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.
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.
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
AccommodationCercedilla has good rural accommodation and is just one hour from Madrid city centre.
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
GearHigh-mountain race with technical terrain. 50% of the course is above 2,000m and there may be snow patches in June.
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
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Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running poles 2026: Black Diamond, Leki and Komperdell compared. Carbon vs aluminium, folding length, technique and how to pick your size.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
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.
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.
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
Car RentalIf you're coming from outside Madrid, a car lets you explore Sierra de Guadarrama and the area around Cercedilla.
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.
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
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.
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 compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. 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.
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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