Photo: Club Corredores Africanus / Source Melilla
El Último León
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Backyard loop (6.706 km/h)
6.706km D+ 150m
Backyard ultra format
Complete format guide: rules, gear and strategy
Date, registration & deadlines
Jan 31, 2026 · Check official website
Local guides
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard loop (6.706 km/h) | 6.706 km | D+ 150m | - | 1h | 15 EUR |
What you need
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 – 17°C
Average 14°C
Rain
20%
0.9 mm avg
Wind
25 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
9h
daily average
Forecast for January 31
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
El Último León
El Último León is Melilla’s backyard ultra, organised by Club Corredores Africanus. It takes place every winter at Fuerte de Rostrogordo, a historic fortress surrounded by pine forests in the heart of the autonomous city.
The circuit
6.706 km loops with 150 metres of elevation gain through the pine forests of Rostrogordo and the Quemadero and Nano ravines. Mixed terrain with forest tracks and trails between pines. January temperatures in Melilla (12-18°C) create near-ideal conditions for running hour after hour.
Silver Ticket
El Último León is one of Spain’s Silver Ticket races: the winner qualifies directly for the national team at the Backyard Ultra World Championship. This attracts the country’s best endurance runners.
Record and level
The 2026 edition reached 51 loops (342+ km in over 51 hours), one of the highest marks on the Spanish circuit. The competitive level rises every year.
An accessible backyard
At just €15 entry with 250 spots, El Último León is one of Spain’s most affordable and popular backyards. It sells out within weeks. Use our nutrition calculator to plan your fueling strategy for a multi-hour endurance effort.
Melilla
Melilla offers a unique experience: an autonomous city with Art Nouveau architecture, multicultural gastronomy and an atmosphere blending Spain and North Africa. January is a good time to visit: no heat, no crowds.
Check our gear checklist to prepare for backyard ultra conditions, and browse the race search to find more events across Spain.
360 Complete Pack
El Último León 2026 Registration
InscripciónBackyard ultra with Silver Ticket, organised by Club Corredores Africanus in Melilla.
Browse all inscripciónTips
- • Just €15: one of the cheapest entries
- • 250 spots that sell out within 25 days
- • Winner earns Silver Ticket for the national team
- • Registration through melillaciudaddeldeporte.es
Where to stay in Melilla
AlojamientoMelilla is a compact autonomous city with good hotel options.
Browse all alojamientoTips
- • Hotels in central Melilla just minutes from the venue
- • January is low season: good prices and availability
- • Fuerte de Rostrogordo is within the city
- • Book ferry or flights in advance
Gear for El Último León
MaterialJanuary in Melilla: mild temperatures (12-18°C) but possible rain and wind. Mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
La zapatilla de trail más versátil de Salomon, ideal para terrenos técnicos y barro. Agarre excepcional con suela Contagrip y amortiguación EnergyCell+.
Petzl
Petzl Actik Core
Frontal recargable de 600 lúmenes con batería Core incluida. Compatible con pilas AAA. Modo rojo para preservar la visión nocturna. Ideal para ultras con tramos nocturnos.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
Tips
- • Trail shoes with good grip for pine forests and tracks
- • Windbreaker or light jacket for the night
- • Headlamp for the night hours
- • Spare socks: night humidity in Melilla is high
Nutrition for El Último León
NutriciónWinter backyard with mild temperatures. Less heat stress than summer, but humidity is a factor.
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.
Clif Bar
Clif Bar Original Energy Bar
Barrita energética con 40g de carbohidratos y 10g de proteína. Ingredientes orgánicos y sabores naturales. Textura densa, ideal para avituallamientos o secciones tranquilas. Una de las barritas más populares en trail running.
Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de guayaba natural en formato individual de 26 g. Alto contenido en vitamina C y carbohidratos de rápida absorción. Textura sólida y envoltorio fácil de abrir, ideal para llevar en carrera. Sabor dulce intenso que aporta energía inmediata sin necesidad de agua.
Tips
- • Hot food from the first evening hours
- • Broth, soup, pasta: the body welcomes hot calories in January
- • Less need for electrolytes than summer, but don't skip them
- • Strategic caffeine for the early morning
How to get to Melilla
TransporteMelilla is an autonomous city in North Africa, accessible by plane or ferry.
Browse all transporteTips
- • Direct flights from Málaga, Madrid and Barcelona
- • Ferry from Málaga or Almería (Trasmediterránea, Baleària)
- • Ferry from Málaga takes about 6 hours
- • Book transport in advance: spaces are limited
Car rental in Melilla
Alquiler de vehículoMelilla is compact and you don't need a car for the race, but it can be useful.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
Suscripción de alquiler de vehículos tipo SUV/crossover, ideal para llegar a carreras de montaña por carreteras rurales y pistas forestales.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
Suscripción de alquiler de vehículos urbanos, perfecta para desplazarte a carreras con buenos accesos por autovía y carretera convencional.
Tips
- • Taxi or walking are viable options to reach the venue
- • If renting a car, useful for gear logistics
Sports insurance for El Último León
SeguroEndurance ultra in an urban-forest setting.
Browse all seguroTips
- • Sports insurance mandatory to participate
- • Federation licence or day insurance
- • If coming from the mainland: travel insurance recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is El Último León 2026?
- January 31, 2026. January offers mild temperatures in Melilla (12-18°C), ideal for an endurance ultra.
- How much does registration cost?
- €15, one of the most affordable backyard ultra entries in Spain.
- How many participants can enter?
- 250 spots. Sells out within a few weeks.
- What terrain is the loop?
- Trails and tracks through the pine forests of Fuerte de Rostrogordo and the Quemadero and Nano ravines. Mixed terrain with dirt and forest track sections.
- Does the winner earn a Silver Ticket?
- Yes, the winner qualifies for Spain's national team at the Backyard Ultra World Championship.
Similar races
View all similar races →
Photo: Only One Race / Backyard Ultra Aranjuez Backyard Ultra Aranjuez
Aranjuez, Madrid
Backyard ultra en Aranjuez — Bucles de 6,7 km con 200 m D+ junto al Tajo, formato Big's Backyard Ultra
Photo: Haciendo Sed Burgos Backyard Haciendo Sed Burgos
Sedano, Burgos
Backyard ultra solidaria en Sedano (Burgos) — Bucles de 6,7 km a beneficio de Autismo Burgos
Photo: Spain Backyard Ultra Spain Backyard Ultra
Castro Caldelas, Ourense
Backyard ultra oficial de España — Bucles de 6,7 km con 240 m D+ en Castro Caldelas, Ribeira Sacra