Photo: Club Corredores Africanus / SourceMelilla
El Último León
Saturday, 30 January 2027estimated date
Backyard loop (6.706 km/h)
6.706km D+ 150m
El Último León 2027: estimated date 30 January 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.
Backyard ultra format
Complete format guide: rules, gear and strategy
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard loop (6.706 km/h) | 6.706 km | D+ 150m | 1h | 15 EUR |
Gear up for El Último León
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Best Value Trail and Mountain GPS Watches 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Shoes for Backyard Ultra 2026: Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Headlamps 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
See comparisonWhat you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Petzl
Petzl Actik Core
Maurten
Maurten Gel 100
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 30 January
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.
360Complete Pack
El Último León 2026 Registration
RegistrationBackyard ultra with Silver Ticket, organised by Club Corredores Africanus in Melilla.
Browse all registrationTips
- •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
AccommodationMelilla is a compact autonomous city with good hotel options.
Browse all accommodationTips
- •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
GearJanuary in Melilla: mild temperatures (12-18°C) but possible rain and wind. Mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon's most versatile trail shoe, ideal for technical terrain and mud. Exceptional grip with Contagrip sole and EnergyCell+ cushioning.
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.
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.
New Balance
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
The model breaking into Spain's best-seller charts. Fresh Foam X midsole with a solid balance between cushioning and ground feel, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a comfortable last suited to wide feet. A reliable all-rounder for training runs and mountain races of any distance.
Saucony
Saucony Peregrine 16
The all-round trail shoe par excellence, with excellent reviews across every type of runner. PWRTRAC outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip on mixed and technical terrain, balanced PWRRUN cushioning, and rock-plate protection depending on the version. The perfect middle ground between responsiveness and protection.
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
Which shoes for El Último León?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for El Último León?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Headlamps 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
In-depth comparison of the best headlamps for trail running in 2026. Petzl Iko Core, Nitecore NU25, Ledlenser iH5R and Petzl Actik Core. Lumens, battery life and weight to help you choose based on your race's night hours.
Night Running Safety Kit: What to Wear Besides a Headlamp
A headlamp lights the trail, but it doesn't make you visible to others. Complete guide to the night running safety kit: rear light, reflective armband, high-visibility vest and power bank, with when you actually need each piece.
Best Shoes for Backyard Ultra 2026: Buying Guide
The 4 best shoes for Backyard Ultra in 2026: Altra Lone Peak 9, New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9, Saucony Peregrine 16 and Salomon Sense Ride 5. Wide toe box, durability and comfort for dozens of 4.167-mile loops.
Nutrition for El Último León
NutritionWinter 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
TransportMelilla is an autonomous city in North Africa, accessible by plane or ferry.
Browse all transportTips
- •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
Car RentalMelilla 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
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
- •Taxi or walking are viable options to reach the venue
- •If renting a car, useful for gear logistics
Sports insurance for El Último León
InsuranceEndurance ultra in an urban-forest setting.
Browse all insuranceTips
- •Sports insurance mandatory to participate
- •Federation licence or day insurance
- •If coming from the mainland: travel insurance recommended
Body care for El Último León
Body CareProtect your feet, skin and joints during the race: sunglasses, anti-chafe balm and post-race recovery.
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.
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.
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.
Sun protection for El Último León
Sun ProtectionMountain UV radiation is more intense. Protect your skin and lips with sweat-resistant sunscreen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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