La Cizur Gares I Trail

La Cizur Gares I Trail

La Cizur Gares I Trail was created to take runners along one of the most iconic sections of the Camino de Santiago in Navarre: the climb up to the Alto del Perdón. In its first edition, the race connects Cizur Menor with Gares (Puente la Reina) over 21 km, crossing villages with centuries of pilgrim history such as Zariquiegui, Uterga, Muruzabal and Obanos. The race’s name combines the two endpoints of the course: Cizur and Gares.

A 21 km route along the French Way

The course starts in Cizur Menor and climbs progressively to the Alto del Perdón at kilometer 9, the highest point of the race and famous for its monument to pilgrims. From there the route descends towards Uterga, Muruzabal and Obanos, finishing in Gares, with a total elevation gain of about 480 meters. With four aid stations along the course (three on the route and one at the finish) and chip timing with a split at the Alto del Perdón itself, the organizers have taken care of the details for a smooth first edition.

December on the Navarrese Camino

Taking place on December 6 gives this race a different character from the usual trail races on the Navarrese calendar, most of which are concentrated in spring and autumn. The cold and possible mud on the trails call for careful packing, but they also bring a different atmosphere: fewer people on the Camino, winter landscapes, and the satisfaction of closing out the year with a challenging yet accessible race, backed by a generous cutoff time.

Cizur Menor and Puente la Reina beyond the race

Puente la Reina/Gares, with its iconic Romanesque bridge over the Arga river, is one of the most photographed spots on the French Way of St. James, and deserves an unhurried visit after crossing the finish line. Use the trip to discover other mountain races in Navarre or plan your full season with the race planner.