Date, registration & deadlines
Sep 19, 2026 · Check official website
Registration
Prices, deadlines and direct registration link
Local guides
Race data
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | ITRA | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail 26K | 26 km | D+ 1300m | - | - | - |
| Trail 16K | 16 km | D+ 650m | - | - | - |
| Walk 16K | 16 km | D+ 650m | - | - | - |
| Canicross 5K | 5 km | D+ 100m | - | - | - |
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
13°C – 23°C
Average 17°C
Rain
23%
1.3 mm avg
Wind
17 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
10h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (10h sunshine, up to 23°C)
Forecast for September 19
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail
The Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail is one of the few mountain races in Spain that starts literally in the heart of a capital city. Within just a kilometer, runners leave the streets of downtown Vitoria-Gasteiz — a recognized European Green Capital — behind and enter the Green Ring, the belt of parks and woodland that surrounds the city, before climbing into the mountains of Álava.
That blend of an urban start and immediate natural surroundings is the race’s signature feature. It’s organized by Ascentium with backing from the City Council of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Álava Provincial Council, and the Vital Foundation.
A 26K Route with 1,300m D+
The headline distance is 26 kilometers with 1,300 meters of elevation gain, starting at 09:30 from downtown. The course mixes technical singletrack, forest tracks and Green Ring scenery before climbing into the mountains surrounding Vitoria-Gasteiz. It’s also a UTMB Index scoring race in the 20K category, putting it on the radar of runners chasing points for the broader circuit.
Runners after a shorter outing can take the Trail 16K, with 650 meters of elevation gain and the same technical-trail character through the Green Ring. For those who’d rather not race, there’s a non-competitive 16K Walk, and dog owners can join the 5K Canicross, starting at 08:30.
- Start and finish in downtown Vitoria-Gasteiz
- Trail 26K: 1,300m D+, UTMB Index 20K scoring
- Trail 16K and Walk 16K: 650m D+
- Canicross 5K: 100m D+, starts at 08:30
A City Built for Running
Vitoria-Gasteiz isn’t an ordinary host city for trail running: its European Green Capital title reflects decades of urban planning around the Green Ring, a network of peri-urban parks connecting downtown to the surrounding hills with barely a transition. That infrastructure, originally designed for walkers and cyclists, makes the city a natural year-round training ground — and explains why the race can launch from the city center without losing any of its mountain character.
Vitoria-Gasteiz Beyond the Race
The Medieval Quarter of Vitoria-Gasteiz, laid out in its distinctive almond shape, holds much of the city’s historic heritage along with plenty of pintxo bars to refuel in after the race. Basque gastronomy and the short drive to La Rioja Alavesa — under an hour away — make this race a perfect excuse to extend your stay beyond race weekend.
Looking for more Basque races? Check out the rest of the trail races in the Basque Country and plan your season with the race planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
360Complete Pack
Registering for the Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail 2026
InscripciónRegistration closes on September 14 or when bibs sell out. Prices rise in tiers, so it pays to sign up early.
Browse all inscripciónTips
- •Lowest price through April 30 across all distances
- •Price increases again on June 30 and August 31
- •Accident insurance is included in the registration fee
Where to stay in Vitoria-Gasteiz
AlojamientoVitoria-Gasteiz is a mid-sized city with plenty of hotel options downtown, within walking distance of the start and finish.
Browse all alojamientoTips
- •The Medieval Quarter has charming hotels 5-10 min on foot from the start
- •Book ahead: September brings other events to the city too
- •Areas near the Green Ring are a good option if you're driving in
Gear for the Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail
MaterialThe route mixes technical singletrack and forest tracks through the mountains of Álava, with 1,300m D+ on the long course.
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+.
La Sportiva
La Sportiva Bushido III
Zapatilla de skyrunning por excelencia, construida en Italia para el terreno más exigente. Suela FriXion White con Impact Brake System que ofrece un agarre extraordinario en roca seca y mojada. Perfil bajo y sensibilidad máxima para máxima precisión en cada apoyo. Peso: 285 g. Drop: 6 mm.
Salomon
Salomon Soft Flask 150 ml
Vaso blando reutilizable de 150 ml para avituallamientos. Se pliega vacío, cabe en cualquier bolsillo. Válvula de mordida para beber sin parar.
Tips
- •Shoes with good grip: some sections have loose dirt and leaf litter
- •A soft flask is handy between aid stations
- •A light windbreaker is recommended: weather in Álava shifts quickly in September
Which shoes for Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Nutrition for the Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail
NutriciónAid stations are spread along the course, but it's worth carrying some of your own fuel for the toughest climbs.
Science in Sport
SiS GO Isotonic Energy Gel
Gel isotónico que no necesita agua para su consumo. 22g de carbohidratos por sobre. Formulación ligera y fácil de digerir durante el ejercicio intenso. Muy popular en ciclismo y trail running.
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.
Precision Fuel & Hydration
Precision Fuel & Hydration PH 1500
Pastillas efervescentes con 1500 mg de sodio por litro. Para corredores que sudan mucho o en condiciones de calor. Sin calorías ni carbohidratos, solo electrolitos. Ideales para combinar con geles o barritas.
Tips
- •A gel every 30-40 minutes helps you hold pace on the Green Ring climbs
- •Hydrate well the night before: the start is at 09:30
Getting to Vitoria-Gasteiz
TransporteVitoria-Gasteiz is well connected by road and rail, sitting at the center of the Basque triangle between Bilbao, San Sebastián and La Rioja.
Browse all transporteTips
- •Vitoria Airport (Foronda) is about 10 km from downtown
- •Train station and bus hub are right in the city center
- •Under 1 hour by car from Bilbao and from Logroño
Car rental in Álava
Alquiler de vehículoA car makes it easy to get around Vitoria-Gasteiz and extend the trip to explore more of Álava and La Rioja Alavesa.
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
- •Handy if you want to combine the race with a trip to La Rioja Alavesa
- •Downtown Vitoria-Gasteiz has metered parking: check options near the finish
Sports insurance for the Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail
SeguroThe organization includes accident insurance in the registration fee for all distances.
Browse all seguroTips
- •Accident insurance is included: no federation license needed to race
- •If you race other mountain events too, consider an annual license with rescue cover
Sun protection for the Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail
Protección solarEven as an autumn race, there are open stretches on the Green Ring where the late-morning sun can still be strong.
ISDIN
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Protector solar facial ultraligero de fase acuosa con SPF 50+. Textura fluida que se absorbe al instante sin dejar residuo graso, ideal para aplicar durante la carrera. Resistente al agua y al sudor.
Sun Bum
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Bálsamo labial con protección solar SPF 30 en formato stick. Hidrata y protege los labios de quemaduras solares, un punto que muchos corredores olvidan. Sabor a coco, sin parabenos.
Tips
- •Apply sunscreen before the start, especially if you're running the Trail 26K into late morning
Body care for the Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail
Cuidado corporalTechnical singletrack and forest tracks can take a toll on feet and chafing-prone areas over 26K.
BodyGlide
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Bálsamo anti-rozaduras en formato stick. Crea una barrera invisible sobre la piel que reduce la fricción sin obstruir los poros. Resistente al sudor, ideal para zonas críticas como ingles, axilas y pezones en carreras largas.
Buff
Buff CoolNet UV+
Tubular multifunción con protección UV UPF 50+ y tecnología de refrigeración. Se puede usar como cuello, cinta de cabeza, balaclava o muñequera. El tejido CoolNet refleja los rayos UV y enfría la piel por evaporación.
Julbo
Julbo Aerospeed
Gafas de sol deportivas con lentes fotocromáticas Reactiv que se adaptan automáticamente a las condiciones de luz (categoría 1 a 3). Diseñadas para trail running con patillas antideslizantes y ventilación integrada.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on feet and inner thighs if you're carrying a pack or belt
- •A buff keeps you warm at the start and packs away easily if it warms up
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail 2026 take place?
- The Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail 2026 takes place on Saturday, September 19, with starts at 09:30 (08:30 for the canicross) from downtown Vitoria-Gasteiz.
- What distances does the Vitoria-Gasteiz Trail offer?
- Four events: Trail 26K (1,300m D+), Trail 16K (650m D+), a non-competitive 16K walk (650m D+), and a 5K canicross (100m D+).
- Does it count for UTMB points?
- Yes, the 26K route awards UTMB Index points in the 20K category.
- What's the route like?
- The race starts in downtown Vitoria-Gasteiz and within just over a kilometer enters the Green Ring, the belt of parks surrounding the city, before climbing into the mountains of Álava, combining technical trails, forest tracks and wooded sections.
- Do I need a federation license?
- Registration includes accident insurance, so a federation license is not required to take part.
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