Races
Penyagolosa
Spain, April. Alpine trails. 106 km. Cutoff 26 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
- Start184 ft
- High4,984 ft
- Low184 ft
- Finish4,203 ft
- Spain at mile 0.0
- Penyagolosa mile 13 at mile 13, cutoff 5.2 hours
- Penyagolosa mile 26 at mile 26, cutoff 10.4 hours
- Penyagolosa mile 40 at mile 40, cutoff 15.6 hours
- Penyagolosa mile 53 at mile 53, cutoff 20.8 hours
- Finish Spain at mile 66, cutoff 26 hours
Geometrycourse math
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 43)
Course DNA
The Course
Penyagolosa runs 106 km through Spain. +22,684 ft gain and -18,665 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 5,039 ft. Low near 184 ft. April temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 33.
The Work
Train for 22,684 feet of climbing across 106 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 26 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 43.
Kit
April in Spain: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 26 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 33.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 33. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 43 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 22 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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