Races
Ultra Trail Sierras del Bandolero
Spain, March. Alpine trails. 166 km. Cutoff 40 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
- Start1,686 ft
- High1,932 ft
- Low1,686 ft
- Finish1,932 ft
Geometryderived
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 67)
Course DNA
The Course
Ultra Trail Sierras del Bandolero runs 166 km through Spain. +5,101 ft gain and -4,855 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 1,932 ft. Low near 1,686 ft. March temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 52.
The Work
Train for 5,101 feet of climbing across 166 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 40 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 67.
Kit
March in Spain: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 40 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 26. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 52.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 26. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 52. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 67 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 34 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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