Trail running along ancient trails from the sea: Penyagolosa Trails

We have to go back to the 50s, when a group of local mountaineers and hikers decided to revive the tradition of walking to the sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa from the coastal city of Castellon. This challenge, combined with the repair and recover work done on thousand-year-old trails and paths, has created three trail sporting events with different levels of difficulty.

Penyagolosa Trails MiM is a test of endurance in semi self-sufficient mode that starts in the city of Castelló, at sea level, and ends at the hermitage of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa.

Runners must complete 60 km in a maximum time of 15 hours, along ancient trails and paths, passing through Castelló, Borriol, Vilafamés, Les Useres, Xodos and Vistabella, to reach the finishing point at Sant Joan de Penyagolosa at 1,280 metres. The competition is part of the Spain Ultra Cup.

Penyagolosa Trails CSP is an ultratrail of 109 kilometres, with an accumulated upward slope of 5,600 metres and a descent of 4,400 metros. Runners have to be semi self-sufficient and the maximum time is 27 hours. The score for the event counts towards the national Spain Ultra Cup ultratrail circuit and for the international Ultra Trail World Tour. 

Penyagolosa Avant: If you want to enjoy an experience like this, but in a more laid-back way, on your own or with your sports club, Penyagolosa Trails offers the option of doing the trail by stages. An athlete who does the six segments that make up the MIM, or the eleven of the CSP, will receive a pin. The fastest in terms of category and segments will receive more models and prizes.  

Photos: Fundación Trinidad Alfonso