The Diputació de Castelló Promotes Ultratrail Research with the Penyagolosa Trails Saludable Project

Iván Sánchez Highlights the Key Role of the Consorci Hospitalari Provincial de Castelló in the Study on Health and Performance in Ultra-Distance Events

The Provincial Deputy for Sports, Iván Sánchez, emphasized today “the crucial role of the Consorci Hospitalari Provincial de Castelló in the Penyagolosa Trails Saludable research project, contributing its experience and resources to improve the health and performance of ultradistance runners.”

The study, led by Universitat Jaume I in collaboration with the CHPCS, analyzes the physical impact of the CSP, one of the country’s most demanding events, covering 106 km and 5,600 meters of positive elevation gain. “This research strengthens our commitment to combining sport, science, and well-being, benefiting all participants,” added the deputy.

A Pioneering Study in Sports Performance

The project evaluates 36 runners, analyzing their body composition, running efficiency, and resilience to muscle damage from three months before the race to 48 hours afterward. The goal is to improve the preparation and recovery of athletes with precise scientific data.

“We want to better understand how fatigue, hydration, and the type of race affect performance. This knowledge will be key to optimizing ultratrail practice,” explained researchers Carlos Hernando and Eladio Collado.

Science Serving Sport and Health

Beyond performance, the study aims to protect the runners’ health. Key aspects being researched include:

  • The impact of running patterns on ascents and descents

  • Physiological differences between men and women in muscle endurance

  • The relationship between hydration, cramps, and performance

Previous studies in the CSP have advanced injury prevention and recovery strategies, solidifying ASICS Penyagolosa Trails as a reference in sports research.

Commitment to Innovation in Sport

From the Diputación, Iván Sánchez reaffirmed his support for initiatives that combine science and sport: “The joint work between the UJI, the Consorci Hospitalari Provincial, and Penyagolosa Trails positions Castellón as a reference in applied sports research.”

The Managing Director of the Provincial Hospital, Matías Real, emphasized the importance of the center’s participation in pioneering research that will determine the resilience of athletes in one of the world’s most demanding mountain races, as ASICS Penyagolosa Trails is a unique experience and challenge for all participants.

“Promoting health, disease prevention, and research are the goals of our hospital, so supporting and collaborating in such initiatives contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge and the improvement of healthcare,” stated Dr. Real.

ASICS Penyagolosa Trails: More Than a Race, A High-Performance Laboratory

This project solidifies the CSP as a model for ultradistance research, generating knowledge that will improve training and recovery for runners. Castellón continues to bet on the combination of sport and science to take ultratrail to the next level.