FUGA Penyagolosa Trails will turn Castellón into the epicentre of trail running with a MiM celebrating its 27th edition. The historic 60-kilometre race will bring together some of the best runners on the national and international scene, setting the stage for a top-level battle on April 18.

Canales, the man to beat

In the men’s race, all eyes are on José Ángel Fernández “Canales”, three-time champion and current course record holder (5:12:54), who returns to Castellón aiming for his fourth victory. The Kailas FUGA team runner will once again line up with the goal of continuing to build his legacy in a race he knows inside out.

Alongside him is Marc Bernades, one of the standout names in Spanish trail running, who has shown remarkable resilience after his injury in 2025. His return to top form, with strong results in national championships and international circuits, places him among the main podium contenders.

Joining them is Dakota Jones, one of the most recognisable figures in global ultra trail running. A two-time Transvulcania winner and regular podium finisher in iconic races, the American will make his MiM debut with an outstanding track record and a philosophy closely aligned with the values of the race—adding a special dimension to his presence in Castellón.

A wide-open men’s top 10

The list of favourites also includes names such as Leonard Mitrica, Romanian champion and regular competitor at major international events; Fran Anguita, in great form after his recent podium at Transgrancanaria; Mario Olmedo, runner-up at the MiM in 2023; Claudio Díaz, one of Spain’s ultra trail references; Manuel Anguita, with strong results in international races; Pablo Bautista, Spanish trail running runner-up; and Daniel Castillo, known for his experience and consistency at a high level.

This group is further strengthened by a strong international presence, reinforcing the global character of the race, with runners such as Kevin Vermeulen, MiM winner in 2022; French runner Gautier Bonnecarrère, a regular in major European races; and Norway’s Anders J. Kjærevik, a familiar face at Penyagolosa who returns year after year.

Alongside them, local participation will once again play a key role. Runners such as David Prades, Cristian Ibáñez and Samuel Palomera will be aiming to take centre stage in a race they know perfectly well.

History and character on the start line

In the women’s race, the level is once again outstanding. The spotlight will be on Inés Astrain, current course record holder (6:07:46), who returns after delivering a historic performance in the previous edition. Her race was not just a victory—it was a display of control, intelligence and connection with the course, always with a smile.

Alongside her is Gemma Arenas, a true legend of Penyagolosa, with eight podium finishes in the race and one of the most consistent athletes. Year after year, she returns to Castellón with the same enthusiasm, proving that her relationship with the MiM goes far beyond results.

Also on the start line will be Azara García, MiM winner in 2019 and one of the most charismatic runners in Spanish trail running. Her return to Penyagolosa generates great anticipation: intensity, character and competitiveness define an athlete who already knows what it takes to win here.

The field is completed by runners such as Norway’s Sara Rebekka Linde, with multiple participations and strong finishes at the MiM; Anna Comet, one of the most experienced runners on the international scene; Gisela Carrión, with an impressive international track record; Cèlia Balcells, Spanish Snowrunning champion; and Maud Combarieu, with victories in long-distance races.

Local female talent

On the local side, the women’s field will include names closely linked to the territory such as Isabel Llorach, Sandra Lafuente, María Jesús Marco and María Mecho—runners who embody the spirit of Penyagolosa and take on the race with the added motivation of competing on home soil.

With this line-up, MiM 2026 reaffirms its position as one of the key events on the calendar, where sporting excellence meets the essence of a race defined by tradition, territory and sustainability. On April 18, the road to Sant Joan will once again decide who writes their name into the history of Penyagolosa.