The CSP of FUGA Penyagolosa Trails arrives at this edition with an especially high sporting level and several clear contenders for victory. The 106 kilometres between Castellón and Sant Joan de Penyagolosa will once again demand a combination of endurance, strategy and course knowledge in a race where every detail can make the difference.
Key names in the battle for victory
The fight for the top spot features several well-known names. Among them is Raúl Butaci, one of the most consistent runners on the European scene. He arrives after a 2025 season in which he has barely stepped off the podium in top-level ultras, with results such as second place at Lavaredo by UTMB® 120K.
Opposing him, JoaquÃn López continues to take firm steps towards the absolute elite. Following his third place at UTMB® Mont-Blanc 2024 and victory at Mt. Fuji 100 in 2025, the Ecuadorian has established himself as one of the most decisive runners over long distances.
The presence of Julen Calvó adds another competitive dimension to the race. He has already proven his ability to perform at Penyagolosa, with a second place at the MiM in 2024 and a sixth place last year. He also returns backed by his recent bronze medal at the Spanish Ultra Championship (Individual and Regional Teams – FEDME).
This group is joined by runners who know the course well. Francisco RodrÃguez, a local runner, and Arnau SeguÃ, runner-up in the last edition, are among them. Internationally, the race will also feature Australia’s Morgan Pilley, with experience in ultras across different continents, and Cédric Chavet, one of the most recognisable figures in European trail running.
From a local perspective, the CSP once again proves to be a specialist’s race. In addition to Francisco, names such as Daniel Colom stand out—arguably one of the runners who best understands Penyagolosa, with multiple participations in CSP and MiM and remarkable consistency in leading positions. Alongside him, Adrià GarcÃa, Iván MarÃn, Albert GarcÃa, Rubén Marc and Vicente Herrera will add further competitiveness.
A women’s field defined by experience in Penyagolosa
In the women’s race, the field promises to be highly competitive, with several standout names. Mercedes Pila will be one of the main references. Her experience and knowledge of the course, after several CSP participations, place her in a very strong position. Last year, she secured second place in a closely contested race.
Alongside her will be Jessica Tipán, who also knows the race very well. Following her third place in the CSP in 2024, she has shown steady progression in recent seasons, establishing herself as an increasingly reliable runner over long distances.
The list of favourites continues with Yasmina Castro Chacón, a key figure in Canary Islands trail running, who has delivered consistently strong seasons and arrives after a top 10 finish at UTMB® TDS. She will be joined by Emily Dixon, a regular on the international circuit, with solid results in races such as Lavaredo, Innsbruck and Swiss Alps.
Meanwhile, Raquel Casares, a local runner, continues to consolidate her progression over this distance after several participations in Penyagolosa. Local athletes Sonia Escuriola and Alicia Chaveli will also be on the start line, bringing course knowledge and competitive ambition.
This scenario is further shaped by several last-minute withdrawals, increasing the uncertainty even more. This is the case of Anna Tarasova, who will not be able to attend in Castellón due to personal reasons, and Iván Calvó, recent winner of Unicaja Ultra Sierra Nevada, who after considering his participation will not take the start.
These absences reshape the competitive landscape and open up even more possibilities in the fight for the leading positions.