Following the lottery held today at the Castellón Provincial Council, MiM bibs have been assigned to numbers 2216 to 3715, while all pre-registered runners for the CSP will have a guaranteed spot

 

After the lottery held today at the Castellón Provincial Council, MiM bibs have been assigned to numbers 2216 to 3715, while all pre-registered runners for the CSP are guaranteed a spot, as the number of entries does not exceed the available slots by more than 20%. With this draw, the official countdown to the next edition begins—an eagerly anticipated moment for runners from all over Spain and beyond.

Runners who have secured a place for either race must complete their registration before December 23 through the Penyagolosa Trails website.

The draw, held at 19:00 at the Castellón Provincial Council, brought together authorities, sponsors and partners who joined us in celebrating this key moment. Among those in attendance were the President of the Castellón Provincial Council, Marta Barrachina; the Director General of Sport, Luis Cervera; and the Provincial Deputy for Sports, Iván Sánchez.

President Marta Barrachina highlighted that “once again, the number of pre-registrations shows the great excitement this event generates among those hoping to take part in the most spectacular sporting event we have in Castellón. A true celebration of trail running.”

She also underscored the unique opportunity Penyagolosa Trails offers to “showcase our territory as an outstanding sporting stage.” Once again, the event will shine a spotlight on the province’s heritage through the municipalities along the route—“the essence of our history and a key part of what gives meaning to Penyagolosa Trails.” In addition to the heritage, she highlighted the people: the involvement of the towns, sports clubs, and residents of Castellón. “They are an essential part of Penyagolosa Trails,” she emphasised.

Penyagolosa Trails: A commitment to solidarity

During the event, a cheque for €1,766 was presented to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), corresponding to €1 donated for each finisher of both races in the 2025 edition—an example of Penyagolosa Trails’ ongoing social commitment.

In addition, those who were not awarded a spot in the lottery still have the chance to participate in the MiM through solidarity bibs, available on the ASOLECAS and Conquistando Escalones websites. These bibs guarantee entry even for those not selected in the draw.

With the draw complete, the countdown begins: months of training and preparation that will lead into one of Spain’s most iconic trail races, where every kilometre once again highlights the spirit of resilience, solidarity and passion that make Penyagolosa Trails truly unique.

The bib lottery will take place on Friday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Castellón Provincial Council.

 

The pre-registration period for the upcoming edition of Penyagolosa Trails has concluded with a total of 4,773 runners from 48 provinces and 40 nationalities, once again confirming the international scope of the Castellón event.

The high demand was evident in how quickly the first 1,000 pre-registrations were reached — in less than 10 hours. A milestone that highlights the strong anticipation the race generates among both national and international runners.

The MiM is once again the race with the highest number of applications, with a total of 4,081 pre-registrations for the flagship event and 692 for the CSP. Among all these participants, 1,500 bibs will be allocated for the MiM through a lottery. In the case of the CSP, the number of pre-registrations does not exceed the available slots by more than 20%, so no lottery will be required.

“Every year, thanks to all the runners who pre-register, we reach extraordinary numbers that remind us how special Penyagolosa Trails really is. It’s a pride to see how the passion for this race brings together participants from all over the world and motivates us to keep improving each edition,” says Tico Cervera, race director.

These comments were echoed by the President of the Castellón Provincial Council, Marta Barrachina, who highlighted that “once again, the number of runners who want to be part of Penyagolosa Trails shows that it is a unique sporting event, firmly established in the trail running calendar.” She added, “In just over four months, the province of Castellón will once again become the perfect sporting stage as we host a new edition of this event, which will combine the effort and determination of the athletes with the natural beauty and richness of our region.”

On Friday, December 12th, the reception hall of the Castellón Provincial Council will host the highly anticipated bib lottery — a key moment for the entire trail-running community. The event will be streamed live on the Castellón Provincial Council’s YouTube channel and on the Ingrávidos Twitch channel.

During the event, products from some of the race’s sponsors will be raffled as attendees share the excitement of a unique moment marking the beginning of months of training, motivation, and challenges ahead on the road to Penyagolosa Trails 2026.

Key dates

• Bib lottery: December 12th, 2025 at 19:00

• Deadline to complete registration: December 23rd

The event will continue promoting sport and solidarity through donations to the AECC and the charity bib initiative

 

Penyagolosa Trails reaffirms, once again, its commitment to society and the region through its solidarity initiatives. With pre-registrations opening last week, the 2026 edition begins its journey to bring the community together once more around sport and solidarity.

For several editions now, Penyagolosa Trails has maintained two main avenues of social support:

• A donation of €1 for every MiM and CSP finisher to the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC), contributing to support programmes for patients and families.

• The charity bib campaign, through which the organisation donates MiM bibs free of charge to provincial non-profit associations, which then manage their sale and allocate all funds directly to their projects and causes.

A commitment beyond the donation

Since 2016, Penyagolosa Trails has maintained a strong partnership with the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC), a collaboration that goes beyond financial contributions and is reflected every year in joint support actions.

In addition to receiving €1 for every runner who finishes the race—funds allocated to research projects and support programmes for patients and families—the AECC actively participates as a volunteer organisation during the event. Their involvement in organisational tasks helps turn each edition into a space for awareness, support and visibility in the fight against cancer.

Charity bibs

Charity bibs offer an alternative way to run the MiM for those who did not obtain a slot in the lottery. They allow participation through a donation to a social organisation from the province of Castellón.

These charity bibs will be available after the 12 December lottery on the websites of the Asociación contra la Leucemia de Castellón (ASOLECAS) and the Asociación Conquistando Escalones, both of which are collaborating in the 2026 edition. The management of these bibs is carried out exclusively by the two associations, and they provide guaranteed access to the race even when registrations are full.

The Asociación contra la Leucemia de Castellón (ASOLECAS) works to improve the quality of life of patients with leukaemia and other haematological diseases, as well as their families, offering psychological, social and material support throughout treatment, in addition to promoting bone marrow donation.

The Asociación Conquistando Escalones brings together people affected by LGMDD2 muscular dystrophy, a rare degenerative disease that offers natural protection against HIV. This year, they launched the campaign “10 Years, 10 Steps,” aimed at funding research to improve the lives of patients.

 

Sport, community, and solidarity

With these actions, Penyagolosa Trails continues to strengthen its position as an event that goes beyond competition and becomes a driving force for solidarity. Every kilometre run by its participants translates into support for social causes, reinforcing the event’s identity as a platform for solidarity within the province.

Pre-registrations for Penyagolosa Trails 2026 will remain open until 8 December and can be completed through the event’s official website.

The pre-registration period is now open from today until 8 December 2025 at 19:00.

The wait is over. Pre-registration for Penyagolosa Trails 2026 is now open. The event will celebrate the 27th edition of the MiM and the 14th edition of the CSP on 18 April 2026, bringing together national and international runners in the Penyagolosa Natural Park in Castellón.

Pre-registration is available exclusively through the official website: www.penyagolosatrails.com. Places are limited, and race bibs will be allocated through a lottery to be held on 12 December at the Reception Hall of the Castelló Provincial Council. The event will be streamed on the YouTube channel of the Castelló Provincial Council and on the Ingrávidos Twitch channel.

Courses

• MiM: 60 km with 3,300 metres of positive elevation gain up to the Sant Joan de Penyagolosa Sanctuary (1,280 m), combining technical and fast sections that test both endurance and race strategy.
• CSP: 106 km with 5,600 metres of positive elevation gain to the same sanctuary, featuring a demanding route that requires strong physical and mental management and careful pacing.

 

 

Both courses cross some of the most iconic landscapes of Castellón’s inland region, from the Mediterranean coastline to Penyagolosa, a symbol of the province. The involvement and support of the towns along the route have become one of the event’s hallmarks, helping consolidate Penyagolosa Trails as a key fixture on the international trail running calendar.

Key Dates

• Pre-registration: 20 November – 8 December 2025
  Lottery: 12 December 2025
  Deadline for selected runners to complete their registration: 23 December 2025

Commitment to the Territory and Sustainability

Once again, Penyagolosa Trails reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and to the cultural and human heritage of Castellón’s inland region, engaging the municipalities along the route and the hundreds of volunteers who contribute to the event’s atmosphere and hospitality.

All updates for the 2026 edition will be announced on the event’s social media channels.

The Villarreal CF, through its Endavant Esports program, has once again confirmed the participation of ASICS Penyagolosa Trails within its initiative to promote sports in the province of Castellón.

Since 2017, the race has been part of this project, which supports athletes, clubs, and prominent events in the region. This renewal strengthens the collaboration between both entities and acknowledges the reach of the MiM and CSP races, which showcase Castellón at a national and international level.

Created in 2004, Endavant Esports aims to promote sports in the province by providing resources, training, and visibility to its participants. Over the years, the program has supported numerous athletes, contributing to the development of the sports culture and the promotion of Castellón’s territorial identity.

The continuation of this collaboration will allow joint actions for the dissemination and promotion of trail running, highlighting the significance of the races and the role of sports as a driver of social, cultural, and tourism growth in the province.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT COMES ON THE EVE OF THE WORLD’S PREMIER TRAIL RUNNING EVENT IN CHAMONIX, WHERE THE ORGANIZATION WILL BE PRESENT

 

ASICS Penyagolosa Trails will take place on April 18, 2026, bringing together runners from across the globe in its two emblematic races: the MiM, now in its 27th edition with a 60 km course, and the CSP, celebrating its 14th edition with 106 km. Both races follow historic trails and pass through villages in the inland area of Castellón province, reflecting a strong bond with the mountains.

Pre-registrations will open, as usual, in November this year. In the coming weeks, the organization will announce the specific dates and some of the new features of an edition that will continue to strengthen local identity, promote responsible tourism, and uphold the race’s firm commitment to sustainability.

The announcement has been shared on social media through a video featuring Marta Barrachina, President of the Castellón Provincial Council, who underlined the event’s international projection and its role as a showcase for the natural and cultural heritage of the province.

The head of the provincial institution praised ASICS Penyagolosa Trails as “the ultimate expression of sport in our province; it is sport in capital letters.” As Marta Barrachina highlighted, “Penyagolosa Trails is a sporting event that embodies pride of belonging, of our province, and of showcasing our territory as a major sporting stage.”

She also emphasized that the event would not be the same without its people: “Without the involvement of the municipalities, sports and social associations, residents, and organizations, whose contagious energy and dedication make it a truly exceptional experience.” For Marta Barrachina, this well-established event “is an irresistible magnet for athletes, tourists, and visitors who on April 18 will once again feel, live, and enjoy a race that is already part of our DNA, perfectly combining sport and nature, while contributing to the revitalization of the inland areas of our province.”

Thanks to the support of the Castellón Tourism Board, ASICS Penyagolosa Trails will be present in the coming days at the Ultra-Trail Village of UTMB in Chamonix, providing information about the 2026 edition and promoting the scenic appeal of Penyagolosa Natural Park and its surroundings.

Furthermore, to encourage participation and interaction with visitors, the stand will feature activities and tastings of local products, allowing attendees to discover the territory and gastronomy of Castellón. The organization’s presence at this international meeting point reinforces its goal of positioning the province of Castellón as a benchmark in the global trail running scene.

BREAKING INTO THE ‘TOP 10’ OF THE MiM WILL BE A TRUE FEAT AGAINST A SPECTACULAR FIELD

ASICS Penyagolosa Trails has become a reference in the national and international trail running scene. If last year, the 60-kilometer race, the MiM, surprised us with young promises who kept up with Canales until Xodos, this year again presents a spectacular lineup, so a true battle is expected in the queen race on April 12.

As for the MiM, one of the oldest trail running races in Spain, now reaching its 26th edition, it presents itself as one of the most competitive editions in its history. The three men who took the podium last year are returning. The presence of José Ángel Fernández Canales, two-time winner of the race and current record holder with a time of 5:12:54, stands out. The runner from Jaén has spent the last weeks training at the Sierra Nevada High Performance Center to prepare for his goal.
Still in the men’s category, the record holder will face runners such as Julen Calvó, 2nd in 2024, Víctor del Águila, 3rd in 2024, Kevin Vermeulen, winner in 2022, Mario Olmedo, 2nd in 2023, Anders Kjaerevic, 3rd in 2022, Abel Carretero, 3rd in 2021, or Genís Porqueras, 5th in 2024.

Among other favorites debuting this year we find Portuguese runner Miguel Arsenio, second last year at Templiers and winner at Ultra Pirineu 2023, Romanian Leonard Mitrica, Icelanders Thorbergur Jonsson and Thorsteinn Johannsson, Catalans Marc Bernades and Edu Hernández, Claudio Díaz Castan from Madrid, and Jesús Gil from Castilla-La Mancha.

Among the local runners, the presence of Cristian Callau, Adrià Garcia, Eloy Hornero, or veteran Victor Bernad stands out, all familiar with the race and with an extra dose of motivation for running at home. In the women’s category, provincial participation is led by runners such as Isabel Llorach, Anna Martínez, Sonia Mundina, or Silvia Miralles, after the withdrawal of Carla Pitarch from Els Ibarsos, podium finisher in the last edition.

In the women’s category, the level is no less. The five women who occupied the top five spots last year are back: Gemma Arenas, three victories in the MiM and two in the CSP, Mar Pastor from Alicante, 2nd in 2024, Carla Pitarch, 3rd last year and champion of the Lliga Nord, Inés Astrain from Navarre, and Sara Linde from Norway, 2nd in 2023 and 4th in 2022.

Besides them, running the MiM for the first time are: Virginia Pérez Mesonero, runner-up at Lavaredo last year and runner-up in Spain in 2022, Ecuadorian Jessica Tipán, 3rd in the previous year’s CSP, and Catalans Mireia Pons and Eli Gordón.

In the CSP, in the men’s category, some runners from Castellón have a lot to say, like Dani Colom, current runner-up of the race, and Cristóbal Adell, who with four podiums in the MiM will debut at the longer distance. They will face Agustín Luján, a great expert of the race, or international runners such as Japanese Hirokazu Nishimura, 3rd in 2023, or Russian Aleksei Tolstenko, winner in 2021 and 2nd last year, who is currently facing difficulties obtaining his visa due to cross-border bureaucracy.

In the women’s category, three runners who have occupied podium spots in recent editions will be back: Eli Ríos, champion in 2022, Eva Mesado, with two podiums in the MiM and 2nd in the CSP in 2022, Cris Santurino, 4th in 2024, and Raquel Casares from Castellón, 4th in the MiM in 2022 and 5th in her debut last year in the CSP. Also noteworthy is the return of Mercedes Pila, who already knows what it’s like to win the race twice.

A great lineup of national and international runners that suggests spectacular races. Last year already featured a titanic duel between José Ángel Canales and Julen Calvó, which was resolved around Xodos in the men’s MiM, and a similar battle in the women’s race between Gemma Arenas, Mar Pastor, and Carla Pitarch.

We also relived the victory of Ramón Recatalá, 12 years after the launch of the CSP. On the women’s side, Camille Bruyas shattered all records, winning the race and achieving an extraordinary 4th place overall.

Castellón province prepares to host a premier trail running event with ASICS Penyagolosa Trails 2025

This afternoon, the official presentation of the event took place at the Patio de las Aulas of the Castellón Provincial Council, in a ceremony hosted by Cadena SER journalist Jaume Maicas.

This year marks the 26th edition of the MiM and the 13th edition of the CSP, further solidifying the legacy of one of the most iconic ultra-distance races on the international calendar.

The event was attended by prominent officials and institutional representatives, including Marta Barrachina, President of the Castellón Provincial Council; Maria Antonia García, Government Subdelegate; Luis Cervera, General Director of Sports of the Generalitat Valenciana; the Consell Delegate in Castellón; Paloma Masó, External Relations Manager of Villarreal CF; Juan Pons, Commercial Director of Nutrinovex; and Tico Cervera, Director of ASICS Penyagolosa Trails.

Castellón: The Global Epicenter of Trail Running

During her speech, Marta Barrachina, President of the Castellón Provincial Council, stated:
“In just one week, we will once again experience the adrenaline and excitement of seeing 2,100 runners from 47 Spanish provinces and 40 countries worldwide traverse our trails, paths, and landscapes, reaching Sant Joan de Penyagolosa in a race that embodies our Castellón as a Sporting Destination.”

She emphasized the sporting and tourism success of both the MiM and CSP, highlighting that:
“Penyagolosa Trails is a source of pride and an irresistible attraction for athletes, tourists, and visitors who, on April 12, will once again experience and enjoy a unique event in an unparalleled setting.”

Barrachina also recognized the invaluable contribution of sports clubs, volunteers, municipalities, security forces, and medical teams, all of whom play a crucial role in ensuring another successful edition of Penyagolosa Trails.

Similarly, Maria Antonia García, Government Subdelegate, highlighted the logistical and security efforts required for the event’s smooth execution:
“An event of this magnitude demands flawless organization to ensure the safety of runners and spectators alike. We deeply appreciate the dedication of security personnel and volunteers who make this competition possible.”

Luis Cervera, General Director of Sports, underlined the significance of the race for the Valencian Community, stating:
“Events like ASICS Penyagolosa Trails showcase our territory and strengthen the Comunitat de l’Esport. Its impact extends beyond sports, positioning Castellón as a key reference in international trail running.”

A Race with History and Environmental Commitment

Tico Cervera, Race Director, expressed gratitude to all organizations supporting ASICS Penyagolosa Trails, allowing the event to grow year after year:
“We are on the verge of an extraordinary edition, featuring one of the strongest lineups of elite runners in history and a team of over 800 volunteers. Our commitment is to provide the best possible experience while maintaining high organizational standards and minimizing environmental impact.”

Representing the event’s volunteers, Ildefonso Alberto, responsible for logistics and aid station supply collection, emphasized the importance of waste management and material reuse. Meanwhile, Ramón Recatalà, winner of the first CSP edition in 2012 and current defending champion, shared his insights on the race’s evolution and the challenges it presents.

Honorary Committee Finalizes Event Details

Prior to the presentation, the Honorary Committee—comprising the Castellón Provincial Council, the Club Marató i Mitja (event organizer), and the municipalities of Castelló de la Plana, Borriol, Vilafamés, Les Useres, Lucena, Atzeneta del Maestrat, Benafigos, Culla, Vistabella del Maestrat, Xodos, and Villahermosa del Río—held a meeting at the Castellón Provincial Council’s Commission Room to finalize event preparations.

During the meeting, Tico Cervera thanked all members of the Honorary Committee for their involvement and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of teamwork to ensure the success of the race.

Official Program of ASICS Penyagolosa Trails 2025

The excitement of ASICS Penyagolosa Trails extends beyond the race weekend, with various pre-event activities planned throughout the week:

• Tuesday, April 8 – 11:00 AM: Cursa Penyagolosa a l’Escola, a children’s race at Universitat Jaume I.

• Thursday, April 10 – 5:00 PM: Suunto Test at UJI with runner Abel Carretero, followed by the ASICS Product Test at the athletics track at 6:30 PM.

• Friday, April 11 – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM: Runner’s Expo and bib collection at Plaza de las Aulas, Castellón.

• Saturday, April 12 – 12:00 AM: CSP Start from Universitat Jaume I.

• Saturday, April 12 – 6:00 AM: MiM Start from Universitat Jaume I.

• Saturday, April 12 – 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM: Live broadcast on www.evasiontv.es and www.penyagolosatrails.com.

• Saturday, April 12 – Finish at Sant Joan and Flower Ceremony.

With a strong heritage, a commitment to sustainability, and top-tier organization, ASICS Penyagolosa Trails 2025 promises to be one of the most memorable editions yet.

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.

With less than fifteen days to go before the participants of the MiM and CSP once again take on the imposing route to Sant Joan, ASICS Penyagolosa Trails strengthens an important partnership for its realization. Cajamar renews its commitment and remains, for the second consecutive year, a ‘premium partner’ of these two prestigious races, reaffirming its support for sports and the values of the Castellón region.

At an event held this morning, Cajamar’s territorial director in Castellón, Eduardo Holgado, and ASICS Penyagolosa Trails director, Tico Cervera, highlighted the strength of this collaboration and the alignment of values that have made it possible to renew this agreement.

Eduardo Holgado emphasized that “Cajamar, as the leading Spanish rural savings bank, maintains a strong commitment to the development of rural areas, promoting economic growth and the social and environmental sustainability of the region. These principles are closely linked to the values of ASICS Penyagolosa Trails, a race that represents effort, tradition, and respect for the natural environment.”

For his part, Tico Cervera highlighted the importance of this renewal, stating that “ASICS Penyagolosa Trails continues to establish itself as one of the leading trail running events at both national and international levels. Cajamar’s renewal as a ‘premium partner’ is a testament to the commitment of organizations that share our vision of a top-tier, sustainable event deeply rooted in its history.”

This year’s edition, taking place on April 12, will feature 1,500 runners in the MiM (60 km) and 600 in the CSP (106 km), reaffirming its significance in the sports calendar. Additionally, the organization continues to promote initiatives such as ‘Penyagolosa a l’Escola,’ aimed at spreading trail running values among new generations, and has resumed the Penyagolosa Trail Saludable research to improve the health and performance of ultra-distance runners.

To further strengthen this alliance, Cajamar and ASICS Penyagolosa Trails held the coordination meeting of collaborating clubs on March 20 at the emblematic Puerta del Sol auditorium. During the meeting, key details were finalized regarding safety, logistics, sustainability, and inclusion.

ASICS Penyagolosa Trails continues to work year after year on organizing a race that stands out not only for its athletic level but also for its commitment to nature and the historical heritage of the region. The renewal of Cajamar as a ‘premium partner’ reinforces this commitment to excellence and respect for the environment.