( Our history )
Discover the history of
FUGA Penyagolosa Trails
1950
The history of FUGA Penyagolosa Trails begins long before the race itself existed.
For centuries, the trail connecting the city of Castellón with the sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa was a path of pilgrimage, encounter, and deep connection with the land. In the 1950s, a group of mountaineers and hikers set out to revive this tradition, championing the restoration of ancient historical trails and footpaths.
From that work was born the Sender de la Lluna Plena (GR-33), a route linking Castellón with Sant Joan de Penyagolosa through some of the most iconic landscapes of the provincial interior. Years later, that very trail would become the origin of one of the mountain running sector's most recognized races.
1996
The traditional Castellón–Sant Joan de Penyagolosa trek evolved into a single-day endurance event thanks to joint collaboration among Club Muntanya Castelló, Centre Excursionista de Castelló, and Universitat Jaume I.
That experience demonstrated the tremendous sporting and human potential of the route and laid the foundation for what was to come.
1999
Four mountain clubs across the province — Club Muntanya Castelló, Club Muntanyer La Pedrera de Borriol, Club Esportiu Bombers de Castelló, and Club Trepa Castellet — joined forces to organize the inaugural edition of the Marató i Mitja (MiM).
That very first race marked not only the birth of a new competition, but the beginning of a community project built on collaboration, volunteering, and deep commitment to the region.
2003
The MiM hosted the FEDME Spanish Mountain Running Championship for the first time, an official recognition that affirmed the race's sporting growth.
2005
Club Deportivo Marató i Mitja Castelló-Penyagolosa was officially founded, a decisive step toward professionalizing the organization and pursuing new athletic milestones.
2008
The organization took on an ambitious challenge by hosting the Spanish Individual and Autonomous Regional Team Mountain Running Championship, proving its capacity to coordinate major national events.
2012
With the goal of promoting mountain sports and bringing greater visibility to the natural interior of Castellón, the CSP (Castelló-Penyagolosa) was created: a new 106-kilometer distance.
Its addition also marked the birth of Penyagolosa Trails, a unifying brand that brought the MiM and CSP under one shared banner.
2013–2014
The newly created CSP hosted the FEDME Spanish Ultra-trail Championship for two consecutive editions, solidifying its place among the discipline's premier events from its earliest years.
2016
The project continued expanding and was awarded the Emprén Esport Award in the 'Universalization of Effort – Sporting Event' category, confirming the ongoing evolution of Penyagolosa Trails and its readiness to embrace new frontiers.
2017
Penyagolosa Trails joined the Ultra-Trail World Tour, the world's most prestigious international circuit at the time, sharing the calendar with the finest mountain ultramarathons on the globe.
2018
The province of Castellón hosted the Trail World Championships, gathering nearly 50 national teams and over 400 world-class athletes. For several unforgettable days, Castellón stood as the global epicenter of trail running.
2022
The MiM hosted the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) Spanish Trail Running Championship, marking a new chapter for the discipline within Spanish track and field.
2024
The MiM celebrated its 25th anniversary — a quarter of a century running along the historic trails that unite Castellón with Sant Joan de Penyagolosa.
That same year saw the launch of Penyagolosa a l'Escola, an educational initiative that brings the values of sport, nature, and cultural heritage to younger generations.
2025
Penyagolosa Trails received the Distinction of Sporting Merit from the Provincial Council of Castellón and was honored as Best Trail Running Event in Spain at the RFEA Spanish Athletics Gala.
( Our values )
Land & Territory
( O1 )The territory is the heart and origin of FUGA Penyagolosa Trails. The race highlights the natural, cultural, and human heritage of the province, working alongside municipalities, local suppliers, and community partners to protect and revitalize our environment.
Tradition
( O2 )FUGA Penyagolosa Trails stems from a centuries-old pilgrimage path connecting Castelló with Sant Joan de Penyagolosa. While the event evolves with time, it honors the trail, its living history, and the enduring legacy of those who walked it before us.
Sustainability
( O3 )Sustainability is woven into how FUGA Penyagolosa Trails is organized. Rigorous waste management, sustainable mobility, eliminating single-use materials, and collaborating with scientific research reflect our steadfast commitment to generating a positive impact on the land.
Authenticity
( O4 )FUGA Penyagolosa Trails upholds a mountain philosophy rooted in simplicity, respect, and human warmth. The runner, the natural setting, the host villages, and our volunteers remain the beating heart of the race's identity.
Organizational excellence
( O5 )Over one hundred kilometers of mountain terrain and hundreds of dedicated individuals require meticulous coordination and continual refinement. Each edition is carefully analyzed to improve processes and deliver a first-class experience for runners, volunteers, partners, and sponsors.
( Transparency )
In accordance with Law 1/2022 of April 13 on Transparency and Good Governance of the Comunitat Valenciana (in conjunction with State Law 19/2013), Article 4 establishes the obligation for private entities receiving public subsidies to provide adequate active publicity via their website, indicating at least the granting public entity, the amount received, and the subsidized program, activity, investment, or initiative.
In compliance with this regulation, the subsidies granted in 2026 are detailed. The Diputació de Castelló collaborates in the staging of FUGA Penyagolosa Trails in 2026 with an allocation of €180,000. Additionally, the Generalitat Valenciana provides a nominative grant in 2026 for the "Organization of European and World Championships in top categories and equivalent competitions" in the amount of €40,000.
( Our projects )
