In the MiM, José Ángel Fernández “Canales” was once again one of the great stars, sealing an emotional triumph and clinching his fourth consecutive victory at Penyagolosa (5:15:09). The men's race was decided in a spectacular head-to-head duel with American runner Dakota Jones (5:17:15), who offered relentless pressure throughout and crossed the finish line barely two minutes behind. Behind them, the podium was completed by Mario Olmedo (5:23:54), who took 2nd place in the MiM in 2023 and led the race alongside Canales and Dakota until nearly halfway.
Rounding out the top 5 were Granada's Fran Anguita (5:29:18), making his debut at Penyagolosa, and Romania's Leonard Mitrica (5:35:59), returning for his second consecutive year.
In the women's category, victory went to Norway's Sara Rebekka Linde (6:23:20), who after five appearances in the race finally climbed to the top step of the podium. A mother of four and seasoned connoisseur of the course, Linde delivered an outstanding performance on a day conditioned by scorching heat from early morning. Sara finished more than 15 minutes ahead of the time set by Inés Astraín, winner of the previous edition. Astraín herself (6:36:34) claimed second place, having surged through Borriol at record pace before the high temperatures took their toll in the second half of the race. Today's performance marked Inés's second podium in the MiM. Barely 10 seconds later arrived Catalan runner Anna Comet (6:36:44), following an impressive progressive charge where she applied pressure right up to the final meters.
The women's top 5 was completed by fellow Catalan runners Gisela Carrión (6:39:08) and Cèlia Balcells (6:41:08), concluding a world-class ranking.
The CSP, which got underway at midnight from Universitat Jaume I, once again delivered an extraordinarily grueling race. In the men's category, Raúl Butaci (10:41:10) took the win with a resolute performance, having initially targeted Ben Dhiman's course record (10:35:48). Closely trailing Butaci, Julen Calvó and Joaquín López shared kilometers without ever quite reeling in the Romanian runner. Calvó (10:41:52) crossed the line in second place just 40 seconds back. Third place went to Joaquín López (10:46:20), Kailas FUGA athlete arriving directly from Ecuador, while the top 5 was rounded out by Valencian runners Francisco Rodríguez (11:17:24), a regular fixture in the race, and Arnau Seguí (11:21:22), taking 5th after claiming silver in the previous edition.
In the women's category, Gemma Arenas (13:43:19) proved once again her competitive romance with Penyagolosa. With no fewer than eight podiums in the event, the runner from La Mancha returned to the podium to secure her third victory in the long-distance race. Behind her, Britain's Emi Dixon (14:07:05) placed second in what was a highly technical race for her. Canary Islander Yasmina Castro (14:39:03) completed the podium, demonstrating stellar form by linking two grueling ultra competitions across consecutive weekends.
Provincial runner Sonia Escuriola (15:42:08), another loyal Penyagolosa veteran, and Elena Mihai (16:06:51) rounded out the women's top 5 in the ultra distance.
Beyond individual achievements, the day once again encapsulated the essence of FUGA Penyagolosa Trails: a demanding route, an incomparable setting, and impassioned crowds lining every turn. The live streaming broadcast brought key race moments into homes worldwide, sharing the thrill of the race with thousands of spectators.
Director of FUGA Penyagolosa Trails, Tico Cervera, emphasized the spirit that transcends the sporting competition: “It is awe-inspiring to witness the enthusiasm of the people. Our volunteers are always there, from early morning until the final runner, and the mountain villages elevate this event into something far greater than a race. The unique atmosphere created along the way is without doubt one of Penyagolosa's hallmark identities.”
From the starting line at Universitat Jaume I to the finish at Sant Joan de Penyagolosa, the race once again traveled a course blending raw athletic challenge with deep cultural symbolism, reaffirming the event's unique status on the world stage.
FUGA Penyagolosa Trails thereby writes another unforgettable chapter in its sporting history.