Gurriana Trail

Gurriana Trail is a mountain race starting from Carrejo, a village in the municipality of Cabezón de la Sal in western Cantabria, some fifteen kilometres inland from the coast. First held in 2015, it quickly earned a place on the regional calendar, hosting the Cantabrian mountain running championship more than once, notably in 2016 and 2018. The 2019 edition, which was due to count towards the Spanish mountain federation's national cup, was called off a few days before the start because of an administrative dispute over permits. The race now returns in mid-March, listed on the Cantabrian federation calendar, with the start on Plaza de la Braña in the centre of the village.

Two formats are on offer. The GT20 measures 20.1 km with 1,290 m of ascent, a short distance with a thoroughly mountainous profile. The GT40, 37.2 km with 2,335 m of ascent, adds a long section of ridges and woodland before dropping back to Carrejo. Both routes climb onto the Sierra del Escudo, the line of hills that separates the Cabuérniga valley from the coastal strip, mixing trails, brañas, the high meadows traditionally grazed by cattle, and forest. In previous editions the course crossed several neighbouring municipalities, including Valdáliga, Ruente and Cabuérniga, passing through spots such as La Pedraje and Prao de Julio.

The terrain has a reputation for being technical and calls for sure ankles and plenty of experience on greasy descents. In March the Cantabrian weather can turn quickly: rain, strong winds on the ridges and mud are common, so a jacket and warm layers are worth carrying. The GT40 is aimed at well-trained trail runners used to long days in the mountains; the GT20 suits runners already comfortable with climbing who want to discover the area over a shorter format. Total entries are capped at 600.

On a clear day the high ground looks out over the Cantabrian Sea on one side and the peaks of the Picos de Europa on the other. Carrejo is known for its mountain manor house, home to the Cantabria Museum of Nature, and Cabezón de la Sal takes its name from the salt springs worked here for centuries. The area sits at the gateway to the Cabuérniga valley and the Saja-Besaya Natural Park, one of the region's great beech and oak forests.

Entries are taken online until mid-February or until places run out, and a souvenir T-shirt is reserved for early registrants. Two parking areas are provided less than 300 metres from the start, by the sports court in Carrejo and at La Cavada. Start times and details of the aid stations are announced by the organisers closer to race day.