Trail El Mazucu Rebulle

The Trail El Mazucu Rebulle is a short but demanding mountain race organised by the El Mazucu Rebulle neighbours' and friends' association in the village of El Mazucu, part of the municipality of Llanes in eastern Asturias. The race starts and finishes in the village park, at the foot of the Sierra del Cuera, the limestone ridge that separates the Cantabrian coast from the interior. It is held on a Saturday morning in early November, with a single start at 10:00, and the field is capped at two hundred runners.

The one and only course is 13.6 km long. Setting off at 360 m above sea level, it climbs quickly southwards along the Nozalín track, through Fresnu, La Prida, Cuetu Doblos and El Picu, to reach El Churru, where the first aid station, with food and drink, sits at around the 4 km mark. The route then follows the Caleyón de Reburdiallu up to Peña Blanca, the high point of the race at 1,182 m, around 6 km in, where a drinks-only station awaits. The descent runs through El Cabañucu, Medas, Bustiellu, Las Bolugas and El Plaganu before returning to the park and the final aid station.

The organisers rate the race as moderately difficult, but point out that the trails, strewn with limestone, are very technical in places. There are more than 800 metres of height difference between the start line and the summit, and the terrain calls for sure footing both on the way up and on the way down. There are no intermediate cut-offs, only an overall time limit: the finish closes at 14:00, four hours after the start. This makes it a race for trail runners already comfortable on rocky ground rather than for complete beginners.

The views repay the effort. From the heights of the Sierra del Cuera, the eye sweeps south across the three massifs of the Picos de Europa, while the Cantabrian Sea lies just a few kilometres to the north. El Mazucu is also a place of remembrance, known for the battle fought in these mountains in September 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. Supported by around thirty volunteers stationed at junctions and key points, the race keeps the feel of a village gathering.

On the practical side, bibs are collected at the El Mazucu school on the Friday evening before the race and on Saturday morning before the start, on presentation of photo ID. The school is also the meeting point, with showers and changing rooms after the finish. Mandatory kit includes trail shoes (minimalist footwear is banned), a charged mobile phone, a cup for the aid stations and at least half a litre of water; a pack, cap, poles and a survival blanket are recommended. Runners must be 18, or 16 with parental consent, and hold a mountain or trail running licence; otherwise, insurance can be purchased when registering. The course is marked with red flags and red tape.