Cross country running returns to centre stage this January with the Spanish Cross Country Championships 2026. The Andalusian town of Almodóvar del Río will host the national championships for the first time on Sunday 25 January, turning its “El Pinillo” circuit into the focal point of Spanish distance running. With a history stretching back to 1916, the event is one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions in the country.
A weekend packed with races and excitement
The championships will be contested on the El Pinillo course, a natural loop of grass and compact dirt that tests athletes with climbs, tight bends and rapid changes of pace. Over Saturday and Sunday there will be seven races for the senior championships and four races for the CESA championships (under-16, under-18 and inclusive categories). Around 865 athletes from 18 regional federations will take part. Each federation may enter up to six athletes per category and the top four score for the team classification, with the lowest point total winning.
The entire event will be streamed live on LaLiga+ and entry to the circuit is free. If you plan to attend, arrive early to park and wear sturdy shoes – the ground can get slippery if it rains.
Men’s senior race: an open battle for team and individual glory
The men’s race promises a wide-open contest. With last year’s winner absent, a new champion is guaranteed. Catalonia will try to defend its team title with a strong lineup led by Adam Maijó and Eric Lore. Castilla y León fields Daniel Arce – an Olympic steeplechase finalist and European team champion – while the Valencian Community will rely on emerging talent Ciro Martín. Teams to watch include Castilla-La Mancha with Juan Antonio “Chiki” Pérez and Jaime Migallón, Aragón led by half-marathon national record-holder Carlos Mayo, and Madrid with steeplechaser Alejandro Quijada.
Strength and rhythm changes are key to success in cross country. These runners have sharpened their form in international races during the winter, so expect a high level of competition. If you’re preparing for cross country, incorporate hill reps, mixed-terrain intervals and core strength work into your training.
Women’s senior race: Andalucía defends its crown at home
On the women’s side, Andalucía will try to retain the team title on home soil. The Andalusian squad includes experienced athletes such as Katherine Tisalema and Laura Priego. Their main rivals are Castilla y León and Castilla-La Mancha. Individual contenders include Isabel Barreiro, a nine-time international who was the first Spaniard at the recent Elgoibar cross; Rosalía Tárraga and Queralt Criado for Castilla-La Mancha; and Balearic runner Andrea Romero, bronze medallist at the national 5 km in 2025. Team depth will be decisive.
A common strategy in women’s cross country is to start conservatively and accelerate in the second half. The uneven terrain punishes abrupt surges, so keep your stride short and stable.
Mixed relay and junior races: the present and future of Spanish cross country
The mixed relay is in its fourth edition and has quickly become one of the highlights of the championships. No federation has repeated victory: Catalonia won in 2023, Castilla y León in 2024 and Aragón in 2025. Aragón defends its title with a quartet comprising Elena Martín, Pol Oriach, Rubén Egea and Sandra Labarta. Catalonia, Castilla y León, Madrid and the Valencian Community also line up strong teams.
The under-23, under-20 and under-18 races showcase the next generation. In the men’s under-23 race, Castilla-La Mancha defends the title with Mesfin Escamilla and Unai Naranjo, while Extremadura looks to rising star Óscar Gaitán. The women’s under-23 race sees Catalonia as favourites with Ámbar Tomás and Jimena Blanco, though Castilla y León and Extremadura also field promising squads. Madrid heads the men’s under-20 rankings, and Castilla y León leads the women’s, with names such as Adrià Boyano, Kuma Barrios and Amanda Román.
Watching the junior categories is a chance to see the sport’s future stars. Many of these athletes have already shone at European and world competitions, and their progress will be crucial for Spain’s success on the road and track.
How to train for cross country: practical advice
Cross country running demands endurance, strength and technique. To improve your performance, follow these guidelines:
- Build strength and proprioception: uneven ground taxes your stabilising muscles. Include gym exercises such as squats, lunges and deadlifts, and practise balance drills on unstable surfaces.
- Run intervals on mixed terrain: alternate sessions on grass, dirt and asphalt to adapt to changing surfaces. Hill repeats are excellent for developing power.
- Shorten your stride: a quicker cadence and shorter stride help maintain traction on muddy or grassy sections. Practise high-cadence running in soft terrain.
- Fuel and hydrate wisely: although cross country races are shorter than marathons, you need to arrive well fueled. Focus on complex carbohydrates in the days before and stay properly hydrated.
- Leverage technology: the SnapRace app lets you track trail and cross-country sessions, plot routes with elevation and monitor your heart rate. You can programme intervals and share your runs with friends for extra motivation.
Connect with Spanish cross country and enjoy the show
The 2026 Spanish Cross Country Championships promise excitement in every category, reflecting the strength of the national distance-running scene. Whether you’re racing, spectating or simply a running enthusiast, don’t miss this festival of cross country. Consult the official announcement from the RFEA or the preview published by Mundo Deportivo for schedules and streaming details. Regional federations can also consult the FAMU circular with the information on the CESA races.
Ready to improve your cross country performance? Download SnapRace, plan workouts with elevation and share your cross routes. See you in Almodóvar del Río!