{"id":1505,"date":"2026-01-23T09:12:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T08:12:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/?p=1505"},"modified":"2026-01-23T09:13:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T08:13:34","slug":"spanish-cross-country-championships-2026-almodovar-del-rio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/en\/spanish-cross-country-championships-2026-almodovar-del-rio\/","title":{"rendered":"Spanish Cross Country Championships 2026 in Almod\u00f3var del R\u00edo: schedule, favourites and tips to master the course"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cross country running returns to centre stage this January with the Spanish Cross Country Championships 2026<\/strong>. The Andalusian town of Almod\u00f3var del R\u00edo<\/em> will host the national championships for the first time on Sunday 25 January, turning its \u201cEl Pinillo\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A weekend packed with races and excitement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The championships will be contested on the El Pinillo<\/strong> 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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 the ground can get slippery if it rains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Men\u2019s senior race: an open battle for team and individual glory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The men\u2019s race promises a wide-open contest. With last year\u2019s winner absent, a new champion is guaranteed. Catalonia will try to defend its team title with a strong lineup led by Adam Maij\u00f3<\/strong> and Eric Lore<\/strong>. Castilla y Le\u00f3n fields Daniel Arce<\/strong> \u2013 an Olympic steeplechase finalist and European team champion \u2013 while the Valencian Community will rely on emerging talent Ciro Mart\u00edn<\/strong>. Teams to watch include Castilla-La Mancha with Juan Antonio \u201cChiki\u201d P\u00e9rez<\/strong> and Jaime Migall\u00f3n<\/strong>, Arag\u00f3n led by half-marathon national record-holder Carlos Mayo<\/strong>, and Madrid with steeplechaser Alejandro Quijada<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re preparing for cross country, incorporate hill reps, mixed-terrain intervals and core strength work into your training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women\u2019s senior race: Andaluc\u00eda defends its crown at home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the women\u2019s side, Andaluc\u00eda will try to retain the team title on home soil. The Andalusian squad includes experienced athletes such as Katherine Tisalema<\/strong> and Laura Priego<\/strong>. Their main rivals are Castilla y Le\u00f3n and Castilla-La Mancha. Individual contenders include Isabel Barreiro<\/strong>, a nine-time international who was the first Spaniard at the recent Elgoibar cross; Rosal\u00eda T\u00e1rraga<\/strong> and Queralt Criado<\/strong> for Castilla-La Mancha; and Balearic runner Andrea Romero<\/strong>, bronze medallist at the national 5 km in 2025. Team depth will be decisive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A common strategy in women\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mixed relay and junior races: the present and future of Spanish cross country<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 Le\u00f3n in 2024 and Arag\u00f3n in 2025. Arag\u00f3n defends its title with a quartet comprising Elena Mart\u00edn<\/strong>, Pol Oriach<\/strong>, Rub\u00e9n Egea<\/strong> and Sandra Labarta<\/strong>. Catalonia, Castilla y Le\u00f3n, Madrid and the Valencian Community also line up strong teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The under-23, under-20 and under-18 races showcase the next generation. In the men\u2019s under-23 race, Castilla-La Mancha defends the title with Mesfin Escamilla<\/strong> and Unai Naranjo<\/strong>, while Extremadura looks to rising star \u00d3scar Gait\u00e1n<\/strong>. The women\u2019s under-23 race sees Catalonia as favourites with \u00c1mbar Tom\u00e1s<\/strong> and Jimena Blanco<\/strong>, though Castilla y Le\u00f3n and Extremadura also field promising squads. Madrid heads the men\u2019s under-20 rankings, and Castilla y Le\u00f3n leads the women\u2019s, with names such as Adri\u00e0 Boyano<\/strong>, Kuma Barrios<\/strong> and Amanda Rom\u00e1n<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watching the junior categories is a chance to see the sport\u2019s future stars. Many of these athletes have already shone at European and world competitions, and their progress will be crucial for Spain\u2019s success on the road and track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to train for cross country: practical advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cross country running demands endurance, strength and technique. To improve your performance, follow these guidelines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n