Los Montes de Vitoria

The Los Montes de Vitoria race takes runners from Ullibarri-Jauregi to Vitoria-Gasteiz, crossing the mountain range south of the city. This biennial event in Araba has a limit of 1,000 participants and uses chip timing. The course is designed for trail runners, with only 1% asphalt and the majority on trails and dirt tracks. It features significant elevation changes: 2,848 meters of ascent, 2,968 meters of descent, and a peak elevation near 1,177 meters. Participants have 14 hours to complete the course, with aid stations providing liquids at four points and solid food at three. The mountains lie between Vitoria and Treviño, spanning Álava and Burgos, starting near Castillo Grande and heading toward Indiagana. The northern slopes have Pyrenean oak and beech forests, while the southern slopes feature holm oak, offering two distinct mountain environments. Sociedad Excursionista Manuel Iradier organizes the 17th edition of this race. Finishers are awarded a diploma, winners receive trophies, and showers are available post-race in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The Álava section of the range was initially considered for a natural park designation but was ultimately protected as a Special Conservation Zone.