Ultra Sierra Nevada is a 100km ultra marathon in Granada, Spain. Distance: 100km. Elevation: 5,700m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 56/100). DNF rate: 22%. Time limit: 28h. Surface: trail. Established 2013.
Ultra Sierra Nevada
Granada, Andalusia, Spain
"100km through Europe's highest southern mountains — reaching 3200m with views of Granada and the Alhambra."
A high-altitude mountain ultra in southern Spain's Sierra Nevada reaching 3200m — one of the highest courses in Europe with dry Mediterranean conditions.
The Course
A high-altitude mountain ultra through the Sierra Nevada, continental Europe's most southerly mountains. The course reaches 3200m — among the highest points of any European ultra — traversing barren ridgelines, mountain refuges, and ancient Moorish irrigation channels.
mountainous
loop
7
3,200m
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Intimate finish in a remote setting. The camaraderie of shared hardship creates deep bonds between finishers.
Race Day Weather
10°C
-2° – 22°
40%
15%
Mediterranean mountain conditions. Warm at lower altitudes, genuinely cold above 3000m. Very dry with intense UV. Extreme temperature range between day and night.
Stats & Records
2013
300
19:00:00
10:42:18
Pere Aurell (2023)
13:15:22
Gemma Arenas (2022)
Entry
€110
November
months
Lore & Trivia
Ultra Sierra Nevada runs through the highest mountains in mainland Spain — the Sierra Nevada of Andalucía, where peaks exceed 3,400m and the Mediterranean Sea is visible from the ridgeline. The course traverses the national park through high-altitude terrain that is snow-covered in winter and scorching in summer. Spanish mountain running combines fierce competitiveness with the Mediterranean warmth that makes every race feel like a fiesta.
- ▸ At 3200m, the course reaches some of the highest points of any European ultra — higher than most Alpine races.
- ▸ The Sierra Nevada is Europe's most southerly ski resort and mountain range with altitude above 3000m.
- ▸ Ancient Moorish irrigation channels (acequias) guide runners along some sections, a unique historical feature.
- ▸ Granada and the Alhambra are visible from the high points, blending sport with one of Spain's greatest cultural landmarks.
- ▸ Established in 2013.
Spain's Sierra Nevada at 3,000m — the highest trail racing in southern Europe, with the Mediterranean glittering below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra Sierra Nevada? +
Ultra Sierra Nevada is a 100km (100km) ultra marathon with 5,700m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Ultra Sierra Nevada? +
Ultra Sierra Nevada is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 56/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 22%. Runners have 28 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Ultra Sierra Nevada? +
Average temperature is 10°C (range -2°C to 22°C) with 40% humidity and a 15% chance of rain. Mediterranean mountain conditions. Warm at lower altitudes, genuinely cold above 3000m. Very dry with intense UV. Extreme temperature range between day and night.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra Sierra Nevada? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Ultra Sierra Nevada? +
The men's course record is 10:42:18 set by Pere Aurell in 2023. The women's course record is 13:15:22 set by Gemma Arenas in 2022.
What is the average finish time for Ultra Sierra Nevada? +
The average finish time is 19:00:00. About 300 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 22%.
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