Collbató Crowned Host of 2025 XTERRA European Trail Run Championship

February 5, 2025

COLLBATÓ, CATALONIA, SPAIN (February 5, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/  – XTERRA brings the 2025 XTERRA European Trail Run Championship to the historic Cursa de l’Alba, set to take place on November 8, 2025, in Montserrat Natural Park. This event, with a 36-year history, not only highlights one of Catalonia’s most renowned trail races but also coincides with the 1,000-year anniversary of Montserrat Monastery, founded in 1025.

Now a key regional championship in the XTERRA Trail Run World Series—a global initiative designed to unify the XTERRA trail running community into a single, inclusive series for trail enthusiasts worldwide—the event will offer European Championship titles in both Marathon and Half Marathon distances. A €5,200 prize purse will also be awarded, and 232 qualifying slots for the 2026 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship are up for grabs distributed evenly between both Championship distances.

Course Options

There will be three races in total, with the legendary Cursa de l’Alba serving as the XTERRA Half Marathon European Trail Run Championship race. The XTERRA Trail Marathon, serving as the full distance European Trail Run Championship race, will be locally referred to as the XTERRA Maratón de Montserrat. The 12K Trail Run, called the MitjAlba, offers a shorter but equally scenic challenge for those looking to experience the event outside of the two championship races.

XTERRA Maratón de Montserrat (42K Trail Marathon European Championship) – Starting in Collbató, runners will ascend into the Montserrat massif, tackling steep climbs, including the ascent to Sant Jeroni (1,236M), before navigating technical descents. The course features a 2,500M elevation gain, making it a true endurance test.

XTERRA Cursa de l’Alba (23K Trail Half Marathon European Championship) – A race with nearly four decades of history, the Half Marathon follows a demanding ascent of over 1,200 steps to Sant Jeroni, offering panoramic views before a challenging descent back to the finish.

MitjAlba (12K Trail Run) – Skirting through the middle part of a giant massif rock tower in Montserrat Natural Park with a gentle downhill stretch until approximately kilometer 3, where a challenging climb begins toward Pla de Sant Miquel, the highest point of the course.

A Timeless Exploration

The XTERRA European Trail Run Championship seeks to elevate the host town, Collbató, to new heights. Organized by Ocisport and 4000 Peus Associació Excursionista de Collbató, a group affiliated with the Federation of Hiking Entities of Catalonia (FEEC), the event blends deep-rooted tradition with international competition. Since its founding in 2006, 4000 Peus has played a pivotal role in preserving Montserrat’s trails and organizing major endurance events. Their collaboration with Ocisport, a seasoned event producer with over 22 years of experience, ensures a world-class race that respects both the heritage and natural beauty of the region.

The 1,000-year anniversary of Montserrat Monastery makes this championship even more significant. As one of Catalonia’s most sacred and cultural landmarks, Montserrat has inspired countless explorers, artists, and visionaries—including Antoni Gaudí, who studied its unique rock formations. The surreal shapes of the mountains are reflected in the curved lines and organic structures of his architecture and masterpieces.

Collbató itself is a living reflection of Catalonia’s past and present, balancing historical preservation with sustainable tourism. As the gateway to Montserrat, it has long been a center for exploration, from the prehistoric Salnitre Caves to the pilgrimage routes leading to the monastery. The town’s involvement in the XTERRA European Trail Run Championship further cements its status as a hub for endurance sports, attracting trail runners and nature enthusiasts while maintaining its commitment to conservation and cultural heritage.

Quotes From Leaders and Visionaries

Albert Balcells, General Director of Ocisport

“We are proud to announce that the 2025 Cursa de l’Alba will host the XTERRA European Trail Run Championship in such a special year as the millennium of Montserrat Mountain. This event highlights the prestige of our race and allows us to share the unique beauty and spirit of this extraordinary setting with Europe.”

Kostas Koumargialis, XTERRA’s EMEA Marketing & Business Development Director

“We are honored to host the XTERRA European Trail Run Championship within the historic and iconic Cursa de l’Alba in Spain. This remarkable partnership embodies the essence of adventure and resilience, uniting athletes from across the globe against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of Europe’s most breathtaking and culturally significant landscapes.”

Joan Arnau, Race Director

Hosting the XTERRA European Championship this year is a recognition of 36 years of work. We’ve organized Catalonia Championships and selection championships, but this will be the crowning achievement. It’s a challenge we must do well, and I trust that everyone will enjoy it to the fullest.”

Gemma Rodriguez, Mayor of Collbató

“This year, coinciding with the Millennium of Montserrat, will be a very special event that allows us to showcase our Montserrat mountain. Every kilometer, every meter, every stone is unique.”

Registration Details

Given Montserrat Natural Park’s protected status and the expected high demand, registration is capped at 1,000 participants across all races. Registration opens on February 27, 2025, with participant slots allocated as follows:

• 42K Trail Marathon – 300
• 23K Trail Half Marathon – 400
• 12K Trail Run – 300

*100 spots for each of the Trail Marathon and Half Marathon races will be reserved for international athletes.

Local athletes from Catalonia, Greater Spain and international trail runners from Europe and around the world are encouraged to visit the 2025 European Trail Run Championship event page for more information and to set their calendars for February 27th to register and secure their spot.

About XTERRA

XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure. From pioneering the sport of cross-triathlon in 1996, XTERRA has grown to become a leading brand in off-road adventure through the XTERRA World Tour, XTERRA Trail Run World Series and the XTERRA World Cup, connecting an eco-aware community of worldwide explorers that seek to protect the places where they play. For more information, visit xterraplanet.com.

(Photo credit: XTERRA, @xterratrailrun)