Ultra Trail Collserola – guide to end the season near Barcelona
If you’re looking for one last adventure to close your trail season, the Ultra Trail Collserola 2025 is the perfect choice. Held just minutes from Barcelona, this 80-kilometer race captures the essence of Catalonia’s autumn mountains — oak forests, panoramic ridgelines, and Mediterranean air.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the course profile, weather conditions, and tapering tips to arrive fresh and strong on race day.
What is the Ultra Trail Collserola?
The Ultra Trail Collserola (UTC) is one of the more accessible ultras in Catalonia. Despite its proximity to a major city, the route winds through natural parks, quiet valleys, and technical ridges overlooking Barcelona and the sea.
The event typically takes place in late November, making it a solid season-closer for trail runners coming from summer ultras.
Key details (to confirm for 2025):
Date: Late November 2025 (exact weekend to be confirmed)
Distance: ~80 km
Elevation gain: Approximately +3,000 m
Start/Finish: Likely in or near Barcelona (Vallvidrera / Collserola area)
Organization: local trail/ultra associations in Catalonia
In past editions, Collserola has also offered shorter distances (e.g. 43K, 24K) alongside the main 80K ultra.
The course — nature meets city
The Collserola Natural Park is known as “Barcelona’s green lung.” The race route usually forms a large loop (or dual loops) around the park, touching classic viewpoints like Tibidabo, Sant Medir, Serra de l’Obac, and parts of the ridge that offer panoramas of the city and sea.
While there are no extreme altitudes, the constant ups and downs demand good pacing and leg strength.
Course highlights
Start in Vallvidrera / Collserola ridge (cool morning start)
Tibidabo summit (~512 m) — one of the first climbs, offering city and sea views
Serra de l’Obac section — rolling terrain through dense forest trails
Sant Medir & Can Borrell — runnable forest tracks with some technical descents
Final climb along Collserola ridge — steeper and more demanding after 70 km
Terrain composition:
~80% singletrack/trail
~15% forest tracks / fire roads
~5% urban or paved connectors
Because of the rolling terrain, your training should mimic many short climbs and descents. Hill repeats on soft ground and “long runs with transitions” are especially useful.
Weather conditions — autumn in Collserola
One of the race’s charms is its autumn timing. The forest turns golden, temperatures drop, and humidity can make conditions tricky.
Typical race-day conditions:
Morning start: 8–10 °C, often cool and humid
Midday: 15–18 °C if sunny; shaded sections may feel cooler
Evening / finish: 6–8 °C, possibility of fog, drizzle, or dampness
Rain is not uncommon, so pack accordingly. A light waterproof jacket, trail shoes with good grip, and arm sleeves (or a wind vest) are smart choices. After rainfall, trails can become slippery — especially in shaded ravines or mossy rocks.
Also, don’t dismiss hydration: even in cool weather, you sweat more than you think if humidity is high.
Tapering and final preparation
Because UTC is late in the year, many runners approach it already fatigued from earlier races. Effective tapering is critical.
Here’s a suggested taper plan for Ultra Trail Collserola 2025:
3 weeks before
Reduce your training volume to ~70%
Keep one long run (25–30 km) at an easy pace
Focus heavily on mobility, stretching, and soft tissue work
2 weeks before
Drop volume to ~50–60%
Include short bursts of intensity (10–15 min tempo) to maintain sharpness
Emphasize sleep quality and nutrition
Race week
Run only 2–3 easy sessions (under 45 min each)
Stay active with short walks, mobility, or yoga
Hydrate well and increase carbohydrate intake in the last 48 hours
The goal is to arrive fresh, not fatigued.
Strategy for race day
Because Collserola doesn’t have long climbs, pacing and energy management are key.
Race day tips:
Start conservatively. Even “gentle” climbs can add up over dozens of repetitions.
Use aid stations. They tend to be well spaced (every ~10–12 km in past editions).
Stay adaptable. Microclimates in Collserola can shift—sun, fog, or drizzle may alternate.
Mental reset around 60 km. That’s often where fatigue and doubts peak; segment the final distance between aid stations mentally.
If you’ve already raced in the Pyrenees or other Catalan ultras, you’ll find parts of the terrain familiar. But being close to the city and the strong local support give UTC a special feel.
Community and atmosphere
What makes Ultra Trail Collserola special is its blend of grassroots energy and urban connection. Local clubs often volunteer, families come out to cheer on trails near edges of Barcelona, and many runners treat it as both a challenge and a celebration.
After the finish, there’s usually a post-race gathering in Vallvidrera or near the finish area, where runners share food, stories, and recovery brew in a cozy, supportive vibe.
Why it’s the ideal season closer
Few ultras allow you to close your season without extensive travel. Ultra Trail Collserola 2025 gives you a challenging 80 km race, beautiful autumn scenery, and the satisfaction of finishing near home.
It also makes a great stepping stone for future ultras — the rolling, technical terrain builds strength, stamina, and mental resilience for races like Ultra Pirineu, UTMB, or Golden Trail events. (See more in our article on K42 Argentina 2025).
Also, if you enjoy athlete profiles and race documentaries, check out our Kilian Jornet documentary article.
Final thoughts
Ultra Trail Collserola 2025 is more than a race — it’s a perfect blend of nature, endurance, and community, all within reach of Barcelona. Whether you aim for a strong finish or simply want to soak up trail vibes in autumn light, this ultra has something for everyone.
Pack your headlamp, layer smartly, enjoy the crisp forest air, and let Collserola remind you why running in nature—so close to the city—never loses its magic.
