The 'Cantabrian Hell' will no longer pass through La Raíz or Brañazarza. The news has sent shockwaves through runner group chats this week: the organizers of Los 10.000 del Soplao have decided to cut two of its most iconic sectors due to a double urgency of sustainability and safety. The Saja-Besaya Natural Park has laid down the environmental law, forcing the unification of the Maratón and the Hiking Routes into a new 41-kilometer course. While it avoids areas with zero ambulance accessibility, it will offer no respite to the quads.
Hayacorva and El Toral: The New Wall
To compensate for the loss of the classic trails, the brave souls lining up in Cabezón de la Sal this Saturday will face the Hayacorva route and the Refugio de las Urizosas. This isn't just a cosmetic change; it's an ambush through native forest. After conquering the legendary Cortafuegos and the Casa del Monte in Ucieda, the pack will dive into a technical single track surrounded by hollies and beeches before tackling the ascent to El Toral. The total elevation gain remains the ultimate judge of the race, and the descent through El Cerezo promises to be a definitive leg-breaker for those arriving at the final kilometers on empty tanks.
The Night of the Chosen in the Ultra
While media attention focuses on the Marathon's new blueprint, the Ultramaratón 110 keeps its mystique intact. With barely a dozen bibs left 48 hours before closing, Friday's midnight start to the chords of AC/DC will mark the beginning of a vigil of mud and headlamps. The crown-jewel distance runners know that managing the risk of bonking at Monte Aa and pacing the night transitions will be critical to avoid a total collapse before the sun peaks over the Cantabrian summits.
Safety has been reinforced with a deployment of eight medicalized ambulances and a field hospital coordinated from the Advanced Command Post. With over 4,000 confirmed entrants, the 21K Speed Trail will serve as an explosive appetizer, but the real battle will take place in the heart of the forest, where the new 2026 course will test if El Soplao can remain just as wild while being more environmentally responsible.