Course Description
The entire route can be found on map/sheet 1008 Montefrio (Mapa Topografico Nacional 1:50,000).
All competitors will receive a map of the route at registration. The course will be marked and there will be marshals patrolling the race with radio link to CP’s and HQ.
The 3 distances will all begin in the Estadio Medina Lauxa with a lap of the running track. You exit the track and immediately join a dirt road, which crosses the railway line, and climb north-west following the Rio Genil. A tough road climb out of Zagra, a small village with a frontier castle, leads to Ventorros de San José and CP1(20km/100km), with food and drink available. The route takes you east on a mix of track and tarmac for 14.5km and CP2 (35.5km/115.5km), a remote CP. This is the split where the 50km runners head south on a track to the town Huetor-Tajar, once an area of fortified farmsteads (Huétor). For the 50km competitors, the town Sports Center is CP3 (42km) before final 13km back to Loja (55km).
For the 80 and 160km runners, CP2 (35.5km) marks the start of a long ascent north on track, (some surfaced) via Cerrajon (1165m), before descent into the town of Montefrio and CP3 (48km/128km), at Hotel La Enrea.
Montefrio, in the Parapanda Mountains, was a natural frontier of the Nazarine Kingdom. In June 1486, it became the final conquest in the whole territory, leading to the definitive victory of the Catholic Kings over Islam. Some of the castle and its battlements remain, as well as the cistern and some stretches of wall. This is the furthest north the race goes. CP3 (48km/128km), at Hotel La Enrea, will have hot food and drink available. Drop-bags will be available at CP3 (48km/128km).
On leaving the check point, the track climbs south to a stone cross, before entering the Arroyo de los Pinares track. This track descends to the town of Villanueva Mesia, (61km/141km) and through fields where Moorish-built irrigation systems are still in use today. The Sports Center in Huetor-Tajar(67km/147km) is CP4, with hot food and drink available. From here, the final 13km route, as covered by the 50km runners, winds back to the Loja stadium for completion of the 80km race or the mid-point main check point for those doing the 160km.
Note: The route is subject to modification.
Although the main check points will provide food and drink, runners will still need to carry a minimum of 1.5 litres of water, treated with electrolyte solution such as Eletewater, NUUN, etc., and energy bars/gels. (See race regulations).
View the first 20km stage with Garmin >>
View the 50km full stage with Garmin >>
Ventorros de San Jose to Loja with Garmin >>
Enter the Race
Enter the Ultima Frontera 160.
Results 2011
