Champions Crowned at 20th Pujada al Montsià
Èlia Vidal and Oriol Marín, both representing Club Esportiu UEC Anoia, have been proclaimed champions of the 2026 Catalan Mountain Running Championships at the XX Pujada al Montsià 'Memorial Francesc Bort (Madro)'. The race took place on Sunday, 27 September 2026, in Alcanar, part of the Terres de l'Ebre region, and marked the final event of the 24th Catalan Mountain Running Cup. The 34km race, with 1,700m of positive elevation gain, began and ended in Alcanar, retracing historic sections of the Serra de Montsià. Runners passed key landmarks including the Sagrat Cor, Remei Hermitage, and ascended to the Torreta peak (763m), the highest point of the range, around the 15km mark. The course featured demanding terrain with repeated ascents and descents, testing endurance and technical skill.
Final Leg of the Catalan Cup
The event served as both the Catalan Championship and the concluding race of the season-long Copa Catalana de Curses per Muntanya. Heading into the race, Oriol Marín led the men’s standings, with only 38 points separating him from third place and defending cup champion Marc Rota of Centre Excursionista de Torelló. In the women’s category, Èlia Vidal held the lead but faced strong competition from five athletes within 34 points, including Georgina Gabarró of GE Oliana. Despite the tight competition, both Vidal and Marín secured decisive victories. Their performances sealed their status as champions, with Marín finishing in a time of 3:05:28, ahead of Pau Lleixa Quiroga (3:06:30) and Marc Rota Collell (3:10:39).
Broad Participation Across Age Groups
The event drew nearly 600 participants across multiple categories. Alongside the elite 34km race, the programme included junior, youth, cadet, and children’s races, as well as two express runs, two hiking events, and a children’s march. This inclusive format reinforced the event’s role as a community celebration of mountain sports. The Pujada al Montsià has grown into one of Catalonia’s most respected trail running events since its inception. This 20th edition returned to its roots with a modernised version of the original route, starting and finishing in Alcanar town hall, and reintroducing historic trail sections such as the descent to Mas de Comú and the ascent via Camí de la Torreta.
For further details on the race, including results and registration, visit the official event page at feec.cat.
Reported by igualadanews.cat, feec.cat, Ultres Catalunya, Redacció Ebredigital.cat, Redacció Imagina Ràdio, preparun.com, runedia.mundodeportivo.com, 9hsports.cat, Redacció Canal TE.
