Cursa de Muntanya 4 Termes
Cursa 4 Termes Ultra Trail 55K
Pratdip → Mont-roig del Camp
Race guide
Updated 19 July 2026
The Cursa 4 Termes Ultra Trail 55K (Cursa de Muntanya 4 Termes) is a point-to-point mountain race running 55 km from the hilltop village of Pratdip to the finish at the Poliesportiu in Mont-roig del Camp, accumulating 2,839 m of climbing with a high point of 918 m. Twelve aid stations are spread across the course, making it a well-supported but relentlessly varied challenge through the Serra de Llaberia and the hills above the Costa Daurada in southern Catalonia. The race is not a simple out-and-back or loop — it threads through a sequence of named ridges, cols, historic castles and hermitages, each with its own character. The elevation profile is punchy rather than alpine: you rarely get a long, clean climb or descent. Instead, expect constant undulation, with significant accumulated ascent packed into a course whose high point sits at just under 920 m. That combination of modest altitude but dense climbing demands respect, especially in the back half when tired legs face repeated short, sharp ramps on the way to Mont-roig del Camp.
Course & Terrain
The race opens from Pratdip (91 m) and immediately begins working upward. The first aid station at Cabrafiga arrives after just 4 km at 177 m, a gentle warm-up before the course threads through Llaberia (10 km, 217 m) and on to La Torre de Fontaubella at 16 km (229 m). Despite the modest elevations of these early checkpoints, the ground between them is characteristically rough trail: loose stone, scrubby garrigue and sun-bleached Catalan hill paths that demand attention underfoot. From km 16 the course launches its most sustained effort: a major ascent to L'Argentera at 22 km, where the aid station sits at 891 m — the closest point to the race's overall high point of 918 m. This is the biggest single climb on the course. The terrain through the Serra de Llaberia is rocky and exposed, with technical footing on the upper sections. After L'Argentera the course traverses to the Coll at 27 km (748 m), drops to Mola de Colldejou (32 km, 808 m) — noticeably still high despite being described as a descent aid station — and then falls properly to the village of Colldejou at 36 km (381 m). The second half of the race brings Castell Monestir d'Escornalbou (41 km, 416 m), a climb back up to Vilanova d'Escornalbou (44 km, 557 m), and a final descent through Coll de la Teixeta (47 km, 238 m) and the Ermita Mare de Déu de la Roca (50 km, 336 m) before the notorious 'Zegama' ramp at 52 km.
Decisive Climbs & Where the Race Is Won or Lost
There are two moments that define this race. The first is the long haul to L'Argentera at 22 km. Rising to 891 m after a relatively benign opening section, this climb rewards those who have held back on the early kilometres — runners who go out hard through the Serra de Llaberia will pay dearly. The descent from L'Argentera through the Coll (27 km) and down to Colldejou (36 km) involves 510 m of drop across roughly 14 km with rolling terrain in between; this is a section where technical descenders can make significant time while fatigued climbers lose it. The second decisive moment comes right at the end. The aid station at km 52 is nicknamed 'La Zegama' — a nod borrowed from the famous Basque mountain race — and it sits at just 152 m, marking the base of the final climb before the descent to the finish at 90 m. After 50+ km in your legs, this late ramp at km 52 is a race-ender for those who have run without discipline earlier. Getting through Vilanova d'Escornalbou (557 m at km 44) to Coll de la Teixeta (238 m at km 47) with energy still in reserve is the key to a strong finish. The Saturday 20:00 cut-off at the finish gives competitors the full daylight window, but slower runners should note that the back end of the course — from Escornalbou onward — is likely to be completed in fading light.
Pacing & Strategy
With 2,839 m of climbing packed into 55 km, the average gradient is sustained throughout, but the front-loaded elevation to L'Argentera is the trap. The first 22 km climb roughly 800 m net; the checkpoint sequence through Llaberia and La Torre de Fontaubella at 217 m and 229 m respectively shows that the real ascending is concentrated between km 16 and km 22. Run these kilometres conservatively — power-hiking the steeper sections and banking energy for the back half. From Colldejou (km 36) to the finish you still have 19 km and significant vertical through the Escornalbou area. Do not treat the descent to Colldejou as an opportunity to open the throttle completely. Instead, use the first flat or runnable section after the major descent to reset your fuelling, check your legs, and prepare for the repeated short climbs through Escornalbou and the final ramp. A rough rule of thumb: if you are feeling comfortable at L'Argentera (km 22), you are probably running too fast.
Fuelling & Aid Station Plan
With 12 aid stations across 55 km — roughly one every 4–5 km — you are rarely more than 30–40 minutes from support in normal race conditions. This means you can run lighter than at a more remote ultra, but do not use that as an excuse to carry insufficient fluids: the Serra de Llaberia section between km 16 and km 36 is exposed ridge terrain where temperatures in typical race conditions (Catalonian spring or autumn) can be high and the sun relentless. Plan to take on solid food at L'Argentera (km 22) after the major climb — your body will be ready for real calories at that point. The Colldejou village stop at km 36 is a natural reset point and the last full crew access or substantial pause before the technical Escornalbou terrain. The finish at Poliesportiu Mont-roig del Camp is designated as a crew point, so support can meet you at the end. Top up fluids at every station from km 27 onward as the descent sections are deceivingly warm and you will continue sweating even while running downhill. The 'Zegama' station at km 52 is your last fuelling opportunity — take a gel or equivalent here regardless of how you feel.
Conditions to Expect
The Serra de Llaberia and the hills above Mont-roig del Camp sit in a Mediterranean microclimate that can be hot and dry in the warmer months, with heat reflected off pale limestone and scrub. Wind is a factor on the exposed ridge sections around the Coll (km 27) and Mola de Colldejou (km 32) where the trail is open and high. In cooler or wetter conditions, the stone paths become slick — technical footwear with a reliable grip is non-negotiable regardless of the season. Runners should be prepared for the possibility of darkness on the back half of the course. The Saturday 20:00 finish cut-off means that anyone running at the slower end of the field will encounter dusk from approximately km 44 onward — carry a headtorch as mandatory kit. Navigation on the Serra de Llaberia and the Escornalbou sections requires attention; the route is waymarked for the race but the ridgeline terrain can be disorienting in low light or poor visibility. Sun protection — hat, sunscreen — is essential for the exposed middle section of the course between La Torre de Fontaubella and Colldejou.
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Checkpoints & cut-offs
⚠ Auto-researched from public sources — aid stations and cut-offs may be incomplete. Confirm against the official roadbook before race day.
0 km · 91 m · —
4 km · 177 m · —
10 km · 217 m · —
16 km · 229 m · —
22 km · 891 m · —
27 km · 748 m · —
32 km · 808 m · —
36 km · 381 m · —
41 km · 416 m · —
44 km · 557 m · —
47 km · 238 m · —
50 km · 336 m · —
52 km · 152 m · —
55 km · 90 m · Sat 20:00
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Course data researched from public sources — verify against the official roadbook.