On October 18, 2026, SGRAIL100 Girona returns for another edition. Participants will take on 1.5 kilometres of open water swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, 86.4 kilometres of gravel riding and 10.4 kilometres of trail running. Instead of a traditional triathlon on paved roads, the route takes athletes along gravel tracks, through the Cap de Creus Natural Park and across the trails surrounding Girona. Here is everything you need to know about the SGRAIL100 Girona 2026 course, schedule and race weekend.
What is SGRAIL100?
SGRAIL100 brings together three endurance sports: swimming, gravel cycling and trail running. First introduced in 2021, the event differs from a traditional triathlon in several ways.
While most triathlons take place on paved roads, SGRAIL heads off-road. Expect climbing, technical sections and the additional challenge of navigating the gravel course.
The approach to competition is also different. Although individual disciplines and overall times are recorded, the organisers describe SGRAIL100 as a non-competitive endurance event. The shared experience is at the heart of it.
SGRAIL100 Girona 2026: Course overview
The event starts on Sunday, October 18, at 9:00 AM at Platja Gran in Cadaqués. From there, the route takes participants through Celrà before finishing in Girona.
- Swimming: 1.5 km in the Mediterranean Sea off Cadaqués
- Gravel cycling: 86.4 km with approximately 1,050 metres of elevation gain
- Trail running: 10.4 km with approximately 320 metres of elevation gain
- Total distance: 98.3 km
- Start: Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM
- Finish: Plaça dels Jurats in Girona
The elevation gain alone makes SGRAIL100 a demanding event. Add the changing terrain and the challenges that come after the swim, and it becomes clear why this is quite different from a conventional triathlon.
1.5 kilometres of open water swimming in the Mediterranean
It all begins at Platja Gran in Cadaqués. The swimming course follows a rectangular route in an anticlockwise direction. After approximately 700 metres, swimmers complete a turning section before heading back towards the beach.
Yellow and red buoys mark the course. Anyone with open water experience knows how important good navigation can be. Without the black line on the bottom of a swimming pool, sighting regularly helps you stay on course and avoid swimming unnecessary extra metres.
According to the organisers, the average water temperature off Cadaqués in October is around 18.5°C. Depending on the actual conditions, event rules and individual sensitivity to cold, wearing a wetsuit may be a good choice.
The sailfish Attack 8 is an all-round wetsuit that combines buoyancy with freedom of movement. Especially when transitioning from swimming to cycling, a good fit and the ability to remove your wetsuit quickly can make a difference.
A reliable pair of swimming goggles is equally important when navigating in open water. The sailfish Breeze features a soft silicone frame and interchangeable nose bridges for an individual fit.
86.4 kilometres of gravel riding through Catalonia
After the swim, it is time to get on the gravel bike. The route leads from Cadaqués through the Cap de Creus Natural Park and the Empordà region towards Celrà.
Over the 86.4 kilometres, participants will climb approximately 1,050 metres. The first 25 kilometres are particularly demanding, accounting for around 70 percent of the total elevation gain.
Navigation adds another challenge. Unlike a traditional triathlon course, the gravel route is not signposted. Instead, participants must follow a GPS track and are responsible for staying on the correct route.
The organisers recommend tyres around 38 to 40 mm wide for confident riders with good technical skills. Those with less experience on demanding terrain may benefit from wider tyres of around 45 mm. Mountain bikes are also permitted.
Important: Due to heavy rainfall ahead of the event, sections of the gravel course may still change. Participants should download the latest GPS track from the official website before starting.
10.4 kilometres of trail running to Girona
The second transition takes place in Celrà. This is where participants leave their gravel bikes behind and head out on the final 10.4 kilometres on foot.
The trail begins with a climb towards Castell de Sant Miquel. From there, it continues along mainly unpaved paths, with several downhill sections leading towards Girona.
The trail run includes approximately 320 metres of elevation gain. After the swim and more than 86 kilometres on the bike, those final climbs are likely to be a serious test of endurance.
The finish line is located at Plaça dels Jurats in Girona's historic city centre.
What makes SGRAIL100 different from a traditional triathlon?
Almost 100 kilometres across three very different disciplines. That is what makes SGRAIL100 so interesting.
During the swim, efficient technique, navigation and finding a steady rhythm are essential. On the gravel bike, riding skills and GPS navigation become just as important as endurance. And after more than 86 kilometres of cycling, climbing trails on tired legs presents an entirely different challenge.
The transitions are also organised differently from those at a traditional triathlon. Participants receive separate transition bags for the gravel and trail sections. An optional bike transport service to Cadaqués is available as well.
Another important difference is that roads and trails remain open to regular traffic. Participants must therefore follow traffic regulations throughout the event.
sailfish at SGRAIL100 Girona
Before heading into the Mediterranean on Sunday morning, participants can enjoy coffee from sailfish at the start in Cadaqués.
Although swimming is the shortest section of SGRAIL100, finding a comfortable rhythm from the beginning is particularly important when starting in the open sea.
Anyone preparing for a triathlon or a similar endurance event should therefore train for more than just the individual distances. Swimming in real open water conditions and practising the transition from swimming to cycling are also important parts of race preparation.
SGRAIL100 Girona 2026: Event schedule
The event weekend begins on Friday with a number of activities and opportunities to meet other participants. The SGRAIL100 itself takes place on Sunday.
Friday, October 16
- 10:00–11:00 AM: Trail Run Warm-up
- 5:30–7:30 PM: Participant check-in
- From 6:00 PM: Event programme including a nutrition session, food and live music
Saturday, October 17
- 10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Gravel Warm-up
- 12:00–5:00 PM: Participant check-in
- 1:00–5:30 PM: Transition bag drop-off and optional bike transport
- 4:30 PM: Drink with the Pros
Sunday, October 18
- 6:15–6:45 AM: Bus transfer from Girona to Cadaqués
- 8:00–8:45 AM: First transition area preparation
- 9:00 AM: SGRAIL100 start
- From approximately 12:50 PM: First expected finishers
- 6:00 PM: Awards ceremony
All times are based on the organisers' published schedule and may be subject to change. Check the latest updates on the official SGRAIL100 website.
Frequently asked questions about SGRAIL100 Girona 2026
When is SGRAIL100 Girona 2026?
SGRAIL100 Girona takes place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM in Cadaqués. The event programme begins on Friday, October 16.
How long is the SGRAIL100 course?
The planned course consists of 1.5 km of swimming, 86.4 km of gravel cycling and 10.4 km of trail running, making a total of 98.3 kilometres. The gravel section may still be subject to change.
Where does SGRAIL100 Girona start and finish?
The swim starts at Platja Gran in Cadaqués. After the gravel section to Celrà, the trail run leads to the finish line at Plaça dels Jurats in Girona.
What is the water temperature at SGRAIL100 Girona?
According to the organisers, the average water temperature off Cadaqués in October is approximately 18.5°C. Actual conditions on race day may vary.
Is SGRAIL100 a traditional triathlon?
No. SGRAIL100 combines swimming, gravel cycling and trail running. Unlike a traditional triathlon, much of the cycling and running takes place away from paved roads.
Is the SGRAIL100 gravel route signposted?
No. Participants must navigate using a GPS track. This should be updated shortly before the start, as weather conditions may result in changes to the course.
Can you participate in SGRAIL100 with a mountain bike?
Yes. According to the organisers, mountain bikes are permitted alongside gravel bikes.
Would you take on SGRAIL100?
Swimming in the Mediterranean, gravel riding through Catalonia and finishing with a trail run. For some, that sounds like the perfect endurance challenge. Others might prefer to stick to a traditional triathlon.
What about you? Would you like to try SGRAIL100, or would you rather race a traditional triathlon?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
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