A recap of the Vuelta de Iguality ’25: Sports, Solidarity and Nature in the heart of Montseny

The Vuelta de Iguality 2025 began long before the first participants set off on the trails. Volunteers arrived on Friday to prepare for the weekend at Rural Montseny, where many participants and other volunteers were staying. From registration materials to route markers, rest stops, and refreshments, the work of all the volunteers shaped the entire event and ensured that the event day, on Saturday, ran smoothly.

The weekend stay for volunteers and participants allowed everyone to arrive early, settle in, and connect with one another before the main event. On the event day, participants gathered at Bar Avalon de Gualba for registration and preparation. The cyclists departed with guidance of the local police, ensuring a safe start, and then spread out across three different routes, each offering a different level of challenge. The runners started a bit later, and followed a dedicated trail around Gualba. Volunteers were present along the routes and at rest points, offering guidance, water, and encouragement, making sure the day was both fun and safe for everyone.

The routes through Montseny combined hills, forests, and open views, allowing all the participants to enjoy both the natural surroundings and the satisfaction of the huge challenge they set for themselves. As runners and cyclists returned at different times throughout the day, volunteers were waiting at Bar Avalon, welcoming them back, offering refreshments, and helping them rest. After the event, many participants returned to Rural Montseny, where they shared meals and moments from the day, continuing the sense of community that had started on Friday already.

As has become clear, volunteers were at the essence of this event:

• Piers to help with the run route and film the event;
• Thijs & Tom to drive around and offer support before and during the event;
• Luciana, Taisa, Alex, Blanca, Kiriaki, and Luna to help at the registration and finish point;
• Petra and Rachel to take the wonderful pictures you can also see in this blog post;
• Lucy to offer free physiotherapy for the event finishers;
• Caro to be present everywhere and to be the main contact point in case of incidents or emergencies.

By the end of the day, participants had covered more than 2,500 kilometres and 60,000 metres of elevation, raising over €3,400, which will be doubled by a private partner to fund free mental health care. Apart from the fantastic volunteer community, the weekend was also made possible thanks to Rural Montseny for the discounted accommodation, Bar Avalon de Gualba for hosting the start, finish, and refreshment points, Trek Barcelona SUD for discounted bike rentals, and Ajuntament de Gualba, local police, and the Montseny Natural Park for guidance and safety support.

Next year, the Vuelta will be even bigger and better, with improved routes designed to be more accessible while still challenging for those who wish to push themselves. Additional features and activities will also make the weekend more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone, whether taking part in running, cycling, or simply spending time with the community.

Pre-registration is already open → https://iguality.fillout.com/notify-me-vuelta. Thanks again everyone and see you soon!