Is this your first time in the mountains, or do you already have your spot for Pijao Trail? Choose the option that best describes where you are right now. [ THIS IS MY FIRST TRAIL ] I have never run a mountain race and I want to know where to start. [ I'M ALREADY REGISTERED ] I have my spot and I need information to prepare for the race.
Maybe you run on the road. Maybe you train at the gym. Maybe you play sports, walk, run a few kilometres or simply saw Pijao Trail on social media and thought: “One day I want to do something like this.” That day can be 11 July 2027. You don't need to arrive as a mountain runner. You need to choose a distance that suits you, prepare and come ready to discover what happens when you leave the asphalt and enter the mountains. Pijao Trail has three ways to start. 5K Walkers · 10K Trail Running · 21K Skyrun
Yes. And that is exactly why we have different distances. Not everyone arrives in Pijao as a trail runner. Some come from road running. Others from the gym. Others enjoy walking. And many simply want to experience a mountain race for the first time. If you want to start more calmly, there is the 5K Walkers. If you already run and train and want to discover what racing in the mountains feels like, the 10K Trail Running can be your way in. You don't have to adapt to Pijao Trail. There is a distance for the sporting moment you are in. [ I WANT TO SEE THE DISTANCES ]
If you already run 5K, 10K or longer distances, you already have an important advantage: you know what it means to train and manage an effort. Now something different comes. In Pijao you will trade asphalt for trails, coffee farms, forest, climbs, descents and mountains. Your pace will be different. So will the way you run. You don't need to arrive knowing everything about trail. You need to train specifically for the terrain you will find. For many road runners, the 10K at Pijao Trail can become the start of a new way of running. [ I WANT TO DISCOVER THE 10K ]
Yes. The strength you have built can be an excellent base to start. The mountains will ask for something different: endurance, stability, strong legs, balance and the ability to move over uneven terrain. In the months before, you can gradually add walks, running, elevation and specific work on natural terrain. You don't need to wait to “become a trail runner” before signing up. You can start becoming one by preparing for Pijao Trail.
Then you will be doing exactly what many mountain runners do. In trail, you walk too. There are slopes where walking with intent can be the best way to manage energy. The mountains are not about keeping the same pace throughout. It is about knowing how to move forward. Run when you can. Walk when the slope demands it. Recover. Keep going. If you can prepare to complete the distance within the time limits, you don't have to run every metre to feel part of Pijao Trail.
You don't have to choose the distance that impresses the most. You have to choose the one that lets you enjoy your first mountain. 5K Walkers: if you want to discover Pijao, walk in the mountains and experience the race atmosphere without competing. 10K Trail Running: if you are active, run, train or want to prepare for your first trail race. Start where you are. The mountains will show you how far you want to go next.
No. The 5K Walkers is for anyone who wants to experience Pijao Trail on foot. You can take part because it's your first mountain experience, because you come with your family, because you are accompanying someone, because you prefer walking or simply because you want to enjoy the course without competing. Here it doesn't matter how long you take compared to someone else. The 5K is another way into the mountains. [ I WANT TO SEE THE 5K ]
It can be an excellent decision if you are willing to prepare. The 10K is not simply a road race moved to the countryside. You will find elevation, trails, forest, uneven terrain and sections where you will have to manage your effort. That is precisely why it can be a great first trail experience for someone who already trains and wants to take the next step. You have months to prepare. On 11 July you don't need to arrive as an expert. You need to arrive prepared. [ I WANT TO RUN THE 10K ]
No. You need to know how to descend with control. In Pijao you will find sections where you must pay attention to the terrain, especially when it is wet. Nobody expects a beginner to descend like an experienced runner. During your preparation you will gradually learn to place your feet, control your speed and gain confidence. In the mountains, moving well is often worth more than moving fast.
Pijao Trail has an operation designed specifically for a mountain race. The courses are marked and have aid stations, checkpoints, logistics staff, first aid, communications and an emergency response protocol. Each distance also has its own requirements, schedules and conditions. The mountains always involve risk and every participant must prepare and act responsibly, but you will not arrive at a trail without an organisation behind you. Our responsibility is to prepare the race. Yours is to arrive prepared for the distance you chose.
You will find aid stations defined for each distance, with hydration and food provided by the organisation. But trail also involves self-sufficiency. That means you must carry the hydration and food you need between one station and the next. You don't need to carry a backpack full of things without knowing why. Before the event you will have the information about your course, aid stations and required equipment. You train. We tell you what you need to carry.
You don't need to start by buying everything you see an experienced runner use. The first step is to define your distance. From there you will know which items are really necessary and which are simply optional. For the competitive distances we recommend trail shoes with good grip, and there are mandatory safety items depending on the course. Our recommendation is simple: buy only what you need and test it before the race. [ SEE EQUIPMENT BY DISTANCE ]
Then you adjust your pace. The mountains often change plans. You can slow down, walk the steep climbs, hydrate, eat and continue. The important thing is to manage your effort and stay within the established times. Pijao Trail has checkpoints and staff on the course. And if at some point you decide you cannot continue, you can report it to the organisation team. Finishing is wonderful. Knowing how to manage your race is also part of trail.
The courses will be marked by the organisation. You can also check the map, profile and GPX file for your distance in advance. Before the race you will have access to technical information about the course and its main points. And there is a very simple rule: if at any point you are unsure of the way, don't keep improvising. Return to the last clearly marked point and ask for directions when possible.
Don't make the decision thinking only about how you feel today. Think about how you can get to 11 July 2027. You have time to train. You have time to learn. You have time to strengthen your legs. You have time to get to know the mountains. Choose a distance that is coherent with you and build the path to it. Maybe today you are just watching a Pijao Trail video thinking: “One day I want to do this.” That “one day” already has a date. 11 JULY 2027 PIJAO · QUINDÍO · COLOMBIA [ I WANT TO CHOOSE MY DISTANCE ]
Everything you need to prepare before arriving in Pijao You have your spot. Now we want you to arrive in the mountains knowing what you need, where you need to be and how your participation works. Check that your registered details are correct and keep the receipt or confirmation of payment. Check especially: Full name · ID document · Date of birth · Chosen distance · Email · Phone · Emergency contact Stay tuned to our official channels, where we will publish information about courses, kit pickup, mandatory equipment, the briefing and recommendations for race day. We also recommend organising your accommodation and transport to Pijao in advance, since during race weekend availability in the town tends to sell out quickly. [ SEE RUNNER INFORMATION ]
Don't wait until the last days to organise your participation. Before travelling to Pijao we recommend: Read the Official Regulation. Study the course and elevation profile for your distance. Check start times and cut-off points. Prepare and test your mandatory equipment in advance. Do not wear new shoes, clothing or accessories on race day. Book accommodation and organise transport early. Collect your kit on Saturday 10 July. Review the briefing information. Prepare your personal hydration and food. Sleep and eat properly before the race. If you are taking part in the 21K, remember that mandatory equipment will be checked at kit pickup and may be checked again before, during or after the race.
Kit pickup will take place: Saturday 10 July 2027, main square of Pijao, Quindío, 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Kits will not be handed out on race day. You must present your ID document and meet the requirements for your distance. 21K participants must present the mandatory equipment defined by the organisation.
Yes, as long as they meet the requirements set by the organisation. The authorised person must present the corresponding authorisation, a copy of the participant's document and their own ID document. If you are taking part in the 21K, check the applicable mandatory equipment verification procedure in advance.
If you know you won't be able to take part or collect your kit, you must inform us before 10 June 2027 by emailing: pijaotrail@gmail.com You may request delivery of your kit from 10 days after the race. If the delivery address is outside Santiago de Cali, the participant must cover the shipping costs. The finisher medal is not part of the kit and is given only to those who validly complete their course.
Registration does not automatically generate a refund if you do not attend the event. If you cannot take part due to injury or illness, you may request the application of the current cancellation policy. Requests submitted until 1 June 2027, with the corresponding medical support, may receive a refund of 60% of the amount actually paid, under the conditions set out in the Official Regulation. After that date this voluntary refund policy for injury or illness does not apply, without prejudice to the rights available to the participant under Colombian law. You can also check, within the established deadlines, the available options for transferring your registration or changing distance. [ SEE CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS POLICY ]
21K SKYRUN Start: 7:00 a.m. 10K TRAIL RUNNING Start: 7:30 a.m. 5K WALKERS Start: 8:00 a.m. All distances start from Pijao, Quindío. Arrive with plenty of time.
Yes. 21K Overall close: 1:30 p.m. Maximum time: 6 hours 30 minutes Approximate checkpoints: Km 8 → 9:30 a.m. Km 16.6 → 12:30 p.m. 10K Overall close: 11:30 a.m. Approximate checkpoint: Km 6.4 → 10:30 a.m. 5K Walkers Approximate close: 11:00 a.m. Always check the current version of the Official Regulation before the race.
Each distance has its technical page where you can check: Map · Profile · Distance · Elevation gain · Altitude · Aid stations · Checkpoints · Equipment · GPX [ 21K SKYRUN ] [ 10K TRAIL RUNNING ] [ 5K WALKERS ] We recommend studying your course before arriving in Pijao.
Yes, subject to availability and the conditions set out in the Official Regulation. Until 10 June 2027 the change may be requested at no administrative cost, subject to availability. If you change to a more expensive distance you must pay the difference. If you change to a cheaper distance there is no automatic refund of the difference, without prejudice to any legal rights. From 11 June, changes are subject to availability, the established administrative fee and current conditions. [ CHECK DISTANCE CHANGE ]
Registration transfers may only be made within the deadlines and conditions set by Pijao Trail. The new participant must complete their own information and personally accept the Regulation, terms, data policy and other applicable authorisations. The bib is personal and non-transferable outside the official procedure.
Our first recommendation is to stay in Pijao. Accommodation in the town is limited and options tend to sell out early during race weekend. If you are already registered, we recommend booking as soon as possible. You will also find accommodation alternatives in: Pijao · Córdoba · Buenavista · Barcelona · Calarcá · Armenia [ SEE ACCOMMODATION DIRECTORY ]
Yes. Some families in Pijao offer accommodation to runners and companions during race weekend. This information is managed directly with previously registered participants and is subject to availability. [ ASK ABOUT FAMILY GUESTHOUSES ] WhatsApp: 320 671 5152
Pijao is in the department of Quindío, in the Central Cordillera of Colombia. You can get there from Armenia and other municipalities in the department by public transport, private vehicle or authorised service. If you travel from another city, the nearest airport is El Edén, in Armenia. [ HOW TO GET TO PIJAO ]
Yes. On 11 July 2027 runners may leave one bag at the bag-drop tent in the main square, start and finish area. The service will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Each bag will be identified with the participant's race number, may weigh at most 5 kg and each runner may register only one bag. Organisation staff will help with identification and labelling. For security, bags may be inspected if necessary. We recommend not leaving money, documents, jewellery, electronic devices or high-value items. Bags not collected within the hours must be handled afterwards via WhatsApp: 320 671 5152 Nativos y Deporte does not accept responsibility for lost, forgotten, damaged or stolen items. Unclaimed bags will be kept only until the end of the week following the event.
In the mountains, your safety also depends on your decisions. During the course: Always follow the official markings. Do not take shortcuts or leave the marked route. Manage your effort from the start. Walk when the slope or terrain requires it. Keep hydrated and fed. Keep your mandatory equipment with you. Respect other participants, residents, properties, crops, wildlife and the natural environment. Do not drop litter. If another participant is in a serious situation, call for help and assist within your means. If you decide to withdraw, you must inform organisation staff. In mountain areas mobile coverage may be limited and response or evacuation times may be longer than in an urban race. Move carefully, especially on descents, wet areas and technical terrain.
Stop in a safe place and ask for support from organisation staff, aid stations, first responders or members of the safety team. In mountain areas mobile coverage may be limited and an evacuation may take longer than in an urban race. That is why it is essential to follow staff instructions and carry the mandatory equipment for your distance.
You must report it immediately to an authorised member of the organisation. Do not leave the course or turn back on your own without reporting it. The organisation needs to know your situation to avoid triggering unnecessary search or emergency procedures. Withdrawal does not necessarily mean immediate transport to the finish. This will depend on the location, accessibility and operating conditions.
All updated information will be available on our official channels: Web: pijaotrail.com.co Instagram: @pijaotrail Facebook: Pijao Trail Before travelling, check especially: Official Regulation · Course · Mandatory equipment · Schedules · Kit pickup · How to get there · Accommodation [ SEE RUNNER INFORMATION ]
