Desafío Campanero Delivers a True Mountain Test in Lavalleja
Set in the rugged mountains of Uruguay’s Lavalleja region, Desafío Campanero once again confirmed its place as one of the country’s most demanding trail running events.
The race unfolded across the steep slopes of Cerro Campanero, where technical trails, rocky climbs, and exposed ridgelines combined to create a sustained test of strength and control. Hundreds of competitors rose to the challenge across all three race categories, showcasing the continued growth of trail running in the region.
While Desafío Campanero has become synonymous with rain, mud and challenging weather conditions in previous editions, this year sunshine dominated much of the day. The warmer conditions exposed runners to sustained heat on the climbs and added another layer of difficulty to an already demanding course. Rain eventually returned as the event drew to a close and the final participants approached the finish line, as if restoring the race’s trademark character.
In the 27K category, the men's race came down to a near-sprint finish. Alexis Castro claimed victory in 2:41:30 after a tightly contested battle with Lucien Epiney, who finished just 25 seconds behind. Facundo Scaglia completed the podium.
The women's race was equally competitive, with Federica Frontini taking the win in 3:24:06 ahead of Laura Moratorio and Lucia Carrizo. The top three were separated by only minutes after a demanding day in the hills.
The 18K category delivered fast and intense racing across steep, continuous climbs. Oscar Maldonado secured the men's victory in 2:07:22 ahead of Matías Torres and Federico de León, while Valentina Espino won the women's race in 2:37:50 following a decisive late surge to move clear of Mia Zabala and Cindy María Escudero Altez.
The 9K race attracted a strong community turnout, offering an accessible introduction to the terrain and challenge of Campanero while contributing to the event's festival atmosphere. With participation notably skewed towards female runners, it reflected the growing accessibility and appeal of trail running in Uruguay.
As a One Hundred Candidate Event, Desafío Campanero is currently under evaluation for elevation to the One Hundred World Championship Series.
For official results, visit the results page.
