An active team with eye for the environment: CquiE Trail

CquiE Trail is the trail running section of the Centre Quitxalla i Excursionista de Puig-reig (CquiE). The team was founded in 2018 by a group of athletes passionate about nature and trail running.

“Our main activity is the Thursday evening run, which starts at 7:15 pm,” says Josep Vilardell, one of the driving forces behind the team. “Since 2018, only the COVID pandemic has managed to interrupt these outings. Throughout the year, whether it is hot or cold, raining or snowing, the Thursday runs remain a fixed part of our schedule. One of the section coordinators usually plans the route, although sometimes it is decided just before the start if one of the runners suggests an appealing alternative. These runs are typically around 10 kilometres long with approximately 200 metres of elevation gain. We believe this is an ideal distance for trail enthusiasts, and as a result around 15 people join the Thursday runs each week.”

Throughout the year, members take part in a friendly competition in which each Thursday run earns one point. At the end of the year, during the Christmas dinner, prizes are awarded to the top three men and women in the standings. The section coordinators also organise the Nadal Trail, a special event featuring a surprise game around the municipality and its surrounding area, creating a different kind of outing where running is only part of the experience.

Vilardell: “When the days become longer, we also take the opportunity to organise runs in other municipalities across the region. Since the group includes members from neighbouring towns and villages, these outings allow us to discover different landscapes and environments together.”

The CquiE Trail section is also responsible for organising two important events in the municipality. At the end of March, they organise the Pugo Regis Trail, which celebrated its seventh edition this year. In addition, on the first weekend of July, the team organise La Frontal, Puig-reig’s night race, a popular event inspired by the character E.T.

With its aim to provide a space where anyone who enjoys trail running can practice the sport together with others, the CquiE Trail is a very active group of enthusiasts. To become part of the CquiE Trail section, the only requirement is to become a member of the organisation so that you are covered by the insurance policy. Beyond that, all we ask is that participants enjoy trail running, respect and care for the natural environment around us.