Route Shortened by 22.6km Amid Disease Controls
The 47th edition of the Matagalls-Montserrat hike, scheduled for 19–20 September 2026, will be shortened by 22.6 kilometres due to active African swine fever (ASF) containment measures in the Terrassa area. The route will now end at the Club Deportiu Terrassa Hockey in Matadepera, not at Montserrat as in previous years. This decision follows exceptional control measures imposed by the Generalitat after an ASF outbreak was detected in Collserola in November 2025. The Generalitat resolution of 3 July 2026 expanded restrictions on natural areas within the infected zone, including movement limitations that affect the traditional route.
Organisers Cite Force Majeure
Pere Vicenç, general coordinator of the event and member of the Gràcia Hiking Club, said the change was unavoidable: "We deeply regret this decision because it will be the first time we cannot finish the hike in Montserrat, but we are forced by a case of force majeure that we all must accept, whether we like it or not." Organisers had delayed the decision as long as possible, hoping conditions would improve. However, as stated in their official communication, no viable alternative route could be established without significantly increasing distance or logistical complexity less than two months before the event.
We have waited as long as we could to take the decision with the hope that the situation would improve, but it will not in the short term. Now we have to adapt and enjoy the experience equally.
3,000 Hikers to Start in El Brull
Approximately 3,000 registered participants will begin the hike in El Brull between 15:00 and 17:00 on Saturday 19 September, departing in groups of 20 every minute to prevent overcrowding. They must complete the revised 60km route, with 3,700 metres of accumulated elevation, within 16 hours. Despite the change, new features will be introduced at the finish line in Matadepera, including a ceremonial bell, medal distribution, and free bus transfers from the CD Terrassa Hockey grounds to Terrassa Nord train station.
Volunteers and Charity Support Continue
Nearly 300 volunteers, including members of the Gràcia Hiking Club and external helpers, will monitor hiker progress at five checkpoints using chip tracking. As in past years, proceeds from returned rental chips will support a charitable cause. This year, funds will go to the Rebost Solidari de Gràcia, a community food bank. The event remains one of Catalonia’s longest-running mountain traverses, first held in 1972.
Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by independent.cat, lavanguardia.com, cdterrassa.cat, matadepera.cat, haid.app, graciaparticipa.cat.
