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The Matagalls-Montserrat Endurance Trail, the country's most popular long-distance walk, takes place this weekend. The walk starts at Coll Formic (1,145 m), at the foot of the Matagalls peak, in the Montseny Massif, and ends at the Abbey of Montserrat (709 m). The objective of the 3000 participants is to complete the 83.3 km path in less than 24 hours.

The Matagalls-Montserrat Endurance Trail is, therefore, a very tough test that demands good physical preparation. Last year, for example, 2,847 walkers set off from Coll Formic, of which 1,924 (67.6%) reached the destination in the designated time. The remainder abandoned the walk along the way.

However, the hike is becoming increasingly popular. Enrolment closed some time ago and the organisers have had to start a waiting list for the first time in the event's history.

Organised by the Club Excursionista de Gràcia, the Matagalls-Montserrat Endurance Trail first took place in 1972, becoming an annual event in 1989 after years of having taken place every two years. During the first years, participants set off from Matagalls peak itself although, since 1998, the starting point has been Coll Formic. This change was brought about to preserve the Matagalls environment and to avoid damage to the ground and vegetation caused by the presence of so many people in such a short space of time, according to studies undertaken by the National Parks Service of Barcelona District Council.