For the first time in over 50 years, Matagalls-Montserrat will not reach the monastery. African swine fever restrictions force organizers to move the finish to Matadepera. Over 3,000 participants face a shorter, altered route.
The 47th edition of the Matagalls-Montserrat hike will break with tradition this September, as health restrictions triggered by an outbreak of African swine fever have forced organizers to reroute the finish line to Matadepera. For the first time since the event began in 1972, participants will not reach the iconic Montserrat monastery, a change that marks a significant shift for one of Catalonia’s most recognized endurance events.
The Club Excursionista de Gràcia, which oversees the annual march, confirmed that the finish will now be set at the Club Deportiu Terrassa Hockey facilities in Matadepera, around the 58th kilometer of the usual 84-kilometer route. The decision follows a government order from the Generalitat de Cataluña, which prohibits access to certain sections of the traditional path due to biosecurity concerns. Organizers stated that after reviewing multiple alternatives, none allowed for a safe or logistically feasible arrival at Montserrat under current restrictions.
According to the club, all alternative routes considered would have either extended the distance significantly or introduced logistical challenges that could not be resolved within the available timeframe. The new solution, they emphasized, prioritizes safety and compliance with health measures. The event will still take place on the scheduled dates, September 19 and 20, but the maximum time allowed to complete the shortened course will be reduced to 16 hours.
Participants are being urged to check for updates and download the latest official documentation before the event, as the organization is currently revising the route, checkpoints, refreshment stations, and timing details. The club has also communicated that the change is intended to be temporary, affecting only the 2026 edition, with hopes to restore the traditional Montserrat finish as soon as health authorities permit.
More than 3,000 people have already registered for this year’s event, highlighting the enduring popularity of the Matagalls-Montserrat challenge despite the unprecedented changes. The organizers acknowledged the symbolic importance of reaching Montserrat, noting that the decision to alter the finish was made only after exhausting all other options.
This disruption to a longstanding Catalan tradition comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny for regional authorities, as seen in other recent incidents affecting public events and data collection. For example, the region’s handling of the PISA education assessment was recently called into question after a sampling error, as detailed in a recent report on Catalonia’s education data challenges.
The African swine fever outbreak has prompted strict movement controls in affected areas, reflecting broader efforts across Spain and Europe to contain the disease and protect livestock industries. While the Matagalls-Montserrat hike is primarily a sporting and cultural event, its forced rerouting underscores the far-reaching impact of animal health crises on community life and regional traditions. The situation remains fluid, with organizers and participants alike awaiting further guidance from health authorities regarding future editions.
