Raúl Criado Sánchez
TRAIL RUNNING
A native to Canfranc, a small village in the heart of the Pyrenees located a few kilometres from the French border, Raúl has always had a passion for the mountains. He spends most of his time there, running and skiing (in winter). He mainly focuses on medium-sized races (between 30km and 60km) and participates in some vertical kilometre events. An athlete who is comfortable on all terrains!
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Winner of the Spanish Cup of KV hopeful in 2014
- Vice champion of Spain in junior trail in 2018
- 4th in the Pierra Menta summer in 2021
- Winner of the WMRA long distance World Cup in 2021
- Winner of PDA (Val d'Aran by UTMB) in 2023
FUTURE PROJECTS
- Skyrunner World Series
- Spanish trail championship
interview with raul
3 words that define you as an athlete?
Persevering, positive, ambitious.
3 values that fit you as a person?
Joyous, dreamy, combative.
Why do you feel you belong to the Cimalp family?
I am delighted to be part of a team with whom I share the same values, and to wear Cimalp eyewear that I particularly appreciate.
Your best and worst mountain memories and why?
It's hard to keep only one good memory! Overall I would say all those days when I feel a special connection, alone in the mountains.
My worst memory is definitely the day I had to quit during the Zegama race, due to hypothermia.
My worst memory is definitely the day I had to quit during the Zegama race, due to hypothermia.
What do mountains inspire you?
The vastness and power.
What is your relationship to the environment and ecology?
I have felt a strong connection to nature since I was a little kid, which led me to later study biology.
Another great passion/talent besides sports?
Motor sports.