HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB® 2026

You surely know the UTMB® in the Alps, an iconic race and the dream of many trail runners worldwide. But have you heard of the Val d'Aran By UTMB®? Launched in 2021, it takes place in the Spanish Pyrenees. And we guarantee that its elevations and breathtaking landscapes have nothing to envy of the UTMB® 🤜.

Head to Catalonia, in Spain and more precisely the village of Vielha to embark on trails that will take you to the most beautiful corners of the surrounding mountains. Organizers offer you four distances so that you naturally find the one that suits you best. Throughout the Val d'Aran, you have the choice between the "SKY Baqueira Beret" of 15 km, the 55 km of "Peades d'Aigua", then, if you are well trained, you can rush onto the "Camins d'Hèr" of 105 km and finally you have the famous, the grand "Torn dera Val d'Aran" of 161 km. Just by reading the name of these distances, you are transported to the unforgettable Catalan culture 🤗.

To top it off, the event takes place in July, which means you will be running under the sun and high temperatures of the high mountains in summer. It's true that when you think of Spain in July 🇪🇸, holidays, beaches, sun, and typical dishes immediately come to mind. But for you, this Spanish excursion will not be all rest, you better not come as a tourist to the Val d'Aran By UTMB® unless you want to be quickly disillusioned 😅.

What route is on the program? Whatever distance you choose, you can enjoy absolutely incredible landscapes on the Pyrenees and the Val d'Aran. Even if the starting points are particular to each race, you will find fairly similar panoramas on all the routes. To whet your appetite, know that you will cross many lakes throughout your journey, there are no less than 20 in the only lake cirque of Colomèrs 😲. Déu n'hi do ("well, well" in Catalan), what a view! With the mountains and the very lush nature of the area, the lakes are the cherry on the cake 🍰. As you follow the water, you wander through paths that lead you to the top of peaks over 2,000 m altitude. Among them, there is Port d'Urets (no, there's no boat 🛳️), the Cap des Clòsos or the Col du Pòdo (and not a podiatrist, although you might need one). It's hard not to succumb to the beauty of the wild nature so characteristic of this massif in northern Spain. Cows, horses, open spaces, forests, and various waterfalls compose this so authentic environment. Beyond all these wonders, the elevations will give you a run for your money. Yes indeed, the Pyrenees are also known for their steep and arduous trails composed of many rocks. No problem for you, you're as agile and swift as the local chamois, right?

So, how's the atmosphere? We'd like to remind you that you are in Spain, it can only be joyful and festive 🥳. At the start, at the finish, or along the paths, the Catalan supporters will be present to cheer you on and give you strength to finish your effort. Furthermore, you'll see that your passages through the authentic hamlets and villages in the mountains like Bossòst, Bagergue, or Canéjan will definitely make you fall in love with the region 🥰. After all these emotions, you won't say no to a culinary discovery of local dishes 🍽️. On the menu, you will have the choice between wild boar stew, olla aranesa, and sturgeon confit. As for sightseeing, you can take a tour of Aran Park, an animal park where you can observe the wild animals of the mountains. Otherwise, you can also wander through the charming mountain villages like Babergue, Arties, or Salardu.

So was it worth this little trip across the border to the "valley of the valley" (meaning of Val d'Aran)? 😆