PREMIER PARTNER
TECHNICAL PARTNER
SUPPLIER PARTNERS
EVENT PARTNERS – HOKA VAL D ARAN BY UTMB®
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTS
Ajuntament de Canejan
Ajuntament de Naut Aran
SUMMARY
EDITORIAL
P.5
HOKA VAL D’ARAN BY UTMB® WHEN A MOUNTAIN TERRITORY THINKS BIG P.6
SCHEDULE - SPORT
P.10
SCHEDULE - ACTIVITIES
P.13
THE VAL D’ARAN IN IMAGE S P.16
DATA THAT MOVES US P.17
HOKA VAL D’ARAN BY UTMB® RUNNING TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
P.18
WOMEN IN TRAIL
P.22
WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
P.24
EXAMPLES OF IMPROVEMENT
P.28
VOLUNTAR@S OF HOKA VAL D’ARAN BY UTMB® P.32
CHARITY BIBS
P.34
TROPHIES CATEGORY AGE
P.36
JOIN THE STRAVA CLUB
P.38
PROMESAS
P.39
TRAIL FESTIVAL BAQUEIRA-BERET
P.40
ULTRA-TRAIL® VILLAGE
P.42
ACTIVE EXPERIENCE: MUCH MORE THAN RUNNING
P.44
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION
P.46
EDITORIAL
Welcome to HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®!
We’ve been waiting twelve months for this… and it’s finally here! The year of the TDL!
In 2026, we celebrate our sixth edition, the fifth as a UTMB® World Series Major, and we couldn’t be happier. We also arrive with many new features: the updated SKY and Vielha 10K courses, which we hope you’ll enjoy, and above all, the creation of a new distance: the TDL.
You’ve been asking for it for a long time: an intermediate race between the 55 km PDA and the 110 km CDH. But those who know us also know we don’t make things easy. It’s 75 km… but what a 75 km! A route through an environment that has truly captured my heart. A border area rich in history, a place where our ancestors fought or escaped in search of freedom. That’s where the name “Termières de la Libertat” comes from: borders of freedom.
We are also very happy because, since 2021, we have doubled the number of participants, bringing together more than 7,500 runners from 90 nationalities. But what truly excites us is what this growth represents. HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® has become much more than a sporting event.
It is a meeting point for cultures, talents, and visions. A way to showcase our beloved Val d’Aran, its heritage and gastronomy, and a means to support local businesses and initiatives that bring life to the valley all year round.
Our commitment is to create real opportunities in our territory and to position Val d’Aran internationally as a benchmark for active tourism, authenticity, and high-quality experiences, leveraging the global visibility of the event.
This growth has been made possible thanks to the dedication, effort, and enthusiasm of our volunteer team, as well as all the people of Val d’Aran, who make this event a large, ever-evolving family, always striving to improve year after year.
Because HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® is not just a distance to conquer, it is an experience to live. It’s about sharing, pushing limits, feeling emotions, and remembering why we do what we do.
During these days, we will once again show that trail running is much more than running in the mountains: it is a way to connect with others, with nature, and with ourselves.
Thank you for continuing to write this story together. See you in the mountains.
Xavier Pocino Moga CEO of UTMB® Iberia
HOKA VAL D’ARAN BY UTMB®
WHEN A MOUNTAIN TERRITORY THINKS BIG
There are sporting events that leave a mark. And there are others that go even further and transform a territory. HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® belongs to the latter category.
Since its arrival in Val d’Aran, this race has become much more than a global trail running benchmark. Today, it represents a way of understanding the relationship between sport, territory, sustainability, economy, and community.
Val d’Aran has grown alongside the event, and the event has grown alongside Val d’Aran. This synergy is probably the key to its success.
Every summer, thousands of runners and accompanying visitors arrive from dozens of different countries to experience much more than a competition. They come to discover a territory with a unique identity, a rich culture, a living language, and an exceptional natural environment. They come to experience what it means to run through mountains that are part of our history and our way of life.
For Val d’Aran, HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® represents an extraordinary opportunity for international visibility. But it also brings responsibility: the responsibility of proving that it is possible to host world-class events in mountain territories while preserving quality, authenticity, and respect for the natural environment.
These years have been marked by continuous progress. The organisation has implemented improvements related to sustainability, environmental impact reduction, waste management, mobility, safety, participant experience, and the promotion of equality and inclusion. A philosophy that reflects the values we seek to promote throughout our territory.
HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® is also an example of how sport can build community. Behind every edition stand hundreds of volunteers, associations, professionals, security forces, healthcare services, sports clubs, companies, and institutions working together to make an event of this scale possible.
This does not happen by chance. It happens when a territory believes in what it is doing.
The consolidation of this event also confirms a reality that often goes unnoticed: mountain territories are not peripheral; they are strategic.
Val d’Aran is a natural gateway between territories, cultures, and markets. It is a meeting point for the Catalan, Occitan, and European Pyrenees. It is a privileged place to explore new models of economic, tourism, and sporting development based on sustainability and quality.
That is why, when we speak about HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®, we are also speaking about territorial cohesion. We are speaking about how small territories can lead projects of international significance. We are speaking about how equal opportunities between territories depend on recognising and empowering places that, like Val d’Aran, have successfully transformed their unique characteristics into strengths.
The future of the Catalan Pyrenees and Europe’s mountain regions depends on initiatives like this—initiatives capable of generating economic return, creating jobs, retaining population, promoting sport, and protecting natural and cultural heritage.
From the Conselh Generau d’Aran, we would like to thank HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® for the trust it has placed in our territory and reaffirm our commitment to continue working together towards a model of sporting events that is innovative, sustainable, responsible, and transformative.
Because when a participant crosses the finish line, a race ends. But very often, a relationship with a territory begins one that will remain with them forever.
Val d’Aran is mountains. It is culture. It is community. And it is sport.
And thanks to events such as HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®, it is increasingly recognised for what it truly is: one of Europe’s great sporting destinations.
Javier Cavero
Conselhèr d’Espòrts Conselh Generau d’Aran
QUAN UN TERRITÒRI DE MONTANHA PENSE EN GRAN
I a eveniments esportius que dèishen peada. N’i a d’auti qu’ath delà transformen un territòri. Era HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® forme part d’aguesta dusau categoria.
Dempús dera sua arribada ena Val d’Aran, aguesta pròva s’a convertit en fòrça mès qu’un referent mondiau deth trail running. Aué represente ua manèra d’enténer era relacion entre espòrt, territòri, sostenibilitat, economia e comunautat. Era Val d’Aran a sabut créisher damb era pròva, e era pròva a sabut créisher damb era Val d’Aran. Aguesta sinergia ei, segurament, era clau deth sòn succès.
Cada junhsèga, milèrs de corredors e acompanhants arriben de desenes de païsi diferenti entà víuer fòrça mès qu’ua competicion. Arriben entà descorbir un territòri damb ua identitat singulara, ua cultura pròpria, ua lengua viua e un entorn naturau excepcionau. Arriben entà experimentar aquerò que signifique córrer entre montanhes que formen part dera nòsta istòria e dera nòsta forma d’enténer era vida.
Entara Val d’Aran, HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® represente ua oportunitat extraordinària de projeccion internacionau. Mès tanben represente ua responsabilitat. Era responsabilitat de demostrar qu’ei possible organizar eveniments de dimension mondiau en territòris de montanha preservant era qualitat, era autenticitat e eth respècte peth miei naturau.
Aguesti ans an estat mercadi per ua evolucion constanta. Era organizacion a incorporat milhores vinculades ara sostenibilitat, ara reduccion der impacte ambientau, ara gestion des residus, ara mobilitat, ara seguretat, ara experiéncia des participants e ara promocion dera igualtat e dera inclusion. Ua filosofia compartida damb es valors que volem impulsar des deth territòri.
HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® ei tanben un exemple de coma er espòrt pòt generar comunautat. Darrèr de cada edicion i a centenats de volontaris, associacions, professionaus, còssi de seguretat, servicis sanitaris, clubs esportius, enterpreses e institucions que trabalhen conjuntament entà hèr possible un eveniment d’aguesta magnitud.
Açò non passe per casualitat. Passe quan un territòri cre en aquerò que hè. Era consolidacion dera pròva ei tanben era confirmacion d’ua realitat que fòrça viatges passe desapercebuda: es territòris de montanha non son periferics. Son estrategics.
Era Val d’Aran ei ua pòrta naturau entre territòris, cultures e mercats. Ei un punt de trobada deth Pirenèu catalan, occitan e europèu. Ei un espaci privilegiat entà experimentar naues formes de desvolopament economic, toristic e esportiu basades ena sostenibilitat e ena qualitat.
Per açò, quan parlam dera HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®, parlam tanben de coesion territoriau. Parlam de coma es territòris petiti pòden liderar projèctes de dimension internacionau. Parlam de coma era igualtat d’oportunitats entre territòris passe per reconéisher e potenciar aqueri lòcs que, coma era Val d’Aran, an sabut transformar es sues singularitats en fortaleses. Eth futur deth Pirenèu catalan e des territòris de montanha d’Euròpa passe per iniciatives coma aguesta. Iniciatives capables de generar retorn economic, crear ocupacion, fixar poblacion, promòir er espòrt e protegir eth patrimòni naturau e culturau.
Des deth Conselh Generau d’Aran volem arregraïr era confiança que HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® a depositat en nòste territòri e reafirmar eth nòste compromís entà contunhar trabalhant amassa en un modèu d’eveniments esportius innovadors, sostenibles, responsables e transformadors.
Perque quan un participant crotze era linha d’arribada, finalize ua corsa. Mès fòrça viatges comence ua relacion damb un territòri que l’acompanharà entà tostemp.
Era Val d’Aran ei montanha. Ei cultura. Ei comunautat. E ei espòrt. E gràcies a eveniments coma HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®, cada viatge ei mès reconeishuda coma aquerò que vertadèrament ei: un des grani territòris esportius d’Euròpa.
Javier Cavero Conselhèr d’Espòrts Conselh Generau d’Aran
VAL D’ARAN, PURE NATURE
TUESDAY 30 JUNE
16:00 - 22:00
WEDNESDAY 1 JULY
SCHEDULE SPORT
THE DELIVERY OF BIBS FOR THE VDA, CDH, TDL, PDA, EXP AND SKY REQUIRES PREVIOUS APPOINTMENT
Ultra-Trail® Village Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
TDL bibs delivery
Time Location Event
10:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 18:00
10:00 - 22:00
16:00
17:00 - 21:30
18:30
18:00
19:00
19:30
20:00
21:30
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Bibs delivery VIELHA 10K
Bibs delivery PDA
Scheduled arrival first runner TDL
Scheduled arrival first woman runner TDL
Official Presentation and elite athletes
VIELHA 10K departure
Scheduled arrival first runner VIELHA 10K
VIELHA 10K Awards Ceremony
Scheduled arrival last runner VIELHA 10K
Plaça dera Glesia Bossòst
Time
04:00
07:00
10.00 - 21:00
10:00 - 22:00
12:30
12:45
14:00 - 20:00
19:30
22:00
FRIDAY
3 JULY
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Scheduled arrival last runner TDL
Carrèr Arroduets Salardú PDA departure
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Bibs delivery VDA and CDH
Scheduled arrival first runner PDA
Scheduled arrival first woman runner PDA
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha PDA and TDL Awards Ceremony
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Scheduled arrival last runner PDA
Time Location Event
06:00
10.00 - 14:00
10:00 - 21:00
15:00 - 21:00
16:00
16:30 - 21:00
16:30 - 22:00
18:00
18:45
Carrèr Ressèc Les CDH departure
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha Bibs delivery VDA
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha VDA departure
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Bibs delivery Corsa des Sanglièrs and Corses Infantiles
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha Bibs delivery SKY
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Scheduled arrival first runner CDH
Scheduled arrival first woman runner CDH
SATURDAY 4 JULY
Time
09:30 - 10:30
09:30
10:00
10:00 - 15:00
10.00 - 21:00
10:00 - 21:00
10:30
11:15
12:30
14:00
14.00 - 21:00
15:00
16:30
SUNDAY 5 JULY
Pla de Beret
Bibs delivery Corsa des Sanglièrs and Corses Infantiles
Pla de Beret SKY PROMESAS departure
Pla de Beret SKY MASTER departure
Pla de Beret
Ultra-Trail® Village
Trail Festival Baqueira Beret
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha Bibs delivery EXP
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Pla de Beret
Scheduled arrival last runner CDH
Scheduled arrival first runner SKY
Pla de Beret SKY Awards Ceremony
Pla de Beret
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Scheduled arrival last runner SKY
Scheduled arrival first runner de la VDA
Scheduled arrival first woman runner de la VDA
Time Location Event
8:00
10:30
10:30 - 15:00
12:30
15:40
16:00
Passeig dera Llibertat Vielha EXP departure
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Ultra-Trail® Village
Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Scheduled arrival first runner EXP
VDA, CDH, and EXP Awards Ceremony
Scheduled arrival last runner EXP
Scheduled arrival last runner VDA
SCHEDULE ACTIVITIES
WEDNESDAY 1 JULY
Time
10:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 21:00
10:00
11:00 - 23:00
18:00
18:00
THURSDAY 2 JULY
Time
07:30
08:30
09:00
10:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 21:00
11:00 - 23:00
14:00 - 20:00
19:30
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Fun Zone. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Stand SVR. Ultra-Trail® Village
Ultra-Trail® Village. Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Main stage. Ultra-Trail® Village
Main stage. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA: Gift for companions
HOKA: Personalized official photo
HOKA: Speedgoat 7 Testing Loop
Talk with Sara Alonso x SVR
Food trucks –Chill-out terrace
Official Presentation / Elite Athletes
UTMB® Cares donation presentation ceremony
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Stand RACEPACE. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Fun Zone. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Ultra-Trail® Village. Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Main stage. Ultra-Trail® Village
Main stage. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA: Sunrise Yoga
HOKA: Morning run
RACEPACE: Shakeout run
HOKA: Gift for companions
HOKA: Personalized official photo
HOKA: Speedgoat 7 Testing Loop
Food trucks –Chill-out terrace
TDL and PDA Awards Ceremony
FRIDAY 3 JULY
Time Location Event
07:30
10:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 21:00
11:00 - 23:00
15:00 - 20:00
17:00 - 19:00
SATURDAY 4 JULY
Time
10:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 21:00
10:00 - 21:00
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Fun Zone. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Ultra-Trail® Village. Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Main stage. Ultra-Trail® Village
National Park Tent. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA: Sunrise Yoga
HOKA: Gift for companions
HOKA: Personalized official photo
HOKA: Speedgoat 7 Testing Loop
Food trucks Chill-out terrace
Mini-games to discover the National Park
Location Event
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Fun Zone. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA: Gift for companions
HOKA: Personalized official photo
HOKA: Speedgoat 7 Testing Loop
10:00 - 15:00 Pla de Beret. Trail Festival Baqueira Beret
12:30 Pla de Beret. SKY Awards Ceremony
11:00 - 23:00
14:00 - 21:00
18:15
19:30
Ultra-Trail® Village. Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Main stage. Ultra-Trail® Village
Main stage. Ultra-Trail® Village
Fun Zone. Ultra-Trail® Village
Food trucks Chill-out terrace
SUUNTO - Adventure Starts Here. Summit.
Lecture by the College of Physiotherapists of Catalonia. Injury Prevention in Trail Running - PAU MORENO
SUNDAY 5 JULY
Time Location Event
10:00 - 14:00
10:00 - 14:00
10:00 - 14:00
10:30 - 15:00
11:00 - 23:00
12:00
12:30
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Fun Zone.
Ultra-Trail® Village
HOKA Dome. Ultra-Trail® Village
Main stage.
Ultra-Trail® Village
Ultra-Trail® Village. Av. Pas d’Arro. Vielha
Main stage.
HOKA: Gift for companions
HOKA: Personalized official photo
HOKA: Speedgoat 7 Testing Loop
Food trucks Chill-out terrace
Ultra-Trail® Village Aranese Traditional Dances
Main stage. Ultra-Trail® Village
VDA, CDH and EXP Awards Ceremony
HOKA VAL D’ARAN
UTMB 2026
A corner that is discovered with the soul .
DATA THAT MOVES US
A global, diverse community passionate about trail running, all together in the Val d’Aran.
7.500 RUNNERS
Trail running has no age limit.
40
MIDDLE AGES YEARS
16 YOUNGER SKY Promesas YEARS
481
91 COUNTRIES
600 CREW
81 MORE ADULT EXP YEARS Peades d’Aigua IT’S THE MOST POPULAR RACE
Vielha 10k IT’S THE MOST LOCAL RACE
29.200
Camins d’Her IT’S THE MOST INTERNATIONAL RACE
TOTAL DISTANCE ADDED UP POSITIVE ELEVATION GAIN ADDING ALL DISTANCES KM
ÉLITES WITH MORE UTMB® INDEX
822 MIAO YAO
CDH runner INDEX
15 VISITORS MIL
51 EXHIBITORS
935
ROBERTO DELORENZI SUIZA PDA runner INDEX THE ENGINE THAT MAKES THE EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE
400 NIÑOS Y NIÑAS
They are participating in the Trail Festival Baqueira Beret
HOKA VAL D’ARAN BY UTMB®
RUNNING TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
WE HAVE OFFSET THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF OUR 2025 EDITION AND STRENGTHENED OUR COMMITMENT TO THE TERRITORY AND CLIMATE ACTION
A STEP FORWARD IN RESPONSIBLE TRAIL RUNNING
HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® continues to establish itself as a benchmark not only in trail running but also in sustainability. In our 2025 edition, we took a decisive step by fully offsetting our carbon footprint through the Voluntary Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Offset Programme of the Government of Catalonia.
Through UTMB Iberia, we purchased and retired 471 GHG credits, certified by the Catalan Office for Climate Change. This action has enabled us to neutralize the CO₂ emissions generated by the event.
SHARED FUNDING
The offsetting process was made possible through UTMB’s own funds, complemented by voluntary contributions from runners, reinforcing the collective nature of the initiative.
471 GHG CREDITS purchased to offset emissions.
Support for local social projects in Catalonia.
First trail running event in Spain to offset its emissions through carbon credits.
IMPACT BEYOND THE EVENT
The purchased credits are allocated to local social projects that verifiably reduce emissions while generating direct benefits for the region.
A model that connects:
CLIMATE ACTION
SOCIAL IMPACT
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
We would especially like to thank our runners, whose commitment makes it possible to move towards increasingly responsible events with a real impact, and particularly those who made a voluntary contribution to offset their carbon footprint.
SINCE 2023, HOKA VAL D’ARAN BY UTMB® HAS PROMOTED A COLLECTIVE MOBILITY PLAN THROUGHOUT THE VAL D’ARAN. IN 2025, THE INITIATIVE ACHIEVED:
8.800
2.400 BUS PASSENGERS FEWER CARS transpor ted on the roads average of 2 runners per car
51TCO2 eq.
REDUCING BEFORE OFFSETTING
REDUCING OUR OPERATIONAL FOOTPRINT
SUPPORTING HIGH-VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
“For us, offsetting emissions is not only an environmental action, but also an opportunity to generate a positive impact within the territory ”
A SHARED COMMITMENT
The programme is led by the Government of Catalonia through the Catalan Office for Climate Change and promotes emission reductions through projects developed by social organizations.
Through this initiative, HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® not only reduces and offsets its environmental impact but also strengthens a model of event where sport, territory and sustainability move forward together in the same direction.
¡LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026! Less individual car use. More collective transport. More shared responsibility. Quotes
XAVIER POCINO CEO OF UTMB IBERIA
DATA OF THE 2025
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF WOMEN’S TRAIL RUNNING
Trail running is growing strongly, but one of its major challenges remains increasing female participation. At HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® we work to ensure that the mountains become an increasingly inclusive space, where all women feel welcome, safe, and capable of taking on any challenge.
Because growth is not only about numbers, but also about role models, support, and community.
A project with purpose Women in Trail was created with a clear goal: to support, inspire, and facilitate the participation of more women in the event. Every female runner who starts a race paves the way for many others, helping to build a more diverse and enriching trail running community.
Concrete measures for a better experience
This commitment is reflected in concrete actions that improve the runners’ experience:
• Equal prize money across all main distances.
• UTMB® Pregnancy Policy, providing flexibility and support.
• Woman Kit at all aid stations and at the finish line.
• Female changing facilities and new mountain changing areas.
• Live streaming and elite starts on equal terms, strengthening female visibility.
More support, more confidence
The programme also includes tools designed to provide reassurance and support:
• Dedicated advisory email: women.iberia@utmb.world
• GPS rental option for increased safety
• Meeting and inspiration spaces at the Ultra-Trail® Village
The mountains are also female Women in Trail is much more than a set of initiatives. It is a commitment to a future where more women are part of trail running and find in the mountains a place to grow.
BECAUSE EVERY FINISH LINE CROSSED IS NOT ONLY AN INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT. IT IS A STEP FORWARD FOR ALL.
WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
FRANCISCA GONZÁLEZ
Approaching her 60th birthday (which she will celebrate on July 12), Chilean runner Francisca González Ibar has become one of those inspiring voices both on and off social media.
A long-distance runner and regular on the international trail circuit, she already knows what it means to be a finisher at HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®, where she completed the PDA in 2021.
This year, she returns to the valley with a new bib for the same distance and the same philosophy: proving that it is never too late to challenge your limits.
What does it mean to you to stand on the start line as you approach 60?
Being on the start line at this age is wonderful. It is not just the beginning of a race, but living proof of everything I have built. I started running at 45, when many people believe it is already too late, and now, as I approach 60, I feel stronger, happier, and more alive than ever. Every race is a reminder that time does not limit us it transforms us. And each one is a new opportunity to prove that.
Have you faced prejudice because of your age, either within or outside the trail running community?
There is still a lot of prejudice about what a woman should be or do at 60 years old. Through my social media, I try to motivate and empower women, showing them that age is just a number and that what truly matters is how you live those years. I choose to spend mine doing what I love. With every race and every finish line crossed, I feel that I am not only running for myself, but also helping to break down those stereotypes. To me, age is not a barrier—it is a great strength.
What would you like to see change in the way women are perceived in sport as they get older?
I would like people to stop associating age with limitations and start seeing it as a stage of strength and empowerment. Older women possess incredible mental and physical resilience, especially in endurance sports. We have learned to listen to ourselves, to be consistent, and not to give up. We are powerful in many ways. I would also like more women to understand this and dare to give it a try.
What continues to motivate you to run today?
I am motivated by the feeling of freedom, by the constant challenge of pushing myself, and by knowing that I can still surprise myself. I am a very competitive woman, and I always believe I can do more. I have completed more than 70 races in 20 countries, and each one has been a different story. I am also motivated because I know I inspire other women to believe they can do it, to be brave, to trust themselves, and to realise that age is a gift, not a disadvantage.
What would you say to a woman who feels it is “too late” to start?
I would tell her that the limits exist only in her mind, that it is always possible, and that she should trust herself. I started at 45 without imagining how far I could go. The body adapts, but it is the mind that takes the first step and that is the hardest one.
“It’s never too late to start” and “You are never too old to find a passion” are the phrases I always repeat and that guide my journey.
“Running at 60 is FREEDOM. It is STRENGTH. It is REBELLION against
the limits others try to place on us. It is proof that the real driving force is not age, but passion for what you do.”
WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
CRISTINA VILA
Cristina Vila will face her first trail running race this year, the EXP. The founder of Cledara, who until recently did not even run, arrives at the event after months of physical and mental transformation driven by her passion for challenges.
What motivated you to take part in the EXP?
As the founder of a financial technology (fintech) company, I have always seen the journey of a UTMB runner as very similar to that of a founder. It is tough, requires long-term commitment and total dedication, and there are highs and lows, unexpected setbacks you have to overcome, and at the same time it is extremely rewarding. That sense of achievement when you reach your goals is what keeps you moving forward.
It all started in 2021 when my company, Cledara, sponsored Val d’Aran by UTMB® because of that parallelism and, frankly, my admiration for anyone who chooses to take on a UTMB.
During last year’s Awards Ceremony, one of the UTMB executives mentioned that there are not enough women participating in these races, and that sparked something in me. I love difficult challenges, so at that very moment I decided I would start training to take part in the next edition.
I am not a runner. In fact, I didn’t even like running and I hadn’t done it in years. So believe me when I say that these past months have been a true transformation for my body, my mind, and my lifestyle.
What does it mean to you to be on the start line of HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®?
For me, it is an honour to be here, because it is not just about me. It is about all the people who have been by my side throughout this journey: my husband, my family, my coach, my friends, and everyone who has encouraged me along the way. My first UTMB is for all of them.
The amount of learning I have had to go through has been beyond what I imagined. Paying attention to every reaction of my body as training intensity and volume increased. Becoming very conscious of nutrition to ensure enough energy for training and the right nutrients for development and recovery. Understanding the value of rest and sleep for performance. And the importance of mastering the mind in order to keep going when something feels impossible.
Knowing everything I know now, my admiration for ultra trail runners has only increased.
What barriers are you having to overcome to get there?
I can think of three barriers: physical, mental, and social. What they all have in common is that the barrier keeps appearing and disappearing as I reach a new level, consolidate it, and move to the next one.
First came the physical barrier, which I suppose is the normal one. When I started training, I could barely run 10 minutes on a treadmill. I had to work hard to prepare my muscles and cardiovascular system to be able to run for one hour without stopping..
Then came the mental barrier, which initially was fear: fear of not being able to meet the weekly goals set by my coach, and fear of injury. I also learned that the mind always looks for an escape route in difficult situations.
So, inevitably, when training became very demanding, my mind would say: “okay, that’s enough, you’ve done enough, it’s fine to stop here.”
I then started making objective assessments during training and realised that yes, maybe it was enough, but the goal had not yet been achieved and I still had the capacity to do more, so I had to continue.
The social barrier showed up in the glass of water you order when going out with friends (instead of the usual glass of wine), the night you cut short because you need your 8 hours of sleep, or the day you cannot meet because you have a strength session or need to go for a run.
When you train five days a week, there are many things you have to say no to. In the end, it has to be a real choice, otherwise you will reject it every time you have to decide. And the people around you need to understand your choices and ideally support them.
How important is it for you to feel safe and supported in a race like this?
It is very important. Somewhere I read that only 0.007% of people have run an ultramarathon. That is very low. And for good reason, because it is extremely hard and, as we mentioned, requires a huge amount of dedication and preparation.
I have been very lucky to work with an incredible coach — thank you Jordan! — since my very first day of training. I told him my goal in terms of race type and time, and he has guided me through everything, from fitness to psychology and nutrition. Most importantly, I trust him 100%, so even when he asked me to do things I thought were impossible, I put in every ounce of effort because I knew that if he was asking me, it meant he believed I could do it. That belief is pure magic.
I have also met other ultra runners and asked them lots of questions, as I am the “new one.” This has given me a lot of reassurance, because what I have learned is that it is always hard. People always approach these races with respect, no matter how many they have done.
In the end, it is about enjoying the suffering and celebrating the achievement.
What does it mean to you that there are initiatives specifically designed for women?
The number of women running ultras is extremely low. Therefore, any initiative that helps address the reasons why women choose not to participate is positive.
What would you say to another woman who is unsure about signing up for a race like this?
Well, it depends on where the doubts come from. But essentially, I would say it is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding. In my case, it has now become a source of happiness, because it is another reason to be outdoors, which I love.
I love that I can now go further and faster and explore areas I could not reach before, because it would take too long if I had to walk there and back. I love having learned to run in rain, mud, snow, and heat, because it allows me to enjoy the beauty of nature in all its forms.
I enjoy running alone, but I have also realised that trail running groups are great, so do not be afraid to join them.
TRY IT! AND DARE TO BE ONE OF THE FEW.
In the Val d’Aran, life flows to the rhythm of nature. Forests turn golden in autumn, mountain peaks are cloaked in snow throughout winter, and when summer arrives, the meadows burst into bloom as if time itself had paused to admire them.
EXAMPLES OF IMPROVEMENT
IÑIGO URIARTE, runner of the EXP
“ We must live widely.”
There are days that change your life. For Iñigo Uriarte, that day was November 23, 2022, when, during a normal working day, an acute stroke nearly took his life. However, far from allowing the illness to limit his future, he turned his experience into a tool to inform, support, and help prevent one of the leading causes of disability and death today.
A passionate trail runner and mountain lover, he found in sport a key element of his recovery. Since then, he has combined his sporting activity with intense outreach work under the name Ictuencer, raising awareness about the reality of people affected by stroke and highlighting the importance of acting quickly at the first symptoms..
What does it mean for you to be on the starting line of HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®?
I actually ran the first CDH! Coming back years later, after an acute cerebral stroke, and after a long period when I thought I would never be able to run again, or even walk normally… In fact, I sold almost all my gear and never thought I would compete again. I admit that seeing that we are helping raise awareness and spread the message fuels my motivation to line up, prepare, and contribute. I can see that these challenges activate awareness. In addition, there are many people who are truly struggling and write to me every day, people I represent, and that convinces me the effort is worth it. Just being at the start line is already a finish line for me.
What is it about this race that made you want to come back?
When I realised I could run again, I decided to try to return to some of the races I had already done, but at shorter distances, because I can no longer compete at night. I wanted to prove to myself that although I will never be the same person again, I can still get close to who I was.
In addition, representing the stroke community in one of the best races in the world is something that really excites me.
I come to the Val d’Aran often, both in winter and summer, it is my favourite place. When I ran the CDH I suffered a lot, and it felt unfair not to have been able to enjoy running in such a place. Also, I usually run alone, so being able to do it on marked trails, safely, is invaluable to me.
How has the stroke changed your life?
Completely. For me and for 99% of people who suffer one, and their families. It is devastating. I am one of the lucky ones, but that is not the reality: thousands of lives are destroyed. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the leading cause of death in women. More than half of those affected either die or are left with severe after-effects.
It is not only visible damage, but above all invisible: you are no longer the same person, even your personality changes. There are very high rates of depression, anxiety… The brain is damaged, and that idea of a “normal life” they tell us about… it hurts. I always title my talks “(Un)normal Life after a Stroke”.
Our processing capacity decreases: you lose memory and cognitive ability, you think more slowly, you get confused, there is apathy and neurological fatigue… And fear. I can’t count how many times I’ve turned around in the middle of a trail because I suddenly felt strange or panicked.
You feel very fortunate, but also very alone, misunderstood, and in a strange love-hate relationship with medicine. You have to rediscover and relearn yourself. But you still have your usual people around you, you rediscover others, and you let go of those who were never there.
What lesson have you taken from what happened to you?
When you realise you have been lucky to be alive, there is no more trail, no winter, no work, no days of the week, everything becomes secondary. You have to live life more fully.
Everything is always about what comes next: Monday waiting for Friday, vacation to vacation, and life slips away in between through work and stress that seems to suit us but actually kills us.
We need to slow down. In life in general. And also realise that everything can end suddenly, without warning. That is why we cannot allow ourselves certain behaviours.People who add value, small gestures, kindness, education and respect suddenly take on a much greater importance than before the stroke.
And of course, we must defend public healthcare, because in critical situations it is what truly saves us.
What has been your biggest obstacle?
The same one I still face: the feeling that you are at risk and something might happen again, and you don’t know what. Every day I think about that November 23, and I can’t count how many times I have turned around on a trail because I felt strange or got anxious.
Little by little I returned to my life, but for weeks I thought I would never run again. Doctors told me: “You have no risk factors, you don’t smoke, your heart is fine, we don’t know why it happened, but just in case, live like a retired person.” Goodbye sport. I put all my gear up for sale.
In a stroke, neural connections are broken, there is depression, emotional instability, apathy… It is very hard to be well, even to get out of bed sometimes, no matter how strong your will is.
I am very aware of how lucky I am, but I also know I work on it every day. I have tried to be resilient, and I was already determined before. I consulted many doctors, informed myself, and decided to surround myself with the best professionals.
I have cried. And I will never forget those days or these months. It is as if every race is the first one again: the same excitement, the same nerves… and a kind of anxiety I didn’t have before, due to the uncertainty of having been seconds away from death with no clear cause. Now there is always that doubt about how far I can push.
What achievement are you most proud of?
The outreach work and the representation of stroke patients I am doing. Now there is an extra motivation to compete. I see that these projects raise awareness, and many people who are really struggling write to me to say I inspire them, and that convinces me the effort is worth it.
I am proud of having learned about stroke, of understanding the person you will never be again, the things you will no longer be able to do… and of relying on science, medicine, and the people around you, and doing it all with humour. We stroke survivors often have a touch of irony and humour. Maybe it’s because we’ve seen the end so closely, or because we become slightly better people after such an experience. And being a good person makes you feel good.
I also consider myself fortunate for having been bold and not always following instructions blindly. In one of my medical reports it even says: “trail running is his antidepressant”. It is very common to have post-stroke depression, two out of three cases. Anxiety, sleep problems… I managed to overcome that. There is also a certain boldness, or irrationality, that helped me get to the start line.
But also common sense in not pushing the body to its limit, which requires careful preparation. It is not an easy boundary, because nobody tells you clearly what you can or cannot do. I train happily, although I no longer run alone in the mountains, which is why I enter races, they are safer.
I always notify races about my condition, and I monitor all my heart parameters and emergency alerts on my watch.
I used to think I would never run again. I was walking down the street leaning on walls… then I started walking, then running a little, then one kilometre, then more…
One doctor told me: “You’ve never had anything happen while running, and you almost died at work, so you already know what you can and cannot do.” I will never forget that. That afternoon I went out to jog alone around the hospital.
What does “Ictuencer” involve?
It started very naturally, I didn’t plan it. Stroke is a devastating illness, and much more can be done, not only in awareness, but also in rehabilitation, invisible brain damage, return to work… There is still a lot of ignorance, even medically, and each case is different. When I realised I was a “miracle case,” I felt almost in debt. Given my professional background, I saw I could help, so I didn’t hesitate much.
I started collaborating with the “Freno al Ictus” Foundation, and through media and podcasts, Ictuencer was born, a kind of “stroke influencer” project and the name of my Instagram account. I realised it helps. Stroke patients often feel quite abandoned. This is no longer just an illness of older people, it can happen to anyone, and there are simple, low-cost solutions that would improve both prevention and the lives of patients.
I also started bringing in well-known people who become “Ictuencers for a day.” They share a race, a training session, a conversation… and we use that to spread awareness.
In many places I am already known as “the stroke guy,” and I want to use that.
Few projects can compete with the life stories of the people I represent, and I hope to gain more support to keep helping them.
What message would you give to people going through something like what you experienced?
Learned helplessness is natural when something like this happens: doing nothing. But there is always something you can work on. Understand what has happened, the person you will never be again, the things you will no longer be able to do… and try to live in the best possible way.
Contact people in your situation, it helps a lot. And talk about it, because it is therapeutic. And go to therapy, even if you think you are fine. And learn. Understand your condition, ask questions… Our job is to do what is in our hands to improve, but also to allow ourselves to feel bad when needed.
I would also tell them not to give up sport in any form. It saved my life, literally. Science shows it clearly: sport and physical fitness are key factors not only in prevention but also in recovery, both physically and psychologically.
And finally… I’d say:
VOLUNTAR@S OF HOKA VAL D’ARAN BY
THE SOUL OF THE EVENT
My name is Mònica Garrido Estrada, I live year-round in the village of Salardú. I work as a teacher at the Loseron School, which belongs to the ZER Val d’Aran. I am 45 years old and I have been a volunteer at HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® since its very first edition.
During the event days, I help wherever I can. In the PDA, I am with Alba in Salana, trying to keep track of participants, assist them with whatever they need, and cheer them on with bells until we lose our voices.
During the VDA and CDH races, I am usually with my group in Salardú. We have to set everything up, take it down, and leave everything ready for when runners and families arrive, providing support. These are two intense days because we spend many hours out there and sometimes stressful situations arise. But we are a strong team, and together we always manage to get through everything.
What motivated you to become a volunteer at HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®?
I really like being part of an event like this. These are days filled with many emotions, but in the end, you are left with the good moments.
From your perspective as a volunteer, how do you think the event has evolved since its beginnings?
Sometimes you think you can control everything, but that is not the case, and without personal resources and the support of your team, it is difficult to find solutions. Volunteers give a lot without expecting anything in return.
What does this experience give you personally?
Sometimes you think you can control everything, but that is not the case, and without personal resources and the support of your team, it is difficult to find solutions. Volunteers give a lot without expecting anything in return.
And what has surprised you?
Something that surprises me every year is the determination of some runners, often reaching a point where they are not fully aware that their health comes first, and that the mountains are not going anywhere, they will still be there next year.
A story you will never forget
There is not just one. In 2024, when the decision had to be made to cancel the long race due to bad weather, we had to help evacuate runners using our own cars because it was very cold and we ended up completely soaked. In 2025, while we were manning the checkpoint at Tuc de Salana, we were hit by a hailstorm that almost forced us to use the rain capes we were carrying. We arrived back at the cars completely drenched.
What has been the most emotional moment you have experienced during the event?
On the positive side, there have been many over the years. But one of the most emotionally intense moments was when the decision was made to stop the long race due to bad weather. Through the radios, we could hear colleagues trying to get runners down from the mountains, some in critical situations. Seeing people you know, with whom you have shared moments, up there suffering from hail, rain, thunder, and lightning without knowing how it will end is very difficult.
Is there any runner or story that has particularly stayed with you?
At the Tuc de Salana checkpoint a few years ago, a girl became blocked and did not feel able to continue down the path. Together with my colleagues, we helped her down to the flat section, from where she was able to continue to the car.
Moments like these leave a strong impression. Very well-prepared people, due to different circumstances, sometimes cannot go on. She spent the whole journey to Vielha telling us that without us she would not have made it down.
What is the biggest challenge of being a volunteer in an event like this?
Being able to adapt to any situation, having adaptability, and being flexible.
What makes you come back year after year?
After each race, you think: what could we have done differently, what would have happened if…, and in the end you find yourself back in the same place the following year. I think you stay with the good moments and with the feeling of having contributed a small grain of sand to making this event possible.
What does HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® mean to you?
It is an experience both personally and for the territory that everyone should be able to live. I believe it takes into account runners, companions, spectators, and volunteers alike.
CHARITY BIBS
With all distances sold out for a long time, HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® has once again offered the opportunity to purchase a Charity Bib and run for a good cause.
BECAUSE RUNNING IS MUCH MORE THAN CROSSING A FINISH LINE: IT IS ABOUT SUPPORTING, ACCOMPANYING, AND GENERATING REAL IMPACT IN THE TERRITORY THAT WELCOMES US.
The purpose of this initiative, now running for the third consecutive year, is to support local projects linked to solidarity, health, inclusion, and environmental care. A way to fulfil a personal dream while helping make many others come true.
In total, have been made available 40 Charity Bibs :
10 for the VDA (100M), 10 for the CDH (100K), 10 for the TDL (100K) 10 for the PDA (50K).
The full amount of each bib is donated to three local non-profit organisations selected by HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®, all of which work year-round for the wellbeing of the valley and its community.por el bienestar del valle y su comunidad.
Donations are managed through UTMB® Cares, a non-profit foundation created by UTMB® Group and a global initiative aimed at uniting the worldwide trail running community to create positive change by supporting local social and environmental causes in race destinations. Rooted in the values of solidarity, respect, inclusion, authenticity, and humility, UTMB® Cares uses the global platform of the UTMB® World Series to drive local impact, focusing on three main pillars: people, environment, and communities.
SINCE THIS CHARITY INITIATIVE LAUNCHED IN 2024, A TOTAL OF €24,000 HAS BEEN RAISED.
2024
19 bibs sold . 9.500 euros raised.
2025
13 bibs sold.
6.500 euros raised.
2026
16 bibs sold.
8.000 euros raised.
“Thank you for helping us continue creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and proving that when we trust people’s abilities, extraordinary things happen”.
ADDA
Càritas d’Urgell – Val d’Aran Centre, an organisation that promotes, guides, and coordinates social and charitable action within the Diocese of Urgell, particularly in Val d’Aran, through projects focused on children and youth, older people, homelessness and housing, employment programmes, reception and support services, social assistance, and social and solidarity economy initiatives.
Associació contra el càncer d’era Val d’Aran, organiser of summer camps in Val d’Aran for children with cancer or with family members undergoing oncological treatment.
“For 26 years, we have been organising a summer camp in the Val d’Aran for 100 children who have had cancer, allowing them to enjoy a week in our valley. The association against cancer provides free services and support for all people affected by cancer and their families. The resources we raise are dedicated to them. We offer a network of support and accompaniment throughout the oncological process, thanks to our volunteers. We are also the private entity that invests the most in research” points out
Sisco Maranges, President of the Association Against Cancer in Lleida
ADDA, Associació de Discapacitats d’Aran, , an association whose mission is to support people with intellectual disabilities. ADDA has also been collaborating with the event since its very first edition, contributing to tasks such as preparing course ribbons, signage distributed throughout the valley, as well as producing magnets and trophy plaques for the winners.
“The donation received is used for one of the most special and meaningful projects at our centre: the ceramic workshops we have been running weekly for over fifteen years. This project, led by professional ceramist Carme Vicencs, allows people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop their creativity, self-esteem, autonomy, and motor skills. Through working with clay, our artists discover and enhance their abilities, transforming their ideas into unique pieces. Many of these creations become the trophies and tiles that form part of the event each year, generating a strong sense of pride and recognition. This collaboration helps us continue creating opportunities for inclusion, participation, and personal development through art,” explains
Berdié Peguera Technical Director of ADDA.
Dolors
TROPHIES CATEGORY AGE
HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® has a very broad age-category system, with five-year brackets from 16 to 85+
Recognition for everyone
HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® stands among the races with the highest number of age categories on the national trail running scene, offering a five-year structure that allows the effort of runners to be recognised at every stage of life.
Everyone counts: the value of every runner at HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®
In the trail running world, there is something that goes beyond stopwatches, overall podiums, and well-known names: commitment. That silent commitment that accompanies every runner for months, and in many cases for an entire year, is the true driving force of HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®. Because here, every story matters.
Preparing for a trail race is not just about training. It means waking up before dawn, adapting to weather conditions, balancing family, work, and kilometres. It means overcoming doubts, small injuries, and moments of fatigue. That is why, in this event, both elite runners and, especially, amateur runners share a common achievement: reaching the start line.
With this philosophy in mind, at HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® we work to ensure that no one is left out of the spotlight. Beyond the overall classification, we firmly believe in giving visibility to effort at every stage of a sporting life. For this reason, the first male and female finishers in each age category are awarded, offering a unique opportunity to many runners who would otherwise not receive recognition.
The age categories, structured in five-year brackets, reflect the diversity and richness of trail running:
16-17 | 18-19 | 20-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+
This wide distribution opens the door to countless stories of perseverance. Each one deserves its moment.
The stage as a symbol
Seeing runners of all ages step onto the stage is, without a doubt, one of the most emotional moments of the event. It is not just about a trophy. It is a tribute to effort, consistency, and passion.
Each age-category winner receives a trophy… and something more: a ticket to the UTMB® World Series Finals in Mont-Blanc. A recognition that goes beyond the race itself and connects Val d’Aran to the heart of the global trail running world.
We are especially proud to see older runners step onto the podium, receiving applause from the crowd. They are a living reminder that trail running has no limits, only determination.
The road to the Finals: real opportunities
During each UTMB® World Series Major event, a total of 210 slots are allocated for the Finals. These are distributed equally:
• 70 slots for UTMB (100M)
• 70 slots for CCC (100K)
• 70 slots for OCC (50K)
The distribution is fair and balanced: it includes both elite runners and participants from different age groups and is split equally between men and women.
Access to the Finals depends on the distance raced:
• 50K access to OCC
• 100K access to CCC
• 100M access to UTMB
This system ensures that the Mont-Blanc dream is not exclusive to a few, but an achievable goal for a wide range of profiles.
Much more than a race Much more than a race
HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® is a celebration of trail running in all its forms. It is a space where international elites and amateur runners coexist, where every bib holds a story and every finish line crossed is a personal victory. Because in the end, beyond times and rankings, what truly matters is this: everyone has a place, everyone counts… and everyone deserves to be recognised.
PROMESAS
SKY PROMESAS
the future of trail running is already here
The SKY Promesas race at HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® continues to grow and in 2026 reaches record numbers: 85 young runners aged between 16 and 19 will take the start, compared to just 22 participants in 2022. This growth confirms the rising popularity of trail running in youth development categories.
More than just a race, SKY Promesas has established itself as a true talent pipeline, the first major competitive challenge for those aiming to step up to the longer distances within the UTMB® World Series universe.
A demanding course in the heart of the Pyrenees
The race unveils a new course of 18 km with 900 m of positive elevation gain, starting from Pla de Beret and climbing up to Tuc deth Dossau. Passing through iconic locations such as the Baciver lakes and Clòt der Os, the route offers a perfect balance between technical difficulty and alpine beauty.
The start will take place on July 4th at 09:30 AM, in one of the most emblematic settings of the Pyrenees.
International talent and generational shift
With 52.1% international participation, SKY Promesas reinforces its global dimension, bringing together young runners from countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Argentina. At the same time, Spanish participation continues to grow strongly.
Although participation is still predominantly male, the presence of female athletes is steadily increasing, reflecting a positive evolution in the sport’s grassroots development.
Where great stories begin
Recent winners such as Flavien Brulin or Judith Soriano, double champion in 2024 and 2025, highlight the high competitive level of the race and its role as a springboard to elite performance.
In SKY Promesas, runners don’t just compete THEY BEGIN BUILDING THE FUTURE OF TRAIL RUNNING.
TRAIL FESTIVAL BAQUEIRA BERET
Pla de Beret will once again be filled with families, music, and young runners on July 4th with a new edition of the Trail Festival Baqueira Beret, one of the most special days of HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®. While VDA runners tackle the Beret pass after 100 kilometres in their legs, the youngest participants will enjoy their own adventure through races, games, and mountain activities.
Since its first edition in 2021, the Trail Festival Baqueira Beret has become much more than a sporting event: it is a morning to share as a family, discover trail running from an early age, and enjoy the unique atmosphere that fills Val d’Aran during race week.
CHILDREN’S RACES
For champions aged 4 to 12. The races will take place from 12:00 to 13:00, are non-timed, with no ranking, and have a registration fee of €3. Young runners will start every 15 minutes, completing a fun 200-metre course with different games and challenges adapted to their age. All participants will receive a medal at the finish, along with a small refreshment station.
Price: €3
Bib collection:
• Friday, July 3: 16:30–21:00 at the Ultra-Trail® Village (Av. Pas d’Arro, Vielha).
• Saturday, July 4: 09:30–10:30 at Pla de Beret.
Price: €5
Bib collection:
A 5 km route around Pla de Beret for cation, and will start at 10:30. Finishers
• Friday, July 3: 16:30–21:00 at the
• Saturday, July 4: 09:30–10:30 at
*Children aged 6 and 7 must be accompanied
SKY MASTER & PROMESAS
KIDS TRAIL FUNZONE
In 2026, the SKY race launches a new course: a 18 km race with 900 m of positive elevation gain, timed and with rankings, open to all participants aged 16 and over. The adventure begins in Pla de Beret, where runners will tackle an initial ascent leading them through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Val d’Aran. A small aid station will be available at the finish.
AND MUCH MORE!
The youngest participants will enjoy a wide range of activities: slides, adventure circuits, human table football, obstacle courses, craft workshops, painting, games, inflatables, face painting… and much more!
The Trail Festival is also music, gastronomy, and mountain atmosphere. Baqueira cafés and restaurants will remain open throughout the day, the Clòt der Os chairlift will operate to cheer on runners, and, as tradition dictates, one of the most anticipated moments will arrive at 13:00: the Beret vermouth.
LOCATION: Pla de Beret
DATE: Saturday, July 4
TIME: 09:30 – 15:00
AND THIS YEAR WE ARE LAUNCHING… THE FAMILY RACE!
The Family Race is a new format designed to share the experience of the Corsa des Sanglièrs 5K with the youngest participants. Adults will start alongside the young runners and complete the 5 km course together, enjoying a morning of sport, nature, and fun as a family in one of the most iconic landscapes of Val d’Aran.
To ensure the best organisation and experience for all participants, it is mandatory to indicate participation in the Family Race during registration.
CORSA DES SANGLIÈRS 5KM
future ultra runners aged 6 to 16. The race is non-timed and without classifiFinishers will receive a medal and a small aid station will be available to recharge.
the Ultra-Trail® Village (Av. Pas d’Arro, Vielha) at Pla de Beret accompanied by an adult.
From July 1 to 5, the Ultra-Trail® Village will be set up in the heart of Vielha, a benchmark event where the leading brands in the industry will be represented.
In the Ultra-Trail® Village of HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®:
• The different brands will get to know the motivations of the runners.
• The runners will discover the new products on the market.
• The different organisers of sporting events will have the opportunity to show their races to the world.
In this space, made up of wooden huts, there will also be the collection of race bibs, the sale of event merchandising, and there will be a runner information and service centre.
Award ceremonies, activities, concerts, food trucks and many other attractions will create a festive atmosphere in which to share the passion for trail running and get to know the world of running. More than 15,000 people are expected at this fair to be held in the centre of Vielha.
In addition, the Ultra-Trail® Village will host the arrival of all the distances of HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®, as well as the start of the VDA 100M, the main distance of the event.
PLACE:
Av. Pas d’ Arro VIELHA
DATE:
From Wednesday 1 July to Saturday 4 July
HOURS:
From Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Don’t miss the experience of walking through the streets of Vielha sharing experiences with runners, companions and visitors in general from more than 80 countries.
ORIENTATION MAP
EXHIBITORS CONFIRMED:
STYRPE
RONHILL
PIMIENTO NEGRO
ROMEO ATHLETICX
JULBO
OTSO
LURBEL
EVILEYE
JOMA
ROSSIGNOL
ALTRA
LINTERNAS FENIX
COMPEX
QUINTON SPORT
NIKE VISION
LEKI & MOUNT TO COAST
TRANGOWORLD
CIMALP
TUGA WEAR
GEONATLIFE
NUTRIPURE
NEDAO
BAOUW ORGANIC NUTRITION
X-BIONIC
INMUNOTEC
RUMM CULTURE
THE NORTH FACE
MERREL NNORMAL
NITECORE MAURTEN
MADEIRA OCEAN & TRAILS
226ER
ATOM
KAILASFUGA
GAFAS ADDICTIVE
ACTIVE EXPERIENCE
MUCH MORE THAN RUNNING
HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® is synonymous with challenge, but also with discovery. In the heart of the Pyrenees, Val d’Aran offers an environment where sport, nature, and culture come together to create an experience that goes far beyond competition.
With this spirit, Active Experience was created, an initiative developed together with Torisme Val d’Aran and the Conselh Generau d’Aran, inviting runners and companions to experience the territory in a more complete way.
A PLACE TO BE EXPERIENCED
Beyond the race itself, Val d’Aran becomes a stage to explore at a slower pace. Active Experience offers a selection of activities that allow participants to connect with the environment from different perspectives: nature, adventure, wellbeing, culture, and gastronomy.
From guided routes and outdoor experiences to recovery spaces and local proposals, everything is designed to discover the valley in an authentic way.
· BAQUEIRA BERET
TERMAS BARONIA DE LES
ECOTOUR EXPERIENCES
BICICLETAS VAL D’ARAN
ARAN EXPERIENCE
CAMINS
LA CRISÁLIDA
DEPORTUR VAL D’ ARAN
ELECTRIC RIDERS
BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Being part of the event comes with rewards. Registered athletes in HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® can access exclusive benefits on local activities and services by showing their participation QR code.
A way to enrich the experience while getting closer to the territory.
A SHARED PROJECT
Active Experience reflects the joint work between institutions, local businesses, and the organisation, strengthening the event’s role as a driver of tourism and economic activity in the valley.
Because here, trail running is just the beginning.
ESCUELA NOMAD
ARAN PARK
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION
AT HOKA VAL D’ARAN BY UTMB®
Discover the recommended accommodation near the heart of the event, ideal for runners, companions and mountain lovers. They have all been selected for their proximity, quality, and ease of access to the start/finish points:
FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION OF HOKA VAL D’ARAN BY UTMB®
The UTMB® experience does not end at the finish line. So that you can live your adventure in total comfort, we have put together a careful selection of friendly accommodation, strategically located in the Val d’Aran and with services adapted to the needs of the runners and their companions.
Why book a ‘friendly accommodation’?
• Strategic proximity: many options are just a few minutes away from key start and finish points.
• Flexibility for runners: facilities such as early breakfasts, extended opening hours and transfers.
• Variety for all profiles: from hotels with spa to more economical options such as hostels or campsites.
HOW TO BOOK
Contact your chosen accommodation directly by email or phone. If you prefer combined packages (travel + accommodation + logistics), please also contact Nirvana, our travel and accommodation provider.
Nirvana can help you by offering a wide range of travel and accommodation options designed to make your trip easier so that you can focus on your event and enjoy your unforgettable UTMB® World Series experience.
LUDERNA
LUDERNA is the new official sponsor of HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®. As a benchmark for premium accommodation in the heart of the Pyrenees, LUDERNA has created spaces specially designed for those who experience trail running with the same passion and intensity as the UTMB® races.
• Contact: 34 973 640 571
• www.luderna.com
PARADOR DE ARTIES
A historic building surrounded by nature in the heart of the valley. Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and a traditional atmosphere with all the comforts.
• Location: San Juan, 1, 25599 Arties (Aran Valley).
• Contact: 973 64 08 01 - arties@parador.es
An emblematic Parador that blends history and comfort, perfect for experiencing the essence of the valley.
HOTEL MELIÁ TREDÓS
(Hotel de Tredós Baqueira by Meliá)
Located very close to the start of the PDA race, this hotel offers a welcoming mountain environment with the Meliá seal of quality.
• Location: Carretera de Baqueira, km 177.5, Tredós.
• Contact: 973 644 014
• hotel.tredos@melia.com
HOTEL VIELHA VAL D’ARAN (AFFILIATED BY MELIÁ)
In the centre of Vielha, it combines comfort, good location, and easy access to the main services and event areas.
• Location: Aneto de Vielha, Vielha.
• Contact: 973 63 80 00
• hotel.Vielha@Melia.com
A reference hotel in Vielha, with the full backing of Meliá and very close to local services.
HOTEL MONTARTO
Located in Baqueira, this hotel is perfect for those looking for accommodation next to the ski resort, with wellness services and local gastronomy.
• Location: Carretera de la Bonaigua, s/n (Baqueira).
• Contact: 973 63 90 01
• montarto@baqueira.es
APARTARENT
Tourist flats in Baqueira-Beret, ideal for groups or families looking for flexibility and a more independent stay. Minimum stay: 2 nights.
• Location: Carretera de la Bonaigua, s/n (Baqueira).
• Contact: 973 63 90 27
• apartarent@baqueira.es
• Note: Minimum stay of two nights.
HOTEL ARAN LA ABUELA
Cosy family hotel in Vielha with a warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect to feel at home.
• Location: Avda. Castiero, 5, Vielha.
• Contact: 973 64 00 50 hotelaran@hotelaran.net
HOTEL RIU NERE
Located in the historic centre of Vielha, it combines traditional charm with an excellent location to enjoy the atmosphere of the event.
• Location: Calle Major, 4, Vielha.
• Contact: 973 64 01 50
• info@hotelriunere.com
HOTEL OSTAU D’ÒC
Small hotel with Aranese character, located in a quiet street in Vielha. Ideal for a relaxing stay.
• Location: Carrèr Castèth, 13, Vielha.
• Contact: 973 64 15 97
• info@ostaudoc.com
ARAN HOSTEL
The perfect choice for young people and backpackers. Modern and functional atmosphere, at affordable prices, managed by the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya.
• Location: Carretera 55, 25598, Valle de Arán.
• Contact: 648 52 81 96
• aranhostel@cec.cat
HOTEL SPA ACEVI
An excellent option to rest after the race. It offers spa, wellness area and comfortable rooms in the centre of Vielha.
• Location: Alcalde Calbetó Barra 20, Vielha.
• Contact: 973 64 32 33
• valdaran@acevihotels.com
ETH POMÈR
Charming hotel in Vielha, a few minutes from Vielha. Welcoming, with personalised attention and highly valued by runners.
• Location: Carretera Gausac, 4, Vielha.
• Contact: 973 642 888
• hotelpomer@hotelpomer.com
HOTEL UROGALLO
Aranese tradition and familiar treatment in this central hotel in Vielha, with its own restaurant and authentic atmosphere.
• Location: Av. Castiero 7, Vielha.
• Contact: 973 64 00 00
• info@hotelurogallo.com
VERNEDA CAMPING MOUNTAIN RESORT
Mountain campsite with all facilities: bungalows, mobile homes and camping area. Surrounded by nature in El Pont d’Arròs.
• Location: N 230, Km 171, El Pont d’Arròs.
• Contact: 973 64 10 24
• info@campingverneda.com
EIRA SKI LODGE
Exclusive lodge-style accommodation in the Tanau development, at an altitude of 1,700 metres. Ideal for those seeking a premium alpine experience.
• Location: Carretera Beret s/n (Urbanización Tanau 1700 m).
• Contact: 973 645 112
• info@eiraskilodge.com
HOSTAL ESCUILS
A welcoming, family-run hotel in the charming village of Unha, offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
• Location: Carrer Major, 11, 25598 Unha, Val d’Aran
• Contact: +34 693 63 67 74
• hostalescuils@gmail.com
30 OCT - 01 NOV 2026
GASTRONOMÍA NATURALEZA CULTURA ESQUÍ PIRINEOS
RESERVA TUS EMOCIONES
