Races

Val d'Aran by UTMB, Torn dera Val d'Aran

Vielha, SpainJuly

Torn dera Val d'Aran. One hundred sixty-eight kilometers through the Pyrenees. Two days. High cols.

104 mi+38,615 ft-37,096 ft48 hours5,236 ft to 7,647 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookPyreneesmulti-dayWSER qualifierJuly
Distance104 mi
Gain+38,615 ft
Loss-37,096 ft
Altitude5,236 ft to 7,647 ft
Technicality5/10
Air35°F to 80°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start5,236 ft
  • High7,647 ft
  • Low5,236 ft
  • Finish6,755 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop2,044 ft-17.6% over 2.2 mi
Night miles32 misunset near 19:00 local

The cruxSecond day high Pyrenees cols with sleep debt above Vielha (near mile 68)

Course DNA

The Course

Val d'Aran by UTMB, Torn dera Val d'Aran runs 168 km through Vielha, Spain. +38,615 ft gain and -37,096 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% mountain trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Second day high Pyrenees cols with sleep debt above Vielha. High point near 7,647 ft. Low near 5,236 ft. July temps run 35°F to 80°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 52.

The Work

Train for 38,615 feet of climbing across 168 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 48 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 68.

Kit

July in Vielha, Spain: plan for 35°F to 80°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 48 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 26. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% mountain trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 52.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 26. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 52. Second day high Pyrenees cols with sleep debt above Vielha near mile 68 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 34 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Results

Val d'Aran by UTMB, Torn dera Val d'Aran finish lines.

Val d'Aran by UTMB, Torn dera Val d'Aran

168KVielha

Val d'Aran by UTMB, Torn dera Val d'Aran