About This Race
The HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB 110K threads through the Spanish Pyrenees in Catalonia's Val d'Aran, a valley where Occitan culture persists and mountain terrain defines every horizon. Part of the UTMB World Series, this race starts from Vielha and covers 110 kilometers of technical mountain trails that demand careful footwork and sustained pacing over what typically becomes a 15-20 hour effort. The distance sits in that challenging middle ground—long enough to test nutrition strategies and mental resolve, compact enough to avoid the logistical complexity of the longest mountain ultras. The Val d'Aran's position on the north slope of the Pyrenees creates distinct microclimates as runners move through the course. Morning valleys give way to exposed alpine sections where weather can shift quickly, requiring runners to carry mandatory safety gear and stay alert to changing conditions. The technical terrain—roots, rocks, and sustained mountain descents—rewards prior experience in mountain ultras and punishes undertrained legs. For runners who've completed 100K distances and want to test themselves before committing to longer UTMB events, the 110K provides that next step. The race attracts a mix of European mountain runners and international participants drawn to the UTMB World Series circuit, creating a competitive but collegial atmosphere in a valley that remains less crowded than the Alps.
The course departs from Vielha and ventures into the network of trails that connect the Val d'Aran's high valleys and mountain passes. Runners navigate technical singletrack marked by rocky sections, root systems, and the kind of Pyrenean terrain that doesn't allow autopilot running. Aid stations are spaced at intervals that require runners to manage their own nutrition between resupply points, a skill set essential for longer mountain ultras.
The route typically crosses multiple valleys and climbs toward alpine zones where vegetation thins and exposure increases. Night running is likely for most participants, adding navigation considerations and the sensory shift that comes with headlamp hours in the mountains. Descents can be particularly demanding on quads and require technical skill to maintain pace without risking falls on loose or uneven surfaces.
Elevation Profile
The course gains 3,792m over 110km, with the steepest section between km 134–km 134.
Course Map
Route shown is approximate and for illustration purposes.
Practical Info
July in the Pyrenees typically brings warm valley temperatures with cooler alpine conditions; afternoon thunderstorms are possible at elevation, and overnight temperatures can drop significantly requiring layering capability.
Vielha serves as race headquarters with hotels and guesthouses filling early; many runners book accommodations in nearby valley towns and use the pre-race shuttle system to reach the start line.
Best For
Notable Features
The Val d'Aran offers a distinct Pyrenean experience within the UTMB World Series—less trafficked than the Alps, with trails that retain a wilder character and villages where Occitan language signs remind you this valley maintains its own cultural identity. The race provides UTMB Index points for those building toward other series events, while standing as a worthy objective on its own merits. The technical nature of the terrain means finishing times spread widely based on descending skill and mountain experience, not just fitness.