2024 XTERRA European Trail Run Championship: Pyrenees Preview

July 17, 2024

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – On July 20-21, the untamed beauty of the Pyrenees will be conquered, not just admired. Selfie sticks will give way to trail running poles, and tour groups will be replaced by scores of Europe’s toughest competitors, each battling for the title of 2024 XTERRA European Trail Run Champion.

Nature carves its paths through the rugged landscapes of Arinsal and La Massana in Andorra, but XTERRA has crafted an epic challenge for every daring soul willing to confront them. This is where trail legends will be forged between the earth and sky.

Set against a backdrop of craggy peaks and lush valleys, the XTERRA Comapedrosa Mountain Festival in its second year as a major highlight on the XTERRA Trail Run World Series calendar has expanded into the 2024 XTERRA European Trail Run Championship. Runners from four corners of the planet will descend on this high-altitude arena with European-born men and women across each age division competing for the European Trail Run Championship.

Welcome to the Apex of Trail Running

Nico Lebrun, former XTERRA World Champion and XTERRA’s Global Technical Director, emphasizes the significance of what lies ahead this weekend: “Knowing this race for a long time, as a well-established race in the European trail community, it was a great honor for me to have this famous race join the XTERRA Trail Run World Series. Like Zegama, Sierre Zinal or Chamonix, this is one of the iconic locations for trail running.”

The 36K Trail Marathon and a 24K Half Marathon Championship races also take on global significance with 116 qualification slots available for each distance, providing top finishers from around the world the opportunity to compete at the 2024 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Sugarloaf, Maine, USA on September 1st. Qualifiers also have the option to defer and compete at the 2025 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship that has just been announced to take place in Wales, UK in the famed Snowdonia National Park.

Course Battlegrounds

The weekend’s four races, across various distances and terrains, uniquely deliver their own meticulously designed challenges and characteristics.

The 8K Vertical Race hits hard with a demanding ascent, pushing runners to their limits as they climb to a peak of 2,953 meters. It’s a short, intense battle against gravity. Meanwhile, the 19K Arinsal Skyrace offers a scenic yet challenging route through spectacular forests, topping out at 1,456 meters, combining moderate distance with stunning Andorran landscapes.

The 24K Half Marathon Championship launches from the town of Arinsal in the Andorran Pyrenees. The race begins with a gradual climb through wild forests, setting up runners to sync with the trail’s rhythm. As they progress, the path steadily steepens, transitioning into more demanding stretches that lead to the rocky and rugged ascents of the Comapedrosa Refuge.

A significant elevation gain lies ahead as the trail becomes increasingly technical, culminating in the climb to Comapedrosa, Andorra’s highest peak at 2,942 meters. This section demands precision on narrow, treacherous paths, offering panoramic views as a reward for the toughest journey upward. The descent from the summit is equally challenging, with loose rocks and steep drops that require sharp focus.

The 36K Full Marathon plunges runners into the heart of Andorra’s wilderness with a steady ascent through steeper and more complex climbs to Comapedrosa. At the top, breathtaking 360-degree views reward the climbers, serving as a brief respite before the journey continues. Beyond the challenges of the half marathon, the full marathon dares runners with further climbs and descents, culminating in a technical descent back to Arinsal. Here, the paths blend technical challenges with faster, more runnable sections, urging runners to accelerate towards the finish line. With a total elevation gain of about 3,600 meters, this European Championship course is an ultimate test of endurance and will.

Doug Hall, XTERRA EMEA General Manager, shares his insight: “Andorra is a trail-running paradise, with endless trails and terrain to cater for all levels of runners. The races here will challenge the very best, ensuring that whoever takes the tape will have mastered the physical and technical challenge that XTERRA wishes to offer athletes.”

Event organizing partners, Ocisport, commented on the significance of the 2024 XTERRA European Trail Run Championship: “With the XTERRA European Trail Run Championship, Comapedrosa maintains the international vocation of an event that has been a reference in the calendar for years, adding new incentives such as cash prizes and the title at stake, to attract the trail running elite.”

Local Elites Primed for Glory on Home Soil

Asserting dominance in the XTERRA European Trail Run Championship, turning home terrain into a battlefield for honor and a share of the €5,200 prize purse is exactly what these local elites are aiming to do on Sunday. In the grueling 36K Trail Marathon, competitors like Oihana Azkorbebeitia, Carlos Mantero, Marc Bernades Olle, Genis Porqueras Simo, and Roser Español Bada are ready to challenge Europe’s finest, aiming to secure championship titles on familiar ground.

Meanwhile, in the 24K Half Marathon, Lídia Ramos Palacios and Marc Traserra Pujol are prepared to unleash their stride, ready to capture the spotlight and triumph over the rest of the field. This is a showdown promising a fierce competition with local heroes contending with continental challengers across the demanding landscapes of the Pyrenees.

– Oihana Azkorbebeitia has consistently shown off her trail running skills within the 40-44 women’s age group. Her impressive performances include securing 1st place in her age group at the Kangas Mountain 2024, tackling a challenging 58 km race with 3900 meters of ascent. Her endurance was also on display at the Domusa Teknik 40 MLK 2023, where she conquered a 65 km course with 3700 meters of elevation, finishing 1st in her category and solidifying her as a top contender for XTERRA European Trail Run Champion status.

– Carlos Mantero excels as a trail athlete in the 35-39 men’s age group. Among his notable achievements, Carlos clinched 1st place in both overall and gender categories at the Rialp Matxicots 2023, navigating a grueling 50.7 km trail with a 4350-meter ascent.

– Marc Olle Bernades consistency within the 35-39 men’s age group includes a 1st place finish at the Challenge du Montcalm 2023, where he navigated a rigorous 41.8 km marathon with a 2800-meter ascent. Another significant achievement was at the Salomon Ultra Pirineu 2023, where he completed the demanding 100.9 km race with 6580 meters of elevation, placing 5th among 621 participants.

– Genis Porqueras Simo, at 25 years old, has made a notable impact in the men’s 23-34 category. With 23 races under his belt, Genis has consistently performed well. He boasts 2 overall victories and 11 top-three finishes including a 1st place finish at the UTMCD – Maraton Muntanyes Costa Daurada in Spain and 2nd place finish in the Andorra 100 21K race.

– Roser Español competes fiercely in the 45-49 women’s category. She clinched 1st place at the OTSO-Trail Ultra Serra De Montsant 2023, covering 64.7 km with 3535 meters of elevation gain. She also displayed her dominance at the LA SPORTIVA ANDORRA TRAIL 2021, navigating a challenging 65 km course with a staggering 4810 meters of climb to finish 1st in her category.

– Marc Traserra Pujol, a 27-year-old trail runner competed at the EDF Pierra Menta été 2024, a challenging 71 km course with a staggering 7000-meter elevation gain, finishing 8th overall and 13th in his gender category.

– Lidia Ramos Palacios has won ten races since 2018. At 29 years old, She placed seventh overall and third in her age group at the 2023 Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí, a 42K run with a 2,800m elevation gain. With victories at Cros de Sant Pau 23K and Sitges Rock Trail 25.7K, Lidia is determined to shine at the XTERRA European Trail Run Championship Half Marathon distance.

While every participant gets ready to conquer, battle, or achieve what they never thought was possible, the words of camaraderie from their competitor and counterpart at the start line this weekend should ring true. Lidia Ramos Palacios’ words can be taken with a grain of salt or the crunch of gravel underfoot, “Trail running can teach us to keep following our dreams and learn to overcome difficulties. It’s not always about giving 100%, but just never giving up. Suffering is momentary. Satisfaction is forever.”

Community Peaks

This is a weekend packed with exciting events to bring together trailblazing warriors, runners at their own pace fulfilling their personal goals, spectators, families and friends who are all part of the overall XTERRA community of outdoor adventurers. On Saturday, July 20th, the 8K Vertical Race kicks off the day in Arinsal. Children’s Races start soon after, followed by a Via Ferrata excursion, then Mountain Yoga in the afternoon and evening, concluding with a Dark Sky Observation activity at night.

Sunday, July 21st, begins with the Trail Marathon to start the day’s races, followed by the Trail Half Marathon and the 19K Arinsal Skyrace. Throughout the day, participants and spectators can enjoy hiking in the Comapedrosa Valley and another Via Ferrata activity. The weekend wraps up with an awards ceremony to celebrate the XTERRA European Trail Run Champions.

About XTERRA

XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure. From pioneering the sport of cross-triathlon in 1996, XTERRA has grown to become a leading brand in off-road adventure through the XTERRA World Tour, XTERRA Trail Run World Series and the XTERRA World Cup, connecting an eco-aware community of worldwide explorers that seek to protect the places where they play. For more information, visit xterraplanet.com.