HOKA Val D'Aran by UTMB®: Gear & Race Tips

The VDA averages 13% grade across the entire race. With 10,000m of climbing, there is zero room for going out fast. Power-hike all steep sections and run only on flatter terrain. One runner projected a faster time based on other 100-milers and finished 6 hours behind target. The real race starts after 100km when fatigue meets the most technical terrain. Source: Marcus Smith (mjdsmith.com), Patrick Sanan (patricksanan.org)

Carbon trekking poles are critical for sustained steep climbs and technical descents. One runner's pole broke on a rocky descent and had to be repaired with tape. Another who skipped poles on the PDA 55K called it a "critical mistake" during the final mountain climb. Train with your poles on both climbs and descents before race day. Note: poles cannot be stored in drop bags — if you carry them, you carry them start to finish. Source: Marcus Smith (mjdsmith.com), Viktor Andesilic (cledara.com)

The VDA has been cancelled or modified due to storms in 2023 (race suspended, 1,000 runners evacuated), 2024 (race neutralised mid-course), and 2025 (route shortened to 145km). July in the Pyrenees means sudden thunderstorms, hail, extreme temperature swings and high winds at altitude. Your waterproof jacket (min 10,000mm water column) is not a formality — it will likely save your race. Carry full mandatory kit at all times. Source: Run247, UTMB official, TrailrunAdvisor

The VDA involves two nights of running. Hallucinations are common after 30+ hours — one runner "saw Dad about 5 times" before realising they were trees and rocks. A strategic 30-minute sleep at an aid station can be transformative — one runner called the Banhs de Tredos nap a game-changer. But avoid sleeping from desperation: sleep before you hit rock bottom, not after. Practice at least one all-night training run before race week. Source: Marcus Smith (mjdsmith.com), Patrick Sanan (patricksanan.org)

One 55K runner was "completely sugared out" after 9 hours of gel-only fuelling. For the longer distances, eat substantial food at every aid station — pasta, rice, pizza (the Ressec aid station pizza is legendary). Aid station food quality can be inconsistent: runners have reported discoloured fruit, dry bread and limited hot drinks. Carry your own nutrition as backup. You will burn 10,000+ calories over the VDA — eat early and often. Source: Patrick Sanan (patricksanan.org), RunWithDai, Thanet Roadrunners AC

Around km 130+ on the VDA, you hit the Colomers cirque — the largest glacial lake cirque in the Pyrenees. The terrain is boulder fields, loose rocks, muddy tracks and rock scrambling at 2,000m+, typically during the second night. Multiple runners describe it as "truly brutal." The PDA 55K also crosses Colomers. This is where mental resilience matters most — the finish in Vielha is close but the terrain won't let you forget it. Source: RunWithDai (xmiles.co.uk), TrailrunAdvisor

Everyone trains the uphill but few prepare for the long, quad-destroying descents. The VDA includes descents of 900m over 8km that took one runner 3 hours. The PDA has 3,700m of descent versus 3,300m of ascent. Technical rocky descents on tired legs are where injuries and DNFs happen. Include dedicated downhill training — your quads need to handle the pounding at hour 30+. Source: TrailrunAdvisor, Marcus Smith (mjdsmith.com)

One PDA runner estimated losing 30-40 minutes across 16km above 2,000m due to altitude effects. The VDA tops out around 2,600-2,900m. While not high enough for classic altitude sickness, reduced oxygen combined with extreme fatigue significantly impacts pace and decision-making. If possible, arrive 2-3 days early to acclimatise. The Baqueira lifts give easy access to 2,500m for a gentle altitude check. Source: Thanet Roadrunners AC (thanetroadrunnersac.co.uk)

With tight cutoffs (48 hours, ~50% DNF rate), efficiency at aid stations matters more than running speed. Get in, refuel, swap gear, get out. One runner's key lesson: "Minimise zero-velocity time rather than pushing harder." Have your drop bag items pre-organised so you can find everything in under a minute. You get three 30L drop bags (Bossost, Beret, Arties) — pack each one differently for what you'll need at that stage. Source: Patrick Sanan (patricksanan.org)

The VDA 163K has approximately 50% DNF rate historically (2021: 475 finishers from 941 starters). Total elevation: 10,000m gain. Highest point: ~2,900m at Colomers. Winner finishes in ~23 hours; mid-pack 38-42 hours; cutoff 48 hours. As a UTMB World Series European Major, it awards double Running Stones. Top 10 finishers in VDA/CDH/PDA earn direct qualification for UTMB Finals in Chamonix. Source: UTMB official, Electric Cable Car results analysis