HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB: Trail running returns to the heart of the Pyrenees as 6,000 runners get set for European UTMB World Series Major

From 2-6 July, the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees will come alive as it welcomes 6,000 runners from 83 nations to the 5th edition of HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB®. As the European UTMB® World Series Major, the event gives local and regional runners the chance to experience the unique UTMB® atmosphere on their doorstep. With 88% of participants coming from Europe, primarily the neighbouring areas of Spain, France and Portugal, it has become a firm favourite amongst local athletes eager to explore the Pyrenees trails, further cementing its status as the European Major.

Seven races to explore the essence of the Pyrenees

Nestled in the Atlantic-facing valley of Val d’Aran, in Vielha, Spain, runners will follow the Garonne River via ancient shepherd paths and high alpine meadows, discover the rich cultural heritage while climbing high into stunning alpine cirques. With over 30% of the land in the region standing above 2,000m, and several peaks soaring above 3,000m, the area is a truly magical enclave for mountain lovers and considered the ‘essence of the Pyrenees.’

In 2025, seven unique race distances are on offer to suit every level of trail runner. From the scenic brand new Vielha 10K race making trail running more accessible to all and offering even more action thought a very fast race, to the flagship Torn dera Val d’Aran 100M, which has attracted 700 athletes who are eager to tackle this epic mountain challenge, without forgetting the 20K, 50K, and 100K races, there will be courses for everyone!

The spirit of the trail: where every step tells a story

From international elite athletes to amateur local athletes and those taking on their first trail race, HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB unites thousands of runners with a shared goal to push their limits and achieve the extraordinary out on the trails.

Inés Astrain (ESP, UTMB Index 745) who won the PDA 50K last year will be challenging for the title again over the same distance this year. “_For me, running in HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB® is like running in Spanish Switzerland, with spectacular views and brutal animation. Passing through Arties is like flying, thanks to the affection of all the public. Arriving at the finish line is to feel the personal satisfaction of having achieved it, surrounded by a corridor of people who admire what you have done. HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB is a dream of a race. Running here has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my sporting career._”

Amongst the most powerful stories in 2025 includes that of Ramón Arroyo, a Spanish athlete diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2004. Despite being told he would never run more than 100 metres again, Ramón has since defied expectations and completed multiple events, from marathons to triathlons. Having previously faced a mental and physical block in getting back out onto the mountain trials, this year Ramón will take on the Experiència d'Aran (EXP) 32K race and looks forward to rediscovering his joy for the mountains.

Jonathan Naboulet, a joelette runner will also take on the SKY Baqueira Beret 15K distance, before taking part in the CCC during the HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc 2025 as part of Team Adaptive. Joined by a team of 24 guides, it highlights the very spirit of trail running and UTMB World Series' promise to run close to home.

An elite startlist to match UTMB World Series Major status

The most eye-catching race on the start list looks to be the women's 50K, with the presence of Miao Yao (CHN, UTMB Index 793) the reigning OCC holder, and two HOKA athletes to try and stop her: Allison Baca (USA, UTMB Index 768) and Sylvia Nordskar (NOR, UTMB Index 765). The 100K race will feature American Dakota Jones (UTMB Index 891) and French Yannick Noel (UTMB Index 881). On the women's side, there is a Spanish star to keep an eye on: Nuria Picas (ESP, UTMB 754), an “UTMB Legend”, winning HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc in 2017.

Local actions, global spirit: a race committed to people and place

HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB is committed to creating a lasting, positive impact on the region and sport. The event is committed to gender equality in trail running, with initiatives like the Woman in Trail program, equal prize money, and partnerships with Corro y Soy Mujer and Transvia Sport to support female participation. A dedicated pregnancy policy ensures fair entry deferrals for pregnant athletes and new parents. Aid stations provide a Woman Kit with essential hygiene products. Female participation has grown from 12.5% in 2021 for the first edition to 19% in 2025, showing real progress.

HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB also embraces sustainability and social impact through local inititives, supporting reforestation via the “NO tee - ONE tree” campaign. The event also donates to causes like Associació contra el càncer d'era Val d'Aran, who organises cancer recovery camps for children, Càritas d'Urgell to support vulnerable local communities, and ADDA, an association for people with disabilities, for race logistics. Through charity bibs, UTMB Cares raises funds for inclusion, health, and environmental projects in the region. All these actions play a key role in making the event more impactful, inclusive and accessible, while also supporting and reinforcing its connections to the local community.

Running Stones doubled, and direct qualification for UTMB World Series Finals

HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB being one of the four UTMB World Series Majors, all finishers will also earn double Running Stones, while age-group category winners and the top 10 men and women in the 100M, 100K, and 50K races will secure automatic qualification for the UTMB World Series Finals.

Watch Live

As UTMB World Series European Major, HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB will be broadcast LIVE, giving fans around the world a chance to watch the action unfold. Follow the live stream, key race statistics and track your favorite athletes at https://live.utmb.world/. Fans can also catch the live broadcast on L'ÉQUIPE, Outside, DAZN, and iQIYI.

Eurovision Sport, new official broadcaster of UTMB World Series

On the occasion of HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB, the European Major, a new key partner joins the official broadcasters of the UTMB World Series circuit: Eurovision Sport, the streaming platform of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will enable fans to catch every moment of their favorite trail running events, free of charge and without subscription.

This new partnership highlights the UTMB World Series' ambition to expand its live broadcast offering and make trail running increasingly accessible to everyone.

The platform will hold broadcasting rights for all 11 events still on the schedule in 2025 covered by the UTMB Live system, allowing it to reach a wide audience across Europe. It will complement the existing lineup of official UTMB World Series broadcasters: L'Équipe, Outside, DAZN, and iQIYI. Viewers will be able to follow the races through a dedicated endurance sports portal on eurovisionsport.com.

Alan Fagan - Managing Director of Eurovision Sport: “Partnering with the UTMB World Series highlights the EBU and our Members' ability to bring distinctive, world-class sport to our audiences across Europe. Through Eurovision Sport, we're proud to strengthen our commitment to delivering high-quality coverage of emerging sports with strong values and growing global appeal.”

Antoine Aubour - UTMB Group Marketing, Communication, Media Director: “This partnership with the EBU represents a major step forward for the development of trail running. By joining forces with the world's largest alliance of public service media through its new platform, eurovisionsport.com, we are seizing a unique opportunity to elevate our sport, the UTMB World Series circuit, and fulfill one of our core missions: to make trail running and live events ever more accessible — sharing not only the athletic challenge but also the emotions sparked in breathtaking natural settings."