The picturesque Andorran Pyrenees will set the stage for the XTERRA European Trail Run Championship on July 20 and 21, 2024. This major continental championship will take place in the Comapedrosa Natural Park, known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain. With a total Elite prize purse of €5,200, the event is expected to draw elite trail runners from across Europe and beyond.
The XTERRA Skyrace Comapedrosa, now in its second year on the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, will host the championship weekend. The event offers various races catering to different skill levels, including the 8K Vertical Race, the 19K Arinsal Skyrace, and the highlight races – the 24K Half Marathon and 36K Marathon, both on July 21. These races, featuring altitude gains of 2,375m and 3,243m respectively, will determine the XTERRA European Trail Run champions amidst challenging ascents, technical descents, and breathtaking vistas.
Notably, the top performers in the Half and Full Marathons will secure 116 slots each to qualify for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship in Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine, USA, on September 1, 2024. This adds an extra layer of excitement as age division runners aim for a coveted spot on the starting line in the USA.
“XTERRA is delighted to partner with Ocisport and the classic Skyrace Comapedrosa that has established itself as a must-do for the European trail running community. We are excited to award championship status to this event to create a phenomenal experience for everyone,” said Doug Hall, XTERRA EMEA General Manager,
The championship weekend is part of the Comapedrosa Mountain Festival, offering a complete celebration of mountain culture. Beyond the races, the festival features activities for all ages, from children’s races to outdoor cinema, yoga sessions, and trekking expeditions against the stunning backdrop of the Andorran Pyrenees.
“Comapedrosa, like Zegama, Sierre Zinal, or Chamonix, is one of the iconic locations for trail running,” said Former XTERRA World Champion and XTERRA’s Global Technical Director, Nico Lebrun.
As anticipation builds in the villages of Arinsal and La Massana, the XTERRA European Trail Run Championship is not just a competition but an immersive experience showcasing the beauty of the Pyrenees and the spirit of the XTERRA Community. Doug Hall reaffirms, “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.”
Leave a Reply