Nouvelles de la semaine

As the leaves start to fall and the high-altitude air cools, many of us face the same yearly question: should I register for the Gran Trail Peñalara or focus on UTMB qualifiers instead? This autumn, the choice seems even harder. With both options offering substantial rewards—and challenges—the key differentiator becomes clear: Gran Trail Peñalara ITRA points. Whether you’re chasing stones for Mont Blanc or planning a Spanish escapade through Guadarrama’s best ridgelines, understanding the ITRA point systems and how they fit your personal goals is essential. What are ITRA points and why do they matter? First things first, ITRA points (International Trail Running Association points) are the standard measure used to evaluate race difficulty and runner eligibility for many elite events, particularly those within the

The Azores Trail Run 2026 is not just a race—it’s an experience that transforms your training into something poetic. As a runner preparing for this challenge, I found that autumn in the Azores offers something magical: the perfect blend of weather, terrain, and peace. Moreover, the quiet trails and gentle mist turn every session into an almost meditative state. In this guide, I’ll share routes that helped me both physically and mentally get ready for race day. Why choose the Azores in autumn? First of all, the Azores in autumn mean mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and trails in peak condition. While summer tends to dry out the paths or crowd the iconic viewpoints, October and November paint the archipelago in vibrant greens and golds, with

The first time I heard about UTMB Val d’Aran 2025, it was through a friend who had run the race and returned transformed—sunburnt, limping, and glowing with joy. From that moment, I knew July had found its theme: surrender to the wild. Set in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, Val d’Aran doesn’t just host a race—it invites you to survive a mountain epic, one jagged ridge and muddy descent at a time. Why Val d’Aran in July is the perfect storm Although most trail runners associate July with tapering for the UTMB finals in Chamonix later in August, UTMB Val d’Aran 2025 offers a unique opportunity to earn Running Stones and experience terrain just as dramatic—if not more raw. For me, it was the

The moment I unzipped my duffel bag and began assembling my trail race gear checklist, I knew I was about to face one of the most demanding races of my life—Oh Meu Deus Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s granite crown of grit and beauty. The calm before the chaos Even though my body felt rested, my mind buzzed with anticipation. I had gone through dozens of ultras before, but there’s something utterly humbling about a mountain with a name like Serra da Estrela—”Mountain of the Star”. And trust me, it shines just as bright as its name suggests—both in beauty and in pain. Before each race, especially one as remote and unpredictable as this, I rely religiously on a thorough trail race gear checklist. It’s not