The Aneto Loop 55K format: strategy and mandatory gear
The Aneto Loop 55K race is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular and demanding mountain trail races I’ve ever faced. From the moment you cross the starting line in Benasque, you know this isn’t just another long-distance race—it’s a journey across the rugged heart of the Pyrenees, with the towering Aneto watching your every step.
I ran the 55K loop last summer, and I want to share my experience with you—not just to help you prepare, but to help you enjoy every meter of this wild adventure. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most strategic parts of the route, the gear that made a difference for me, and the moments when you’ll need to hold back or push through. The Aneto Loop 55K race rewards the smart, the prepared, and those who respect the mountain.
A course that starts friendly but turns ferocious
The Aneto Loop 55K race begins in Benasque at dawn, with cool air and calm nerves. The first stretch, following the GR11 trail toward the Besurta area, is runnable and steady—perfect for warming up your legs and settling your breathing. But don’t get too excited. Many runners sprint here and pay for it later.
Just past the Besurta, the climb to Portillón de Benasque begins. It’s long, rocky, and relentless. The altitude kicks in above 2,400 meters, and this is where pacing becomes critical. I remember easing into a rhythm, eating something salty, and sipping isotonic water—hydration becomes harder at altitude, so prepare for that.
This is the first place where you should reserve your energy, even if your legs are still fresh. The views are unreal, and if the sky is clear, the silhouette of Aneto will appear as a silent reminder of the challenge ahead.
Descent to Renclusa and the first technical warning
After the Portillón, the descent towards La Renclusa refuge is short but tricky. You’ll face loose rocks, slippery slabs, and a steep drop. I saw two runners fall here—not badly, but enough to slow them down. I always recommend using poles on this descent, not just for stability, but also to take some pressure off your quads.
At Renclusa, I took a few minutes to refuel. Even if you feel strong, this checkpoint is key. The next section becomes one of the wildest parts of the Aneto Loop 55K race: the traverse toward the Collado de Salenques and the Ibonet de Barrancs. There are moments when you’ll have to hike, scramble, and keep your head clear.
This is where experience matters more than speed. And where good equipment can be the difference between surviving and enjoying.
Recommended gear: more than mandatory, it’s essential
While the race organization provides a mandatory gear list, let me be honest: just following the checklist is not enough. Based on my race, here’s what I absolutely recommend bringing, beyond the basics:
- Trail running poles: Essential for both ascents and descents. They saved my legs.
- High-grip trail shoes: I wore a pair with Vibram Megagrip soles and they performed flawlessly on wet rocks and gravel.
- Thermal layer: Not just for the rules. At 2,600+ meters, wind chills can drop fast, even in July.
- Buff and gloves: Lightweight, but they saved me from freezing fingers after Collado de Salenques.
- Electrolyte tablets: I used them every 90 minutes. Helped avoid cramps after hour six.
- Compact waterproof jacket: It rained briefly near the end. Those who didn’t pack one regretted it.
Everything else—headlamp, whistle, emergency blanket—is mandatory for a reason. But if you train in warm climates, don’t underestimate the cold or altitude here.
Salenques and the second major climb: push wisely
The climb toward Salenques is less vertical than Portillón but longer and more exposed. Here, I decided to push a little—not too hard, but enough to gain position before the narrow pass. That was a good move because once you hit the high ridges, it’s hard to overtake.
From the top, you’ll get a stunning view of the Estanys de Ballibierna. This is a psychological high point—you’ve crossed halfway. However, the terrain ahead is a minefield of loose stones and uneven footing. Your legs will want to fly, but your brain must guide you.
I recommend reserving your strength until the refuge at Llauset. There’s a gentle descent, but it’s deceptive—concentration is key. A fall here could end your race, and I saw medics helping out a few unlucky runners.
Refugio de Llauset: reset and refocus
At the Llauset refuge, I took my longest break. I ate a full energy bar, drank plenty, and stretched for a minute. This is not a race you win by skipping stops—it’s about managing your output over 55 kilometers and over 3,600 meters of elevation gain.
If you’ve made it here feeling relatively okay, you’re in a good position. The Aneto Loop 55K race gives you one last big climb toward the Collado de Angliós. It’s not the steepest, but after 40K, it feels brutal.
Push through this section slowly but confidently. At the top, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the final valley—Castejón de Sos in the distance. It gives you mental relief.
The final descent: unleash your legs, but with control
The descent from Collado de Angliós to the Vallibierna track is long, runnable, and often dusty. I saw several runners make up time here—but I also saw twisted ankles. If you’ve trained downhill well, this is the section to push. Open your stride, use your arms, and let gravity help you.
Still, don’t burn all your matches. Once you hit the last section of fire road, there’s still a 6K flat-ish run to Benasque. It feels endless if you’ve gone too hard too early.
Here, I used my last gel, put on some music, and locked into a tempo. The town comes into view slowly, and you’ll hear the speakers before you see the finish line.
Crossing that arch in Benasque feels different. Not just because the Aneto Loop 55K race is hard, but because it changes you. You learn to respect the mountains, manage yourself, and push through the silence when it gets tough.
Final thoughts: how to train and what to expect
If you’re considering signing up for the Aneto Loop 55K race, I’d say this: train not just for the elevation, but for technical footwork, heat at low altitudes, and cold wind at the summits. Simulate long descents on tired legs and practice with all your race-day gear.
Also, focus on nutrition. I saw more runners drop due to stomach issues than physical ones. Eat early, eat often, and never try something new on race day.
Above all, come ready to respect the course. The Aneto Loop isn’t just a race—it’s a dialogue between you and the wild. If you listen carefully and move smart, the mountains will let you pass.
And once you finish, you’ll know why we come back.
