TrailRunAdvisor Presents the Crystal Peak Prize

I’ll never forget the first time I toed the start line of the 100th Andorra UTMB 2025. At that moment, I thought I was ready. My legs were trained, my gear was dialed in, and I had scouted the route online at least a dozen times. But nothing—absolutely nothing—can prepare you for the way the Pyrenees test every inch of your body and mind. Over 105 km, the terrain pushes you into steep ascents, exposed ridgelines, and hauntingly beautiful valleys that steal your breath, both figuratively and literally. In this article, I want to share what I learned from this incredible adventure: key strategies for acclimatization, how to manage altitude effectively, and technical highlights that make this course one of the most challenging yet rewarding

From the very first step of the Whalers’ Great Route trail race, I felt like I was running through pages of Azorean history. This wasn’t just another trail event—it was a visceral encounter with the island of Faial’s deep-rooted connection to the ocean, whaling heritage, and cultural resilience. Each ascent, viewpoint, and coastal descent told a story, echoing the legacy of the whalers who once braved the Atlantic from this volcanic gem in the Azores. Running through time: a route marked by history Before diving into the race itself, it’s worth understanding where we are running. Faial, a small island in the central group of the Azores, might seem unassuming at first glance. However, its past is anything but quiet. From the 18th to the

When I first signed up for the race, the phrase TransPeneda-Gerês cut-off times immediately gave me chills. I had read the stats, the elevation gain, the wild terrain… but nothing hits harder than realizing your dream race can end prematurely just because you didn’t manage your energy wisely. I want to share my experience running the TransPeneda-Gerês, not as a champion, but as a regular trail runner who’s learned the hard way what effort management really means. From the first climb to the last checkpoint, this race demands not just strength, but strategy. The myth of “going easy” at the start Every experienced runner tells you to start conservatively, and I thought I did. But the first 10K of TransPeneda-Gerês are deceivingly runnable. You’re fresh,