Photo: Garmin Mountain Festival (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Barruera, Vall de Boí
Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí
Friday, 18 June 2027
Marathon 42K
42km D+ 2800m
Sky 24K
24km D+ 1900m
Speed 12K
12km D+ 500m
Your checklist for Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 11 ready
Swipe to see all 12 categories
Swipe to see all 12 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Forerunner 570
Full-color topo maps, a first for the Forerunner line
Downside: Shorter battery life than a Forerunner 965 with maps on
Gear
Shoes with good grip on rock and wet terrain
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
Aid stations on course with water and solid food
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)BSN Medical (Leukotape) Leukotape P Sports Tape
Car Rental
Well-paved mountain roads but with many curves
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Mandatory
Windproof jacket
Mandatory for all distances
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Bonatti WP
Mandatory
Charged mobile phone
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Generic Running Waist Pack with Phone Pocket
Mandatory
Emergency whistle
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Fox 40 Classic
Mandatory
Emergency blanket
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Lifesystems Thermal Blanket
Mandatory
Reusable cup
No disposable cups race
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Soft Flask 250 ml
High-flow valve: quick sips without hard biting
Downside: Pricier than generic Amazon flasks
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Windproof jacket
Mandatory for all distances
Charged mobile phone
Emergency whistle
Emergency blanket
Reusable cup
No disposable cups race
Items tagged “Mandatory” are in the checklist above, with a recommended product.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
3 modalities
Marathon 42K
Price: 75 EUR
- Distance
- 42 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2800m
- Max Time
- 12h
Sky 24K
Price: 50 EUR
- Distance
- 24 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1900m
- Max Time
- 7h
Speed 12K
Price: 30 EUR
- Distance
- 12 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 500m
- Max Time
- 3h
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon 42K | 42 km | D+ 2800m | 12h | 75 EUR |
| Sky 24K | 24 km | D+ 1900m | 7h | 50 EUR |
| Speed 12K | 12 km | D+ 500m | 3h | 30 EUR |
Will your watch battery last the ~11 h of Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí?Worked out for the longest course (42 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGarmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 15 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
13°C – 24°C
Average 19°C
Rain
40%
3.0 mm avg
Wind
11 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
13h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (40% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Sun protection essential (13h sunshine, up to 24°C)
Forecast for 18 June
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí
The Garmin Epic Trail is a trail running festival in Vall de Boí, in the Lleida Pyrenees. Three distances — Marathon 42K, Sky 24K and Speed 12K — through Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series.
The Garmin Epic Trail (formerly BUFF Epic Trail) was born in 2014 with just 100 participants, of whom only 17 managed to finish due to severe weather conditions. Since then it has grown into one of the most renowned trail running festivals in the Pyrenees, attracting international elite runners and enthusiasts alike.
The setting: Aigüestortes and UNESCO heritage
Vall de Boí is a unique place combining two exceptional heritage sites:
- Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park — Catalonia’s only national park, with high-mountain lakes, fir forests and peaks over 3,000 meters
- Romanesque churches of Vall de Boí — A group of nine 11th-12th century Romanesque churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Boí Taüll ski resort — At 2,020m altitude, a key logistical hub for the event
The distances
Marathon 42K (+2,800m D+) — The flagship race. Starts on Friday June 27 and runs through the high-mountain trails around Aigüestortes. Part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series. Very demanding terrain with technical rock sections and possible snow at higher elevations.
Sky 24K (+1,900m D+) — A demanding distance with nearly 2,000 meters of elevation gain in 24 kilometres. Ideal for those seeking an intense challenge without the duration of the marathon. Find the right shoes for technical Pyrenean terrain in our best trail running shoes for 2026 guide.
Speed 12K (+500m D+) — The most accessible distance at the festival. Perfect for getting started in mountain trail running or for companions who want to enjoy the setting without the demands of the longer races.
XTERRA Trail Run World Series
The 42K Marathon of the Garmin Epic Trail is part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, an international trail running circuit. This attracts elite runners from around the world and awards points for the global ranking.
Garmin Mountain Festival
The race is part of the broader Garmin Mountain Festival Vall de Boí, a sports and cultural event that includes mountain activities, local gastronomy and nature experiences. A complete weekend in one of the most spectacular valleys in the Pyrenees.
Use our pace calculator to plan your splits for the 42K, and explore more trail events in Catalonia.
360Complete Pack
Garmin Epic Trail 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration via RockTheSport. The 42K Marathon is part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series. Limited spots.
Tips
- •Online registration on RockTheSport, no lottery
- •Medical certificate required
- •The 42K Marathon scores for the XTERRA Trail Run World Series
Where to Stay for the Garmin Epic Trail
AccommodationVall de Boí has good rural accommodation: hotels, rural houses and apartments. Book early in summer season.
Tips
- •Barruera and Boí are the towns with the most hotel options in the valley
- •Rural houses and apartments available throughout the valley
- •El Pont de Suert (15 min) has more options if the valley fills up
- •June is high season: book 2-3 months in advance
Recommended Gear for Garmin Epic Trail
GearHigh mountain race in the Pyrenees with technical sections and significant elevation gain. In June, summits may still have snow.
Tips
- •Shoes with good grip on rock and wet terrain
- •Poles highly recommended for the 42K Marathon (2,800m D+)
- •Windbreaker or light rain jacket: weather changes fast at altitude
- •Sun protection: June in the mountains means high UV radiation
Which shoes for Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running poles 2026: Black Diamond, Leki and Komperdell compared. Carbon vs aluminium, folding length, technique and how to pick your size.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Nutrition for the Garmin Epic Trail
NutritionThe 42K Marathon can last up to 12 hours with 2,800m elevation. Nutrition management is key for the longer distances.
Tips
- •Aid stations on course with water and solid food
- •Carry your own gels and bars as supplement
- •June heat: hydration and mineral salts are essential
- •Solid food for races over 6 hours
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
How to Get to Vall de Boí
TransportVall de Boí is in the Lleida Pyrenees, about 2h 30min from Barcelona. A car (own or rented) is the most practical option.
Tips
- •Barcelona Airport (BCN) approximately 280 km away
- •Route: AP-2 to Lleida, then C-13 to Pont de Suert
- •From Toulouse: ~3 hours via N-230
- •No direct train: a car is essential
Car Rental for the Garmin Epic Trail
Car RentalEssential to reach Vall de Boí and to explore Aigüestortes National Park and the Romanesque churches.
Tips
- •Well-paved mountain roads but with many curves
- •Take the chance to visit Aigüestortes and the Aran Valley
Sports Insurance for the Garmin Epic Trail
InsuranceMountain race in the Pyrenees. Insurance with rescue coverage highly recommended.
Tips
- •Civil liability insurance recommended
- •Mountain rescue coverage: the course passes through remote areas
- •If coming from abroad, travel insurance with sports coverage
Sun protection for Garmin Epic Trail
Sun ProtectionIn June, UV radiation in the high Pyrenean mountains is very intense, especially above 2,000m. Long hours of exposure on ridges and shadeless areas make proper sun protection essential.
Tips
- •Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days
- •Above 2,500m, UV radiation increases 10-12% per 1,000m of altitude
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Body care for Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí
Body CareFeet and skin face hours of sweat and friction. A blister and anti-chafe kit prevents the silliest DNF.
Tips
- •Tape or patches on hot spots before the start
- •Blister plasters in the vest from the first kilometre
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Garmin Epic Trail 2026?
- The Garmin Epic Trail 2026 takes place on June 27-28 in Vall de Boí, Catalan Pyrenees. The 42K Marathon starts on Friday June 27, and the Sky 24K and Speed 12K on Saturday June 28.
- What distances does the Garmin Epic Trail offer?
- Three distances: Marathon 42K (+2,800m elevation), Sky 24K (+1,900m elevation) and Speed 12K (+500m elevation).
- What is the Garmin Mountain Festival?
- The Garmin Mountain Festival Vall de Boí is a sports and cultural event including trail races, mountain activities and local gastronomy. It was previously known as BUFF Epic Trail (since 2014).
- How to get to Vall de Boí?
- Vall de Boí is in the Lleida Pyrenees. 2h 30min from Barcelona via C-13 through Pont de Suert, and 3h from Toulouse. The nearest airport is Barcelona (BCN).
Races similar to Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí
View all similar races →Swipe to see all 3 races
11 Jul 2026Race finishedTrail Vielha-Molières 3010
Vielha
43K, 23K, and 13K of pure skyrunning in Val d'Aran — the only race to summit Molières peak at 3,010m
43kmD+ 4200mAdvancedView Pack 360
Photo: Organisation El Putu Trail del Bisaura (official poster)17 Oct 2026Race finishedEl Putu Trail del Bisaura
Sant Quirze de Besora
El Putu Trail del Bisaura 2026: El Putu Trail 45K, La Mitja i Pico 25K and La No Tan Curta 14K in Sant Quirze de Besora (Barcelona), 17 October
45kmD+ 2800mAdvancedView Pack 360
Photo: Almaffi5 Sept 2026Race finishedPedraforca Xtrail
Saldes
Marató 42K (2,600m gain), Trail 26K and a 10K hike circling the Pedraforca in the heart of the Cadí-Moixeró
42kmD+ 2600mITRA 2AdvancedView Pack 360
Related guides
Do you organize a trail race?
Add it to TrailRunTemple for free. We build its page with the full Pack 360 (registration, accommodation, gear, nutrition and more) so runners find it and show up prepared.
Add my race for free