Photo: Garmin Mountain Festival / SourceBarruera, Vall de Boí
Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí
Friday, 18 June 2027
Registration open for Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí 2027
Places for UTMB World Series races sell out. Secure your bib.
Race data
| 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 |
Garmin 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.
Best Value Trail and Mountain GPS Watches 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
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Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
See comparisonWhat you need
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Leki
Leki Ultratrail FX.One
Maurten
Maurten Gel 100
How long will it take you?
Estimate your race time based on distance, elevation and your runner level.
Historical weather
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.
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
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
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
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
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.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail
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
Real-time data from Open-Meteo
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.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Mandatory for all distances
No disposable cups race
360Complete Pack
Garmin Epic Trail 2026 Registration
RegistrationRegistration via RockTheSport. The 42K Marathon is part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series. Limited spots.
Browse all registrationTips
- •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.
Browse all accommodationTips
- •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.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6
Salomon's most versatile trail shoe, ideal for technical terrain and mud. Exceptional grip with Contagrip sole and EnergyCell+ cushioning.
Leki
Leki Ultratrail FX.One
Foldable trail running poles in 3 sections (110-130 cm). Ultralight carbon (175 g per pole), compact 38 cm folded. Speed Lock 2 locking system.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Ultralight carbon Z-pole foldable trekking poles. 137 g per pole in 110 cm length, 33 cm folded. EVA grip and adjustable strap. The trail running reference.
Hoka
Hoka Speedgoat 7
The best-selling trail shoe in the US and an absolute ultra-trail classic. Max Hoka cushioning, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip in mud and technical terrain, and a snug Matryx upper. Built to eat up kilometres without punishing your legs in long races.
Altra
Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running shoe with zero drop and wide FootShape toe box that allows natural toe splay. 25 mm stack with EGO foam for balanced cushioning without losing ground contact. MaxTrac outsole with 3.5 mm lugs, ideal for non-technical trails, forest tracks and long-distance paths.
New Balance
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
The model breaking into Spain's best-seller charts. Fresh Foam X midsole with a solid balance between cushioning and ground feel, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a comfortable last suited to wide feet. A reliable all-rounder for training runs and mountain races of any distance.
Saucony
Saucony Peregrine 16
The all-round trail shoe par excellence, with excellent reviews across every type of runner. PWRTRAC outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip on mixed and technical terrain, balanced PWRRUN cushioning, and rock-plate protection depending on the version. The perfect middle ground between responsiveness and protection.
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
The best trail running poles in 2026, compared on technical criteria: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, Leki Ultratrail FX.One, Komperdell Carbon FXP Trail and Cascade Mountain Tech. Weight, folded length, aluminium vs carbon, technique and how to pick your size.
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
In-depth comparison of the best hydration vests and packs for trail running in 2026: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set, Salomon Active Skin 8, CamelBak Octane, Compressport UltRun Vest, NNormal Race Vest, AONIJIE 10L and HANKER waist belt. Soft flasks vs reservoir, how many litres by distance, how to stop the vest bouncing and how much water to carry.
Best Value Trail and Mountain GPS Watches 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
The best value-for-money trail and mountain GPS watches in 2026: Coros Pace 3, Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Cheetah Pro, Garmin Forerunner 165 and Suunto Race 2. How much a good trail watch costs, which ones have cheap offline maps, whether an Amazfit performs like a Garmin and which watch to buy for your budget. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
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.
Maurten
Maurten Gel 100
Gel de hidrogel con 25g de carbohidratos. La tecnología de hidrogel encapsula los carbohidratos para una absorción sin molestias gástricas. Sabor neutro, sin edulcorantes artificiales. Usado por corredores de élite en maratón y ultra.
Precision Fuel & Hydration
Precision Fuel & Hydration PH 1500
Pastillas efervescentes con 1500 mg de sodio por litro. Para corredores que sudan mucho o en condiciones de calor. Sin calorías ni carbohidratos, solo electrolitos. Ideales para combinar con geles o barritas.
Gourmet Latino
Bocadillo de Guayaba Gourmet Latino
Natural guava bar in individual 26 g format. High in vitamin C and fast-absorbing carbohydrates. Solid texture with easy-open wrapper, perfect for carrying during races. Intense sweet flavor that delivers immediate energy without needing water.
Crown Sport Nutrition
Crown Sport Nutrition 3:1 Recovery+
Recuperador muscular a base de proteína de suero aislada (whey isolate) con ratio carbohidratos-proteína 3:1, enriquecido con L-Leucina y L-Glutamina. Certificado Informed Sport y sin alérgenos añadidos. Formato de 750 g, sabor sandía.
GU
GU Energy Gel Original
Gel energético con 100 calorías y 21g de carbohidratos por sobre. Mezcla de maltodextrina y fructosa para absorción óptima. Incluye aminoácidos y electrolitos. El gel más usado en ultratrails de todo el mundo.
226ERS
226ERS Isotonic Drink
Bebida isotónica en polvo de la marca española 226ERS. Aporta carbohidratos, electrolitos y minerales para mantener la hidratación durante el ejercicio. Fórmula con amilopectina para absorción rápida sin molestias digestivas.
Victory Endurance
Victory Endurance Total Recovery
Preparado en polvo para bebida de recuperación post-entreno con carbohidratos, electrolitos y proteína en ratio BCAA 2:1:1. Incluye 12 vitaminas y 9 minerales para acelerar la recuperación muscular tras un trail largo. Formato de 1250 g, sabor sandía.
226ERS
226ERS Recovery Drink
Muscle recovery shake from Spanish brand 226ERS. Formula with whey protein, amylopectin, amino acids (including glutamine and BCAAs) and minerals. Carb-to-protein ratio optimised for the post-exercise window. Good taste and digestive tolerance.
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.
Browse all transportTips
- •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.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
SUV/crossover vehicle rental subscription, ideal for reaching mountain races via rural roads and forest tracks.
DRIVALIA
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud City
Urban vehicle rental subscription, perfect for getting to races with good highway and conventional road access.
Carla
Carla Car Rental - Reserva ahora, paga después
Car rental comparison in over 180 countries with free cancellation. Book now and pay when you pick up the vehicle, no hidden fees or upfront card charges.
Hertz
Hertz - Alquiler de coches
Car rental with one of the world's most recognised brands, with offices at airports and cities across Spain.
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.
Browse all insuranceTips
- •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.
ISDIN
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight water-phase facial sunscreen with SPF 50+. Fluid texture that absorbs instantly with no greasy residue, ideal for applying during a race. Water and sweat resistant.
Sun Bum
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Lip balm with SPF 30 sun protection in stick format. Moisturises and protects lips from sunburn, a spot many runners forget. Coconut flavour, paraben-free.
Cantabria Labs
Heliocare 360º Sport Transparent Stick SPF 50+
Transparent SPF 50+ sun stick, 25 g, with 360º protection (UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared). Goes on dry in seconds over face, ears, neck and bald scalp with no sticky hands and no white cast: the format built for reapplying at an aid station. High water and sweat resistance, from a Spanish pharmacy brand.
Columbia
Columbia Schooner Bank II Cachalot
Legionnaire-style cap with neck flap, ideal for long-duration races with intense sun exposure. Covers the neck and ears, two of the areas most prone to sunburn in the mountains.
Julbo
Julbo Aero
Sports sunglasses with a Reactiv photochromic lens that automatically adapts to changing light, an ultralight panoramic frame and the Air Link temple system for a secure, pressure-free fit. Built for high-mountain trail running, where light shifts constantly between forest, rock and open summits.
Buff
Buff Venture Gorra 5 Panel
Lightweight 5-panel cap with UPF 50+ protection, breathable fabric and comfortable fit. Ideal for summer trail running races where weight and ventilation are a priority.
d'Alba
d'Alba Air Fit Fresh Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
Facial SPF 50+ PA++++ sun stick, 19 g, Korean skincare, vegan and fragrance-free. Dry, powdery finish, not sticky, doesn't sting the eyes when you sweat: comfortable for daily training and shorter races. The lightest and cheapest option in the comparison.
Piz Buin
Piz Buin Mountain SPF 50+
Mountain sunscreen with SPF 50+ formulated for extreme altitude conditions. Extra protection against intensified UV radiation and cold wind. Rich texture that protects skin from dehydration.
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 tested 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — against heat, altitude UV and hours of sweat. See the winner.
Body care for Garmin Epic Trail Vall de Boí
Body CareProtect your feet, skin and joints during the race: sunglasses, anti-chafe balm and post-race recovery.
Buff
Buff CoolNet UV+
Multifunctional tubular with UPF 50+ UV protection and cooling technology. Can be worn as neck gaiter, headband, balaclava or wristband. CoolNet fabric reflects UV rays and cools the skin by evaporation.
Julbo
Julbo Aerospeed
Sport sunglasses with Reactiv photochromic lenses that automatically adapt to light conditions (category 1 to 3). Designed for trail running with non-slip temples and integrated ventilation.
OOFOS
OOFOS OOriginal Sport
Unisex recovery sandal with patented OOfoam technology, which absorbs 37% more impact than conventional EVA foam and reduces stress on feet, ankles and back after exertion. Closed thong-style toe post with built-in arch support in the footbed. Machine washable.
Therabody
Theragun Mini (2.ª generación)
Compact massage gun with QuietForce motor and 3 speeds (1750-2400 percussions/min). Weighs just 500g and fits in your race vest or bag. Ideal for self-massage of quads, calves and glutes after a trail.
Compex
Compex Ayre Recovery Boots
Pneumatic pressotherapy boots with 4 sequential air chambers. Dynamic compression that improves venous return and speeds up toxin elimination after mountain races. 3 pressure levels and 20-30 minute sessions. Built-in rechargeable battery.
Salomon
Salomon Mangas Running
Lightweight, breathable and absorbent running sleeves from Salomon, with a comfortable adaptable fit for variable mountain temperature conditions.
Salomon
Salomon Polaina Cuello Merino
Salomon merino wool neck gaiter. Natural warmth, breathable and odour-resistant even after several uses without washing, key for multi-day ultras. Versatile use in the mountains and premium trail running.
Bob and Brad
Bob and Brad Q2 Mini
Mini massage gun designed by two physiotherapists: 430 g, brushless motor with 15 kg stall force and operation under 45 dB. Charges over USB-C from any charger and ships with a case. The value pick for packing recovery into your bag or car boot.
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).
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