Photo: Benh LIEU SONG / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) / Source (opens in a new tab)Carcassonne
Grand Raid des Cathares
Thursday, 22 October 2026
Grand Raid des Cathares 161K
161km D+ 7000m
Raid des Bogomiles 101K
101km D+ 4300m
Raid des Troubadours 85K
85km D+ 3200m
Trail des Hérétiques 63K
63km D+ 2750m
Trail des Colombes 41K
41km D+ 1300m
Race data
Terrain
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
5 modalities
Grand Raid des Cathares 161K
- Distance
- 161 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 7000m
- Max Time
- 41h
Raid des Bogomiles 101K
- Distance
- 101 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 4300m
- Max Time
- -
Raid des Troubadours 85K
- Distance
- 85 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 3200m
- Max Time
- -
Trail des Hérétiques 63K
- Distance
- 63 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2750m
- Max Time
- -
Trail des Colombes 41K
- Distance
- 41 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1300m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Raid des Cathares 161K | 161 km | D+ 7000m | 41h | - |
| Raid des Bogomiles 101K | 101 km | D+ 4300m | - | - |
| Raid des Troubadours 85K | 85 km | D+ 3200m | - | - |
| Trail des Hérétiques 63K | 63 km | D+ 2750m | - | - |
| Trail des Colombes 41K | 41 km | D+ 1300m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~39 h of Grand Raid des Cathares?Worked out for the longest course (161 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Grand Raid des Cathares
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 7 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)Suunto Race 2
Bright 2,000-nit AMOLED display
Downside: No onboard music
Gear
Test shoes and pack on long training runs before race day
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Salomon Speedcross 6
Agarre excepcional en barro y terreno técnico
Downside: Durabilidad media en asfalto
Nutrition
Take a gel every 30-45 minutes from the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF 50 before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on feet, armpits and groin before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Accommodation
Look for a place within 15 minutes of the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
SleepDreamz Tapones de Silicona Moldeable 32dB
32 dB noise reduction
Downside: Don't block noise completely
Car Rental
Pick up the car at the airport on arrival
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
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.
Grand Raid des Cathares 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 – 20°C
Average 16°C
Rain
40%
2.4 mm avg
Wind
23 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
7h
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
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.
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.
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.
Forecast for 22 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Grand Raid des Cathares: 161 km through Cathar country
The Grand Raid des Cathares turns the Aude into the set of a medieval novel. The start is at night from the Place du Prado, below the Cité de Carcassonne, and the course links Cathar paths, trails, singletrack and rough roads towards the Pic de Bugarach and the castle of Arques. It is 161 km and 7,000 m of climbing in a single stage, with a cut-off of around 41 hours.
Seven formats for every level
The 2026 edition is the 12th and keeps seven races. The main ones:
- Grand Raid des Cathares: 161 km / 7,000 m D+
- Raid des Bogomiles: 101 km / 4,300 m D+
- Raid des Troubadours: 85 km / 3,200 m D+
- Trail des Hérétiques: 63 km / 2,750 m D+
- Trail des Colombes: 41 km / 1,300 m D+
October in the Corbières
In late October the Aude is mild by day but cold at night, and the tramontane wind can blow hard on the ridges. The race is semi-self-sufficient: plan food and water carefully between aid stations and don’t skimp on warm layers for the second night.
Carcassonne beyond the race
Stay an extra day to explore the walled citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the castles of Peyrepertuse and Quéribus. Find more events among the races in Occitania and build your season with the race planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
With spare batteries: some sections run at night
Hooded with taped seams
Minimum 1.4 m x 2 m
Minimum 1 litre
Charged, with the organisers' number saved
360Complete Pack
Grand Raid des Cathares 2026 registration
RegistrationPlaces are limited on every distance: secure your bib on the official website before it sells out.
Tips
- •Check deadlines and prices for each distance on the official website
- •France requires an FFA licence or the online PPS (Parcours Prévention Santé) for non-members
- •Keep your confirmation: it is checked at bib pick-up
Where to stay for Grand Raid des Cathares
AccommodationBook close to the start in Carcassonne: local accommodation fills up fast on race weekend.
Tips
- •Look for a place within 15 minutes of the start
- •Earplugs and eye mask if the start is before dawn
- •Microfibre towel and a duffel bag to keep your kit organised
Gear for Grand Raid des Cathares
Gear161 km and 7,000 m D+ with up to two nights out: cushioned ultra shoes, a 12 L vest, poles, a powerful headlamp and layers for the cold Corbières nights.
Tips
- •Test shoes and pack on long training runs before race day
- •Check the mandatory gear list in the race rules
- •Always carry a waterproof jacket in autumn and winter
Which shoes for Grand Raid des Cathares?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Grand Raid des Cathares?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for Grand Raid des Cathares
NutritionPlan 60-90 g of carbs per hour on long sections and replace salts even when it is cool.
Tips
- •Take a gel every 30-45 minutes from the start
- •Electrolytes in every bottle: you sweat even in the cold
- •Recovery drink within 30 minutes of finishing
Getting to Carcassonne
TransportCarcassonne has its own airport and a train station. From Barcelona it is about 3 hours by car via the AP-7 and A61; Toulouse airport is 1 hour away.
Tips
- •Compare flight + car with driving
- •Arrive the day before to collect your bib calmly
Car hire for Grand Raid des Cathares
Car RentalPublic transport to Carcassonne is limited: a hire car gives you freedom for the start and the trip home.
Tips
- •Pick up the car at the airport on arrival
- •Book early: prices rise on race weekend
Sports insurance for Grand Raid des Cathares
InsuranceIf you travel from abroad, bring your EHIC/GHIC and travel insurance covering mountain sports.
Tips
- •The FFA licence includes insurance; the PPS does not cover accidents
- •Check your policy covers mountain rescue in France
Body care for Grand Raid des Cathares
Body CareMud, damp and long hours of effort: prevent chafing and blisters and look after recovery.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on feet, armpits and groin before the start
- •Seamless technical socks and blister plasters in your pack
- •Compression socks and a foam roller for recovery
Sun protection for Grand Raid des Cathares
Sun ProtectionEven in autumn or winter, sun on the ridges and glare from sea or rock burn: protect face and lips.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF 50 before the start
- •Lip balm: dry wind cracks lips
- •Light sunglasses for exposed sections
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Grand Raid des Cathares 2026?
- The 12th edition runs from 22 to 24 October 2026. The flagship 161 km starts on Thursday 22 October at 21:00 from Carcassonne.
- What distances are there?
- Five main formats: 161 km (7,000 m D+), 101 km (4,300 m D+), 85 km (3,200 m D+), 63 km (2,750 m D+) and 41 km (1,300 m D+), plus shorter races.
- Is it self-sufficient?
- It is a single-stage race in semi-self-sufficiency: there are aid stations, but you carry water, food and mandatory gear between them.
- How do I get there?
- Fly to Carcassonne or Toulouse (1 hour away). Barcelona is about 3 hours by car.
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