Grand Trail du Canigó
57.7 km and 3,930 m of elevation gain: a sporting and solidarity event in the sacred mountain of the Catalans
About Grand Trail du Canigó
An exceptional event in the sacred mountain
The Grand Trail du Canigó is more than a mountain race: it is a human and solidarity adventure in the heart of the Canigó massif, classified as a Grand Site de France. Since 2007, the association Courir et Découvrir has been organizing this demanding event which takes runners from the village of La Bastide (800 m altitude) to the summit of Canigó (2,784 m), through wild landscapes and remarkable mining heritage.
A technical and grandiose course
The 57.7 km route with 3,930 m of positive elevation gain follows varied trails: oak and beech forests, mountain pastures, rocky ridges, and technical high mountain passages. Since the 2023 edition, the route includes the discovery of the Pinosa and Manerottes mines, witnesses to the massif's mining past. Aid stations punctuate the route: Baillestavy (km 10), Mas Malet refuge (km 17), and Cortalets refuge (km 27), with strict time barriers.
A solidarity commitment
The unique feature of the Grand Trail du Canigó lies in its solidarity dimension. Since its creation, the association Courir et Découvrir (founded in 1992) donates all profits to associations working for the socialization of people with intellectual disabilities in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Running for a cause, climbing Canigó for others: this is the spirit of this ultra-trail like no other.
An intimate and demanding format
Limited to 150 participants, the Grand Trail du Canigó favors authenticity and conviviality. The start at 6 am from the village of La Bastide, in the low light of the Pyrenean dawn, offers a moment of shared emotion. The race awards 3 ITRA points and is a significant challenge for seasoned trail runners.
Grand Trail du Canigó — edition 2026
The 2026 Grand Trail du Canigó takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, starting at 6 AM from the village of La Bastide. A race of 57.7 km and 3,930 m of positive elevation gain, with a round trip to the summit of Canigó (2,784 m), limited to 150 runners. Registrations open on HelloAsso (64 €), benefiting solidarity associations.
July 4, 2026 Edition
The Grand Trail du Canigó returns on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with a 6 AM start from the village of La Bastide (800 m altitude). On the program, the mythical course of 57.7 km with 3,930 m of positive elevation gain, punctuated by the round-trip ascent to the summit of Canigó (2,784 m) from the Cortalets refuge, and the crossing of the mining heritage (mines of La Pinosa and Les Manerottes).
The race remains limited to 150 runners and awards 3 ITRA points. It is a qualifying race for the Grand Raid de la Réunion. Registrations are open online on HelloAsso at a price of 64 €, with profits being donated to associations working for the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Programme Grand Trail du Canigó 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026
- 06:00 AM — Start from La Bastide (800 m)
- km 10 — Baillestavy · cut-off time 07:45 AM
- km 17 — Refuge du Mas Malet · cut-off time 09:45 AM
- km 27 — Refuge des Cortalets · cut-off time 01:00 PM
- km 30 — Summit of Canigó (2,784 m) · highest point, round trip
- km 44 — Refuge de l'Estanyol · cut-off time 06:00 PM
- km 57.7 — Arrival in La Bastide
Unique race of 57.7 km / 3,930 m D+, 3 ITRA points, limited to 150 runners.
Highlights Grand Trail du Canigó 2026
- Round-trip ascent to the summit of Canigó (2,784 m), sacred mountain of the Catalans
- 57.7 km and 3,930 m of positive elevation gain, 3 ITRA points
- Intimate format limited to 150 runners, start at 6 AM from La Bastide
- Charity race: profits donated to associations for intellectual disabilities
Prices Grand Trail du Canigó 2026
Practical information — Grand Trail du Canigó
Practical Information
Access
Start from the village of La Bastide, accessible from Vernet-les-Bains or Vinça via the D13.
- By car: From Perpignan, take the N116 to Vinça then the D13 towards La Bastide (approx. 1 hour).
Registration
Online registration on HelloAsso. Limited to 150 runners. Cancellation possible until May 24th (partial refund).
Prices
Registration: €64. Profits are donated to solidarity associations.
Time Barriers
Baillestavy (km 10): 7:45 AM. Mas Malet (km 17): 9:45 AM. Cortalets (km 27): 1:00 PM.
Contact
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 06 40 48 07 18 (Fred or Cédric)
- Courir et Découvrir Association: 72 avenue Balcon du Canigou, 66240 Saint-Estève
- Website: grandtrailcanigo.fr
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Where does it take place — Grand Trail du Canigó
Village de La Bastide
Village de La Bastide, 66820 Vernet-les-Bains