Ultra Sud Canigou Montagne

The wild southern slope of Canigou

The Ultra Sud Canigou Montagne (USCM) is one of the most demanding trail races in the Catalan Pyrenees. This 70 km course with 3,500 m of positive elevation gain connects the Firal square in Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste to the Arles-sur-Tech Nature Center, exploring the southern slope of the Canigó massif, a wild and preserved territory in Vallespir.

A route crossing 14 towns

The route follows the mythical GR10 and numerous mountain trails, without ever crossing a major road. Runners pass through 14 towns in Haut-Vallespir: Prats-de-Mollo, Lamanère (the southernmost village in mainland France), Serralongue, Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans, and Coustouges, before reaching Arles-sur-Tech. Altitudes range from 200 m in the valley floor to nearly 2,784 m, offering grandiose panoramas of the Mediterranean and the Pyrenean chain.

An internationally recognized event

The USCM is listed in the UTMB Index 100K rankings and the ITRA registry, attesting to its demanding nature. The event is offered in individual or team relay format, allowing runners to share the adventure. Volunteers from Vallespir provide warm support and generous refreshments at the checkpoints.

Vallespir, a preserved natural setting

The course traverses landscapes of wild beauty: cork oak and beech forests, mountain streams, high-altitude meadows, windy passes, and perched villages. Vallespir, the southernmost valley in France, offers an exceptional setting where nature reigns supreme and Catalan culture permeates every stone.