Val d'Aran by UTMB
Peades d'Aigua (PDA 55K)
Salardú
Race guide
Updated 29 June 2026
The Peades d'Aigua (PDA 55K) is a 55-kilometre mountain race held in the Val d'Aran as part of the UTMB World Series calendar. Starting and finishing in Salardú at 1261 m, the course packs 3114 m of total ascent into a single-day effort, reaching a high point of 2601 m somewhere in the Pyrenean terrain above the valley. That combination of genuine alpine altitude, substantial cumulative climb, and a point-to-point loop back to the same village makes this a demanding but accessible ultra for runners comfortable in high mountain terrain. With a hard cut-off at the Salardú finish of Thursday 21:00, competitors have a defined window to complete the course. The race's position in the UTMB World Series means it attracts both regional Pyrenean runners and international competitors chasing UTMB index points, raising the competitive bar while ensuring solid race-day organisation and well-marked trails.
Course & Terrain
The PDA 55K departs from Salardú (1261 m) and climbs into the high Pyrenean landscape of the Val d'Aran, topping out at 2601 m before descending back to the valley finish. Across 55 km the course accumulates 3114 m D+, giving an average gradient that demands efficient climbing technique rather than raw speed. The Val d'Aran is characterised by lush valley floors, mixed forest trails, exposed rocky ridgelines and open alpine pasture above the treeline — expect the full spectrum of Pyrenean underfoot conditions, from rooty woodland singletrack to loose stone and grassy high-altitude terrain. The net descent from start (1261 m) to finish (973 m) is modest, suggesting the route involves multiple ascent and descent cycles rather than a straightforward climb-and-drop profile. Runners should expect technical rocky sections near the high point at 2601 m where trail surfaces can be uneven and footing demands full attention.
The Decisive Climbs & Descents
With a high point of 2601 m reached from a start elevation of 1261 m, the course includes at least one major sustained climb of well over 1000 m. This ascent — or the section approaching the race's roof — is where effort and pace management will determine your finishing time. Above 2400 m the air is noticeably thinner, and runners who have pushed hard on the lower valley trails will feel it on the final approach to the summit ridge. The descents back into the Val d'Aran are equally critical. Long downhill sections on Pyrenean terrain can be punishing on the quadriceps, and any runner who overcooked the uphills will face a grinding final third. Protecting your legs on the descents — particularly the longest drop back toward Salardú — is the tactical move that separates runners who close strongly from those who shuffle home.
Pacing & Fuelling Strategy
With 55 km and 3114 m D+ on the table, this is firmly ultra-marathon territory where time-on-feet matters more than kilometre pace. A sensible approach is to break the race into vertical blocks rather than distance blocks: control your heart rate and effort on each major climb, and let gravity do the work on the descents without abandoning form. Given the single checkpoint structure visible in the data (start and finish in Salardú), runners must be self-sufficient or rely on crew at the start/finish village — carry enough food and fluid to cover the full loop without guaranteed aid in between. Fuelling should begin early — within the first 30 to 45 minutes — and continue at regular intervals of roughly 45 to 60 minutes. At altitude above 2400 m, appetite often suppresses; prioritise easy-to-digest carbohydrates in those upper sections and save more substantial food for lower elevations. Hydration planning is critical: the Val d'Aran has mountain streams but conditions can vary seasonally, so carrying sufficient fluid capacity (minimum 1.5 L) with the option to filter from natural sources is prudent.
Conditions to Expect
The Val d'Aran sits in the central Pyrenees and is known for its relatively high rainfall compared to the drier Spanish side of the range, thanks to its north-facing orientation toward Atlantic weather systems. Even in summer race conditions, temperatures at 2601 m can drop sharply compared to the valley, and afternoon cloud build-up can bring rain, reduced visibility or thunderstorms. A lightweight waterproof jacket is not optional — it is a genuine safety requirement. Trail surfaces will vary significantly with season and recent weather. Wet grass and damp rock above the treeline become genuinely slippery and demand appropriate footwear with solid grip and some lateral stability. Morning starts may encounter cold temperatures at altitude; layers that can be shed as the valley heats up are the right approach. Check forecasts in the days before the race, but always prepare for the worst the Pyrenees can deliver at 2600 m.
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Checkpoints & cut-offs
✓ Course data verified against the official source (2026-07-05) · official source
0 km · 1261 m · —
8.8 km · 1754 m · Thu 10:15
23.9 km · 1976 m · Thu 14:00
36 km · 1762 m · —
40.5 km · 1137 m · Thu 17:30
46.4 km · 1777 m · —
54.9 km · 973 m · Thu 22:00
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