Andorra Marathon 2026: Definitive Guide to Races, Routes, and Registrations

If you've searched for "Andorra marathon", what you'll find here is much better than an asphalt marathon: a complete calendar of mountain races that make this small Pyrenean country one of Europe's most coveted running destinations. In 2026, Andorra hosts four major running events, from beginner distances to ultras of over 80 kilometers, with open registrations and confirmed dates. This guide tells you everything.

Is there an asphalt marathon in Andorra?

The question is legitimate and the answer is direct: no, Andorra does not have an urban 42.195 km asphalt marathon. And there's a very simple reason: the Principality is a mountainous country nestled in the Pyrenees, with narrow valleys, busy roads, and a territory that doesn't lend itself to flat, approved circuits like those in big cities.

But what it does have, and in abundance, is something much more interesting for any self-respecting runner: mountain marathons and ultras with routes that cross landscapes declared UNESCO World Heritage, pass through peaks of almost 3,000 meters, and connect the country's seven municipalities via historic trails. When runners search for "Andorra marathon", they are actually looking for this: a race that is also an adventure.

The marathon distance (42 km) exists here, but with an addition that changes everything: thousands of meters of positive elevation gain that turn every kilometer into a test of endurance, technique, and mental fortitude. That's what makes Andorra a top-tier international running destination.

2026 Race Calendar in Andorra

This is the complete map of the running year in the Principality. Four events distributed between May and October, with distances for all levels:

OTSO Travessa d'Encamp: Andorra's oldest race

If there's one race that defines the Principality's running culture, it's the OTSO Travessa d'Encamp. The 43rd edition was held on May 22, 23, and 24, 2026 in Encamp, consolidating a tradition that began in 1983 and makes it the country's longest-running mountain event.

The epicenter of the event is Plaça dels Arínsols de Encamp, the start and finish point for all distances. For many Andorran runners and visitors, this weekend is already an unmissable date on the calendar.

Distances and characteristics

• 7K: Ideal for beginners or family runs. Accessible and walkable. Maximum time: 3 hours.
• 12K: A step up in demand. The first few meters are almost entirely uphill towards Pico dels Agols, with a single aid station at Refugi dels Agols.
• 21K (mountain half marathon): With 1,522 meters of positive elevation gain, it requires prior experience in mountain races. Some sections are technical and the elevation gain is considerable.
• 42K (mountain marathon): The jewel of the event. 43 km with 2,774 meters of positive elevation gain for expert and well-prepared runners. Very technical sections, significant elevation gain, and high Pyrenean lake landscapes that make the suffering absolutely worthwhile.
• 84K (ultra distance):The ultimate challenge. 81 km and 4,892 meters of positive elevation gain for runners with great physical and mental preparation.

The 42K is, technically, the benchmark mountain marathon in Andorra: it starts from Encamp, climbs to the Pessons lakes area (a spectacular high-mountain ecosystem), crosses the Refugi del Llac de Pessons, Refugi de l'Illa, and Refugi dels Agols before returning to the finish line.

For 2027: Registrations usually open in June of the previous year, with a discount for participants of the current edition. Follow the official OTSO Sport website to stay updated.

Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB: the great spectacle of world trail running

The 2026 edition of the Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB was held between June 11 and 14, with the municipality of Ordino as the epicenter of the event, where the village, bib collection, and the start and finish of all races were located.

This event is part of the UTMB World Series, which places it among the absolute elite of world trail running. In 2026, entries for the Ultra 105K and Trail 50K sold out before the race, a clear sign of the international appeal generated by this event.

Distances 2026

Registration and Requirements

The UTMB registration system works through priority windows: runners with a valid UTMB Index get first access (during a 48-hour window), and then general registrations open. For the 2026 edition, priority windows opened in July 2025; the calendar for 2027 will follow a similar mechanism.

A medical certificate is not required, although the organization recommends regular check-ups, especially for long distances. However, it is mandatory to have a federation license or private insurance that covers the activity in Andorra.

Distance transfers to a shorter one are possible up to 3 weeks before the event (contact: trail100andorra@service.byutmb.world). Partial refunds for cancellation are available under specific conditions depending on the distance.

The route: why Ordino

Ordino is not a casual choice. This northern parish of the Principality concentrates some of Andorra's most preserved landscapes: high mountain valleys, historic smuggler routes, and views towards the French Pyrenees that no photo can do justice to. The UTMB village transforms the town into a vibrant meeting point throughout the race week, with athletes from dozens of countries sharing space and adrenaline.

If you want to discover the parish of Ordino beyond the race, don't miss our section on destinations in Andorra with the best routes and spots in the Principality.

Comapedrosa Mountain Festival: skyrunning on the highest peak

The Mountain Festival Comapedrosa by HEMŌN 2026 is the next big running event on the Andorran calendar. It will be held on July 25th and 26th in Arinsal (La Massana) and is part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, the international trail circuit that spans five continents.

The setting is the Comapedrosa Natural Park, home to Comapedrosa (2,942 m), the highest point in Andorra. Anyone who has climbed it knows what this is about: technical terrain, sharp ridges, breathtaking views, and a physical demand that spares no one who arrives ill-prepared.

Distances 2026

• Vertical Comapedrosa (8 km · 1,500 m D+): A pure vertical kilometer. It starts from Arinsal and climbs directly to the summit. For runners with iron legs and a cool head.
• Arinsal Skyrace (19 km · 1,456 m D+): Varied route with panoramic views towards Pic de les Fonts (2,748 m). Technical but accessible for runners with mountain experience.
• Skyrace Comapedrosa (24 km · 2,375 m D+): The festival's classic. It starts with a technical section in dense forest, climbs to the ridge towards Pic de les Fonts and reaches Comapedrosa before descending via Estany Negre and the Comapedrosa refuge. Fast and technical descent back to Arinsal.
• Marathon Comapedrosa (36 km · 3,322 m D+): The festival's ultimate challenge. With 36 km and over 3,000 meters of elevation gain, this is the race that most closely resembles the concept of a highly demanding mountain marathon. It starts from Arinsal at 07:00 on Sunday, July 26th.

Beyond running: a mountain festival

What differentiates Comapedrosa from other races is its commitment to the festival format. Throughout the weekend there will be outdoor yoga and pilates sessions (€12/session), hiking routes, live music, children's races, and adventure activities such as via ferrata and mountain biking. A complete plan for those traveling with companions where not everyone in the group wants to compete.

Registration: The official website is skyracecomapedrosa.com. The registration price for the Vertical was available until July 22, 2026, at €41. Check updated prices for each distance on the official website.

Dynafit Andorra Trail: the stage race

Autumn brings a different and very attractive proposal to Andorra for runners looking for more than just a single day of racing. The Dynafit Andorra Trail (formerly La Sportiva Andorra Trail) is the country's first mountain stage race, and it is contested in two-person teams or individually.

The 2026 edition will be held between October 9 and 11, starting in Escaldes-Engordany and three consecutive stages that cover some of the most unique landscapes of the Principality, including sections of the Madriu-Perafita-Claror valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The three stages

• Stage 1 · Prologue (5K · Engordany) — Friday, October 9: The shortest stage, designed as an introduction and for classification. Start from Engordany.
• Stage 2 · #Labraibal — Saturday, October 10: The central stage of the weekend. Medium-high level with technical terrain.
• Stage 3 · #LaPalomera — Sunday, October 11: The epilogue. The most technically demanding stage, closing the weekend with a high-altitude finish.

The general technical level is medium-high but accessible for regular trail running practitioners. The event also provides shared accommodation for participants who want to experience the full event from within.

Registrations are available at andorratrail.com.

How to choose your race in Andorra according to your level

This is the key question before signing up for any event. Trail running in Andorra is not like other places: average altitudes exceed 1,000 meters above sea level, and climbs hit you from kilometer zero. Here's a quick guide:

If you are a popular runner or mountain beginner

The Travessa d'Encamp 7K or 12K is your entry point. No time pressure, guaranteed environment, and a complete trail festival experience. Also, the Trail 10K of the UTMB is ideal for getting started in the atmosphere of an international-level race.

If you have trail experience and are looking for a medium challenge

The Travessa 21K (with its 1,522 m D+), the Arinsal Skyrace 19K or the Trail 21K of the UTMB (24.9 km · 1,350 m D+) are your distances. They require specific preparation but are completely manageable if you train regularly in the mountains.

If you are an established mountain runner

The Travessa 42K, the Marathon Comapedrosa 36K or the Trail 50K of the UTMB are the three major mountain marathons on the calendar. All three are very technical terrains with elevation gains exceeding 2,700 meters. No room for improvisation.

If you are looking for the ultimate challenge

The Ultra 105K of the UTMB (105.9 km · 6,900 m D+) or the 84K of the Travessa are the peak. You need ultra experience, a history of long distances, and a year of specific preparation. These are not races to improvise.

Check out our activities section in Andorra to discover hiking routes and outdoor activities that will help you get to know the terrain before competing.

Where to stay if you're running in Andorra

One of Andorra's advantages is its size: at less than 30 km long, any hotel in the country puts you within 20 minutes of any starting point. But if you want to optimize logistics, these tips will help you:

For the Travessa d'Encamp: The most comfortable option is to stay in Encamp or in Canillo. You'll have the start literally on your doorstep and can rest well without having to get up too early.

For the Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB: The village is in Ordino. However, since accommodations in Ordino are limited, many runners stay in Andorra la Vella or La Massana, 15-20 minutes away by car. For the Ultra 105K, which starts at night or in the early morning, the convenience of being close to Ordino makes a difference.

For the Comapedrosa Mountain Festival: Arinsal is the epicenter. There are several hotels and apartments directly in the village that offer discounts to festival participants.

For the Dynafit Andorra Trail: Engordany is integrated into Escaldes-Engordany, so you have the hotel offerings of the Principality's most urban area at your disposal.

Book in advance, especially for UTMB week: hotels in Ordino and the surrounding areas sell out weeks beforehand. During race season, the early bird (in reservations) gets the worm.

What to do in Andorra beyond running

Coming to Andorra just to run and go home is a wasted opportunity. The Principality offers a range of mountain activities that perfectly complement any runner's stay. Here are some ideas for before or after the race:

Hiking through Madriu-Perafita-Claror: Andorra's only World Heritage site. Practically untouched high mountain valleys where you'll recognize sections of the race routes.

Active recovery with spa and thermal baths: Caldea in Escaldes-Engordany is the largest spa in Southern Europe. After 42 km with 3,000 meters of elevation gain, a thermal bath is exactly what the body needs.

Mountain bike route: Andorra has MTB and downhill circuits that trail runners will find familiar in terms of physical demand.

Local gastronomy: Snail festivals (cargol), Andorran cuisine restaurants with local produce, and the mountain hut environment are all part of the experience.

If it's your first time in the Principality, don't miss our complete travel planning guide to Andorra with everything you need to know to organize it well.

Common mistakes for runners coming to Andorra

Making any of these mistakes can ruin your race even if you arrive well-trained:

1. Underestimating the altitude. Andorra's races take place between 1,000 and 2,900 meters. If you live at sea level, your body will notice the difference from the first kilometer. Arrive 48-72 hours beforehand to acclimatize.

2. Ignoring mandatory gear. Both UTMB and Travessa have strict mandatory gear lists. Windbreaker, thermal blanket, whistle, charged phone... These are not suggestions. Gear checkers have no sense of humor.

3. Not having insurance or a license. In Andorra it is mandatory to have a federative license or private insurance that covers the activity. Don't forget to process it before the start.

4. Booking the hotel late. During UTMB week, accommodation in Ordino and its surroundings sells out months in advance. Registration and accommodation go hand in hand.

5. Confusing elevation gain with kilometers. A 42K with 2,800 meters of elevation gain is not run like an urban marathon. The pace of mountain running is very different. Don't calculate your times based on flat experiences.

6. Not carrying cash. Although Andorra accepts cards in almost all establishments, cash is still king in some aid stations and mountain refuges.

Plan your runner stay in Andorra

Running in Andorra is an experience that combines a sporting challenge with one of the most impressive natural environments in the Pyrenees. If you already have a date, start by booking accommodation: during race weeks, hotels in areas closest to the event sell out quickly.

And if you want to make the most of your stay before or after the race, the Principality's activity offer has a lot to tell you: hiking, MTB, spa, local gastronomy and much more.

Frequently asked questions

Anna
Article written and updated by the local team of Andorra.com