Gautier Bonnecarrere and Miao Yao Crowned CDH Champions at HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB®
The CDH once again proved why it is regarded as one of the toughest races at HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB®. A total of 1,300 runners set off at 6:00 a.m. from Les to tackle a demanding 110-kilometre course featuring 6,400 metres of elevation gain on the way to Vielha, crossing some of the most technical and spectacular terrain in the Aran Pyrenees.
The race was defined by the difficulty of the course, favourable weather conditions and an exceptionally high level of competition. For much of the day, Julen Calvó led the race before receiving a one-hour penalty at the Arties aid station for receiving assistance from multiple people in Salardú. From that moment on, the battle for victory was wide open, with the top three finishers crossing the line less than twenty minutes apart.
Victory eventually went to France's Gautier Bonnecarrere, winner of the CPS at Mallorca by UTMB® last November, who stopped the clock in 12:08:55.
"I'm really happy. It's a beautiful race. I live just an hour from here, so it feels like racing at home. I finished fourth in the VDA in 2021, and I was really looking forward to coming back," he said after the finish.
Spain's Abel Carretero claimed second place in 12:19:21.
"The race was incredibly close. The podium was decided in less than twenty minutes, and we really had to fight... because of both the competition and the heat. On the final descent, every part of my body hurt, but I enjoyed every minute of it. There were so many people cheering all along the course, and I'd like to thank them because their support means so much to us. It's a beautiful race, although it's also incredibly demanding. I raced this distance last year, but the course was shortened because of the storm. I finished fourth, so I really wanted to come back and make the podium."
An exhausted Matis Leray secured third place in 12:27:12.
Miao Yao Dominates from Start to Finish
The women's race had a clear leader throughout. China's Miao Yao claimed victory and finished an impressive eighth overall with a time of 13:04:34.
"I'm exhausted. The course is incredible but very technical," said the 2025 PDA champion, who will compete in the CCC at the UTMB® World Series Finals in Chamonix this August.
France's Alexandra Cassan-Ferrier finished second in 14:01:37, successfully completing her ultramarathon debut. Third place went to Norway's Mari Klakegg Fenre, runner-up in the CDH in 2023 and fourth in the PDA in 2024, with a time of 14:25:16.
"I'm so happy to be racing in my favourite place, the Val d'Aran. I was very nervous before the race because I'd had a difficult winter with several injuries and had only been able to train for three weeks. I simply enjoyed the spectacular scenery. Crossing the finish line with my children was a very special moment, and it's something I'll never forget."
The Trail Running Festival Continues in the Val d'Aran
The action at HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB® continues without pause. On Friday at 4:00 p.m., the VDA, the event's flagship race, got underway from Vielha, with 724 runners taking on one of the greatest challenges on the international trail running calendar.
The competition will continue throughout the night before Saturday's SKY Promesas, which starts at 9:30 a.m. over an 18-kilometre course reserved for runners aged between 16 and 20. Half an hour later, the SKY Master race will get underway.
Throughout the morning, the Pla de Beret will also host the Trail Festival Baqueira Beret, once again bringing together families in a festive atmosphere with activities and children's races, further establishing itself as one of the event's most popular attractions.
HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB® continues to transform the valley into a major sporting stage where elite athletes, amateur runners and the next generation of trail runners come together to celebrate the mountains and the spirit of trail running. HOKA Val d’Aran by UTMB® sigue así su curso, transformando el valle en un gran escenario deportivo donde conviven élite, aficionados y nuevas generaciones de corredores en torno a la montaña y el trail running.
