Championnat du Canigou

Historical:
At the beginning of this century, courageous "vernetois" porters climbed to the glacier on Mt Canigou and returned carrying huge blocks of ice on their backs. This ice was used to cool the throats of the genteel patients, mostly English, who were taking the "cure" at the luxurious hotels in the resort.
In 1905, to honour these porters, the French Alpine Club had the idea to organize a race, complete with a burden of 8 Kg, on an impressive mountain course.
Forgotten for many years, this race was reinstated in 1981; From some 18 participants in 1981, the race has grown, with 728 contesting the race in 1997.
This race is today considered by specialists one of the most beautiful tests of its type in Europe.

Technical Information:

• Race to free appearance
  • with intermediate passage time limit
  • runners (from the hope category)
  • hikers ( from 14 years accompanied)
• Circuit of 30 Km in buckle
  • climbing 15 km
  • descent 15 km
• positive varation of 2134 m
  • Vernet les bains alt. 650 m
  • Peak of the Canigou alt. 2784 m
• Control / supply every 4 to 5 km
  • reserved to the runners
• Departure place de la Republic:
  • hikers 5 h 30
  • runners 7 h 30
  • loaded runners 7 h 30
• Arrival limits for all at 15 h 30
  • showers, physiotherapist, meal (between 12 h and 16 h 30)
• Date: 1° Sunday of August
• Classifications:
  • men - women - senior Veteran 1, V2, V3, V4.
  • special category: loaded runners of 8 kg
  • by team: aggregate of 3 best times
• Rewards:
  • cash prizes and trophy to winners of each classification
  • 10 000 Fr for new mens' record
  • 5 000 Fr for new womens' record
  • all competitors completing course will receive personalised diplomas
  • various merchandise (tee shirts, . ..
  • meal according to race
• Entrance Applications:
  • in advance to :
    • M. CAPELA R.
    • 37 Bd Clémenceau
    • 66820 Vernet les bains
  • on the eve of the departure - between 15 h to 19 h
  • on the day of the race - 15 mn before the departure
• Information:
  • TOURIST OFFICE
  • 66820 Vernet les bains
  • Phone: (0) 4.68.05.55.35.
  • Fax:(0) 4.68.05.60.33.