🏃♂️ RUN – 43 km –
Up to 2800 m D+
From Lac de Payolle to the Col du Tourmalet – with a sacred detour
Official Description
The run segment of ASCEND is a final reckoning in the high mountains.
Starting in the lake of Payolle, athletes follow a relentless path of steep trails and exposed ridges toward the Col du Sencours, the gateway to the sky.
At Col du Sencours, a cut-off will decide your destiny (6:15pm).
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If you make the cut: you ascend higher — toward the Pic du Midi, one of the most iconic summits of the Pyrenees. You'll climb to the observatory, tag the out-and-back point, and descend.
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If you miss the cut: you’ll continue directly to the Col du Tourmalet, still an epic finale, but without the detour to the stars.
For those who reach the summit, the run totals 42 km with 2,800 meters of elevation gain.
For the others: 37 km and 2,300 meters of ascent — still brutal.
No asphalt. No crowd. No mercy.
Just you, the wind, and the final climb of a lifetime.
FAQ – ASCEND XTRI RUN
Where does the run start and finish?
The run starts in Campan and finishes at the Col du Tourmalet, a legendary pass at 2,115 meters elevation.
Is there still a Pic du Midi section?
Yes — but only for athletes who pass the cut-off at Col du Sencours.
They will do an out-and-back ascent to the summit of the Pic du Midi and return to rejoin the final segment toward the Tourmalet.
Where is the time cut-off located?
At the Col du Sencours.
If you arrive after the cut-off, you’ll be directed to skip the Pic du Midi and proceed directly to the Col du Tourmalet finish line.
What are the distances and elevation gains?
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Full route with Pic du Midi: 42 km / +2800 m
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Direct route (no summit): 37 km / +2300 m
Both options are entirely off-road, steep, and exposed.
What terrain can I expect?
Expect technical mountain trails, rocky ascents, exposed ridgelines, and variable ground conditions. Poles are allowed and recommended.
Will the course be marked?
Yes, but navigation skills and awareness are still important, especially in fog or low light. Support crews will be mandatory on the run course beyond specific zones.
What about altitude and weather?
Both the Pic du Midi and the Col du Tourmalet are above 2,000 meters. Conditions can be extreme: wind, cold, storms or fog are all possible. Carrying appropriate gear (windbreaker, thermal layer, headlamp) is mandatory.