Salomon Ultra Pirineu 100K: 6,600m D+ in the Catalan Pyrenees, a 2,031m Opening Climb at 5:30 AM, and Why a 30% DNF Rate Makes This One of Spain's Most Demanding Trail Races

The Salomon Ultra Pirineu 100K is upper-tier difficulty for a 100km event. At 66.0 m/km D+ (6,600m / 100km), it ranks among the highest D+/km figures in the DiscoverTrailRaces database for 100km-class events. The course is structured as relentless major climbs and descents with almost no extended flat sections. The opening section establishes the tempo immediately: from the 5:30 AM start in Baga (typically around 3 degrees C), the course gains approximately 2,031m in the first ~17km to reach Niu de l'Aliga at 2,537m -- poles are described by race reporters as a necessity. Cutoffs are tight: 2h30m for ~6 miles and 4h30m for ~10 miles with 6,600 ft cumulative gain (2025 edition added an extra 30 minutes at early cutoffs). A penultimate climb near km 80 gains 672m in approximately 4km before the final 9km descent to Baga. The ~30% DNF rate (confirmed from a 2022 race report) is one of the better-documented difficulty indicators in the DTR catalogue for this distance class.

The Ultra Pirineu 100K is a loop starting and finishing in Baga, running through the Parc Natural del Cadi-Moixero -- a protected mountain park in the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, 1.5 hours north of Barcelona. The course reaches a maximum of approximately 2,537m at Niu de l'Aliga (Eagles' Nest), the first major checkpoint after the opening climb. Key course sections from race reports: the opening 17km / 2,031m climb; a first major descent of approximately 1,507m over ~15km (described as 'fast and runnable'); the Prat d'Aguilo section around km 48 (Eagle Meadow -- rock formation with snow patches possible even in early October); Gosol aid station around km 61 (largest checkpoint, drop bags, hot food, Catalan festival atmosphere); a penultimate 672m climb in ~4km near km 80; and a final 9km descent to Baga. 10 aid stations total. Drop bags at Gosol (~61km). Cutoff: 26h30m. Mandatory gear: ultrapirineu.com/en/regulation/required-technical-gear

Salomon Ultra Pirineu 100K sells out. The race was sold out as of May 2026, well before the October 3 race date [confirm current status at ultrapirineu.com]. The 2026 registration opened in two phases: a preferred window October 9-16, 2025 (400 bibs reserved for runners who had previously completed the 100K), followed by general registration December 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM CET. Entry fee: EU198 (EU1.98/km -- one of the highest EU/km in the DTR catalogue). The entry includes a commemorative T-shirt, a commemorative life bag exclusive to 100K finishers, medical support, aid station refreshments, and a post-race meal at the Baga pavilion. The race festival covers multiple distances (Marato Pirineu and shorter) across October 2-4, 2026. Founded 2011; ~15th edition; 50+ countries represented. ~800 finishers 2024

Early October in the Cadi-Moixero is genuine high-mountain autumn. In Baga (~800m), the 5:30 AM start temperature is typically around 3 degrees C -- requiring warm clothing manageable once climbing begins. At altitude (2,537m at Niu de l'Aliga), temperatures are significantly colder with wind chill. Race reports from the 2022 edition describe icy rocks and snow patches in upper sections even in early October. Official race weather notes reference temperatures potentially below 10 degrees C across all elevations during early Sunday morning, fog above 1,800-2,000m overnight, and possible rain during night sections. The mandatory technical gear list at ultrapirineu.com/en/regulation/required-technical-gear/ reflects these conditions. Trail poles are described in race reports as a necessity for the opening climb. The race provides a dedicated weather service at ultrapirineu.com/en/meteo/ -- check in the week before race day.

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is the primary gateway -- approximately 90 minutes by Airtable data, or up to 2.5 hours by car in practice (Barcelona city traffic). Either way, BCN is well under the IS FAR threshold and a practical international hub. The drive runs north via the C-16 motorway through Bergueda comarca to Baga (~800m altitude, at the Cadi-Moixero park entrance). Public transport to the Cadi-Moixero is limited; car or race-organised transfer is most practical. Baga is a small mountain town: for a sold-out race drawing 50+ countries, book accommodation very early. The wider Bergueda region (Berga, Puig-reig) offers overflow options. Arrive Friday for the 5:30 AM Saturday start -- the race festival runs October 2-4. Saturday-night stays near Baga can work for crew or spectators but accommodation availability around a sold-out prestige race is very limited.