Andorra - Run the Pyrenees (3 Day Run)

Fastpacking is a combination of backpacking and trail running, where you cover longer distances by moving quickly through terrain with a light pack.

Ideal for those wanting to get into Fastpacking, this fully guided and supported running experience is designed to elevate your journey, providing a seamless blend of exploration, physical challenge, and cultural discovery. 

With the logistics expertly managed, each day becomes an opportunity to immerse yourself in the trails and local culture, while evenings are spent in comfortable accommodations, refreshed and ready for the next day's adventure. 

A support team transfers your main luggage between overnight accommodations, helping you to travel light and move fast. This setup ensures you can focus solely on the thrill of running through stunning landscapes and connecting with the environment around you.  

Expect professional guidance, camaraderie with fellow participants, stunning landscapes, and a well-organised adventure where logistical details are handled by the support team. 

Guides are trained to manage unexpected situations. They will adjust the itinerary or route as needed to ensure safety and comfort. Emergency protocols are in place, and guides carry communication devices. 

While prior experience is beneficial, guided trips are suitable for beginners with a good level of fitness. Guides provide support and instruction along the way. 

You should have a base level of fitness to be able to handle 3 days of trail running / fast hiking in the mountains averaging 16-20km a day. The daily distances and difficulty are adjustable, tailored to suit your group's preferences. Please contact us for more details.  

Participants typically carry a small backpack or running vest with essential items like water, snacks, extra layers, rain jacket, first aid kit, head torch and personal belongings needed for the day's trek. Luggage transfer handles the rest. You will receive a full kit list for your trip.  

Choose lightweight and multi-purpose gear. Focus on essentials and leave non-essential items behind. Invest in high-quality, ultralight gear to reduce overall pack weight. 

On some days we will run though villages and towns which will allow for an easy water resupply. However this will not always be the case. Your guides will have planned suitable water resupply points along your route. We recommend carrying a lightweight water filtration or purification system when drinking from streams and rivers. 

Pay attention to foot care to prevent blisters and discomfort. Wear well-fitting trail running shoes and moisture-wicking socks which you have tested and worn in before the trip. Carry blister prevention aids and address hot spots early. 

We have chosen the best locally owned accommodations to complement your adventure. Our trips use comfortable lodges, hotels, guesthouses, or designated campsites along the route. 

See the trip itinerary to see which meals are included. Typically, guided trips include breakfasts and dinners at accommodations, while lunches are usually packed and carried by participants during the day's trek. Special dietary requirements can often be accommodated with advance notice. We have chosen the best local hotels and restaurants which offer delicious local food choices that will ensure you're getting enough calories and nutrients for sustained energy.  

During the run opt for lightweight, calorie-dense foods like energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, jerky. Fuelling properly is crucial for maintaining energy levels and sustaining performance over long distances. Here are key strategies for fuelling effectively: 

Hydration: Regularly drink fluids throughout the race but avoid over-hydrating. Aim for around 16-32 ounces of fluid per hour, adjusting based on weather conditions and personal sweat rates. 

Electrolyte Balance: Consume electrolyte drinks or tablets to replace sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes lost through sweating. This helps prevent muscle cramps and maintains proper nerve and muscle function 

Carbohydrate Intake: Consume carbohydrates during the race to fuel your muscles. Aim for 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, which can come from energy gels, chews, bars, or real foods like bananas, potatoes, or sandwiches. 

Protein and Fat: While carbohydrates are the primary fuel source, small amounts of protein and fat can provide sustained energy. Incorporate these in your race nutrition strategy if desired but prioritise easily digestible carbohydrates.