Patou Trail

Patou Trail is a three-day mountain trail event held in Saint-Lary-Soulan, a village in the Aure Valley of the Hautes-Pyrénées, close to the Spanish border. Taking place in June, it features several race formats across high and middle mountain terrain. Options range from a short Vertical Kilometer to a marathon, which can also be completed as a relay. The event caters to different runners: strong climbers can choose the steepest routes, relay teams can share the long course, and children have their own race within the weekend's activities. The Vertical Kilometer covers 3.5 km with a 1,000-metre ascent on narrow mountain paths, including gradients over 100% and a ridge finish. The marathon-relay follows the historic Patou Trail course, approximately 42-44 km with 3,300-3,400 metres of climbing through the Aure Valley. The Saint-Lary Aure Athlétisme Club organizes the races locally, supported by around one hundred volunteers. The event includes careful route marking, aid stations, village crossings, entertainment, and a Saturday evening post-race meal, fostering a club-and-valley atmosphere rather than a large-city race feel.