Course Du Laka - Lakako Lasterkaldia - Osses 2027

Course du Laka, also called Lakako Lasterkaldia, is a Basque trail race starting in the village center of Ossès, or Ortzaize, in Basse Navarre in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The main race is about 21 to 22 kilometers with 1,100 to 1,300 meters of climbing, placing it in the short-but-steep mountain trail category. A 14 km hike, starting earlier than the run, is also part of the event, giving walkers a place on the same race day. It is organized by LOKARRI ELKARTEA. Ossès is located near Bidarray, Macaye, Hélette, Irissarry, Mendionde, Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The loop climbs soon after leaving Ossès, with most of the height gain concentrated in the first major ascent after the initial kilometer. Before the fifth kilometer, it reaches a ridge with ruins, then goes around Haltzamendi, climbs Laina, and continues along another ridge toward Mount Baïgura, the high point at 897 meters. From the summit area, runners can view the ridges of Iparla, Artzamendi, and Rhune, and in clear weather, the Landes, the Atlantic, and the Pyrenees. The return route is a long descent to Ossès, following several small streams before reaching the village. Local clubs, including SPUC LASTERKA, participate by sending groups of runners and walkers.