La Course des étoiles is a 72 km mountain trail race from Bagnères-de-Bigorre toward the Pic du Midi, a Pyrenean summit at 2,877 m. Runners can complete it solo or as a three-person relay, allowing the same route to serve as a demanding individual mountain effort or a shared team day. The event originated decades after the initial Bagnères-to-Pic mountain race, and its next edition is scheduled for a future running, not on a fixed annual date.
The route forms a loop, with 95% of its distance on trails, requiring runners to cross seven cols before the finish. It crosses the Culentous crests towards Pic de Montaigu, passes near Lac Bleu, Lac Vert, and Lac d’Oncet, then reaches the Pic du Midi before descending into the Campan valley via Col d’Arizes and Liset de Hount Blanque. A final ascent awaits on Petit Monné. Aid stations focus on organic, branded, and local provisions. Organizers implement waste management, reusable course markers, reduced packaging, reusable cups, and same-day course cleanup. The race also fosters community through a runner aperitif at the briefing, informal gatherings, a solo finisher medal, and a free post-race concert.