Trail La Gajanaise

Discover the wild beauty of the Ariège Pyrenees at the **11th Trail La Gajanaise on Sunday, March 22, 2026**. Nestled within the Parc Naturel des Pyrénées, just minutes from the medieval citadel of Saint-Lizier, this beloved spring trail event invites runners to explore the sun-dappled forests and panoramic ridges of the Couserans. Two distances capture the region's character: the 26km course delivers 900 metres of positive gain and a summit reward at Montcalivert, where the legendary Pic du Valier emerges across the skyline, while the 10km route offers 220 metres of rolling, runnable terrain perfect for first-time trail seekers. Both share a common opening through the village of Taurignan Vieux before diverging into their respective adventures—the longer loop tracing field edges and forest cathedrals, the shorter maintaining a spirited, flowing rhythm back to Gajan's salle des fêtes.
The organisers, rooted in the Association La Gajanaise, have refined these courses through eleven editions into models of Pyrenean trail craft: technical enough to engage, accessible enough to welcome. The 12km marche offers hikers their own communion with the Couserans foothills, tracing shaded pistes at contemplative pace. Every registration contributes €1 to Trail Sans Limite, an association dedicated to making trail running accessible to all abilities. It is a small gesture with profound resonance, reflecting the event's conviction that these mountains belong to everyone. Contact [email protected] for inquiries; follow @la.gajanaise on Instagram for course previews and community stories.

The 26km departs first, its runners disappearing into the sous-bois as morning light filters through new spring leaves. The 10km follows, its shorter format no less sincere in its pursuit of mountain connection. Aid stations punctuate both courses—the 26km receiving its reward of views and sustenance before the long, gratifying descent to Gajan. By afternoon, the salle des fêtes buzzes with the specific exhaustion of a well-run trail, medals distributed, photos shared, plans already forming for 2027. Registration opens soon. The Valier watches. The trails of Gajan await.