A new lease of life for Catalonia's most popular mountain race

Barcelona"Well, it all started with a conversation with Chat Anguera during a meeting," explains Jordi Godayol, one of the people in charge of Olla de Núria, one of the most beloved mountain races in Catalonia. Great ideas often emerge this way, during an informal conversation. Antoni Chat Aguilera knew the Núria Valley like few others. A lifelong member of the Vic Hiking Union, an organization he would later preside over, Aguilera greatly loved the landscapes surrounding the Núria Sanctuary, which he had photographed from every angle. In 2006, Chat He told other members of the Unión Excursionista, such as Jordi and Pep Bisquert, that it would be a good area to hold a mountain race. And the idea took root.

Eighteen years after the first edition in 2007, the Olla de Núria comes of age, becoming a benchmark in mountain racing. A race that circles the Núria Valley through the surrounding mountain ranges, with peaks reaching almost 3,000 meters. Organized by the Unión Excursionista de Vic with support from the Núria Valley and the Catalan Railways, the event has been making progress while always maintaining its commitment to respecting nature. This year's edition will take place on September 20 and 21 and comes with notable new features on its routes. "This year we want to consolidate the new route. These past two years we've been in close conversation with all the authorities, since on the French side the Eina Valley Basin is a protected area, like a natural park. And its regulations state that races cannot be held within it. They said the project was very good, but they couldn't allow us to pass through, as it would set a precedent that would open the door to opening other areas," explains Godayol.

The French authorities' decision to ban access to the Eina Valley Nature Reserve, a section connecting the peaks of Finestrelles and Eina, forced the organizers to push a new 24-km route a year ago, with a 2,000-meter elevation gain. "People liked it, and this year we've consolidated our position," explains Godayol, as the French authorities have continued to refuse. It's time to reinvent ourselves and consolidate the route for more than 600 registered participants, a figure designed to adapt to the scenario: too many people could harm nature.

Looking back, Godayol realizes how everything has changed. "The first edition, registrations were done by fax. They were talking to everyone to spread the word that we would be holding a race in Núria. We did it as best we could, and the first year the lineup was already good enough, with the triumphs of Alfons Gaston and Cristina Bes," he recalls. "Nobody knew us. But we put in the hours and the love," he adds. In the second edition, in 2009, a young Kilian Jornet won. "It was a leap in quality. That third year there was already a lot of talent, top-level people like Agustí Roca and Ricardo Mejia who came from Mexico. We went looking for sponsors and travel companions. We partnered with the proselections Catalans platform and the event continued to grow," explains the Osón native. "You have to dedicate a lot of hours, since it's an organization run for the love of art. We bring more than 100 volunteers who give their all. The best of all is seeing everyone's happy faces," he says. The race remains a modern competition that champions traditional values: associationism, volunteering, and hiking. "Very Catalan things," says Jordi, who fondly recalls the 2021 edition, when they asked him to participate. Chat Anguera who was in charge of giving the starting gun, a tribute in life "since he was already beginning to be fucking". Anguera died a year ago and a tribute will be held for him.

The most watched race

The Olla de Núria has evolved with an emphasis on "caring for nature." "It has always known what was important: knowing how to design a route and a number of participants that didn't detract from the scenery," says Godayol, who recalls how one of the most magical moments was when the Olla "became the first race of its kind broadcast live on Televisió de Catalunya." "We've managed to ensure that the winners' arrivals were almost simultaneous, to ensure greater visibility for the champion in the broadcast."

Currently, the Olla consists of four categories. On Saturday the 20th, the Olla Vertical will be held, while on Sunday it will be the turn of the Valls de l'Olla, the Media Olla, and the Olletes. The main new feature is the 24-kilometer Valles de la Olla, which replaces the classic Olla de Núria after the historic route could no longer be maintained. Another major new feature is the opening of the Media Olla to participants over 18 years of age. Until now, this distance was known as the Olla Júnior, with a 12-kilometer course and 1,000 meters of elevation gain reserved for young runners. Starting with this edition, adult registration will also be allowed, with priority always given to the youngest runners. In addition, the organizers are bringing back the Olla Vertical race, which tests participants' endurance on a 3.78-kilometer course between the Sanctuary of Núria and the summit of Puigmal, with 986 meters of elevation gain. The Olletes race completes Sunday's program as the most festive event for children and families.

This year, some favorites will be absent, as they prioritize the Trail Running World Championships next weekend, but names such as Kenyan Robert Pkemoi, champion in 2023, and Frenchman Killian Allert stand out. In the women's race, Laura Orgué returns, seeking to win one of the most beloved races for the sixth time.