Spanish Trail Runner Samuel Completes UTMB® Val d’Aran — With Haimont by His Side

The UTMB® Val d’Aran is one of Europe’s most demanding trail events, drawing thousands of runners from around the world to the Pyrenees for a test of endurance, resilience, and spirit. This year, under blazing summer skies and across 55 kilometers of rugged alpine terrain, Spanish runner Samuel not only conquered the course but also showcased the strength of Haimont’s performance gear on the global stage.

Samuel, representing Spain in the Haimont global project Run to Earth – World Relay, has successfully completed the legendary PDA 55K Val d’Aran by UTMB® in 7h 20m, placing 146th overall and 26th in his category.

The 55km course with +3,000m of elevation gain challenged runners with rocky ridges, steep climbs, technical descents, and stunning alpine scenery — from mountain lakes and forests to high passes under the blazing summer sun.

“It was a brutal but unforgettable day in the mountains. The terrain pushed me to my limits, but crossing the finish line made every effort worthwhile,” said Samuel.

For Samuel, this race wasn’t only about the result, but about the journey:

“Even if you fail, if you gave everything, it was worth the try.”

Powered by Haimont Gear

Throughout the race, Samuel relied on Haimont’s next-generation trail gear — built to perform over long distances and demanding conditions:

8L Pro Vest – fully packed, steady as ever, no bounce even after 7+ hours on technical terrain.

Hydration Belt – carried extra soft flasks and poles securely with elastic anchor straps, saving crucial transition time.

Mountain Wind Tee (coming soon) – “After 7 hours of sweat, it barely smelled. Even my partner noticed,” Samuel laughed.

The Trail Tee, weighing only 57g with thermo-sealed seams, offered unmatched comfort and breathability, ensuring zero chafing over hours of racing. Together, this setup gave Samuel confidence and stability from the first climb to the final descent.

This performance not only reflects Samuel’s dedication, but also resonates with Haimont’s belief:

“Because at Haimont: True honor isn’t only at the finish line — it’s in the courage of every step forward.”

With every stride on the trails of Val d’Aran, Samuel carried this spirit — proving that true glory is not only for those on the podium, but for every runner who dares to challenge the mountains.