Casamanya Extrem Vertical Race Registers 135 Runners from 11 Countries, Targets 300

The Casamanya Extrem vertical race, scheduled for June 6 on Andorra's iconic Casamanya peak in Ordino, has registered 135 runners from 11 countries, with Estripagecs Mountain Events organizers targeting 300 entrants before inscriptions close in two weeks.

Pau Pellicer and Tomàs Zamora, from the organizing team, highlighted these goals during a Thursday presentation. They stressed plans to expand participation among younger and local Andorran runners in future editions, while preserving the event's elite profile in the international vertical racing calendar. The race holds ISF and FEDME homologation and contributes to the Vertical World Cup, Catalan Cup, and Andorran Cup standings. Pellicer noted that over the last two or three years, top World Cup contenders have made it a must-attend fixture.

Key entrants include Andorran Arnau Soldevila, Serbia's Sladjana Zagorac, and circuit regulars such as Jordi Alís, Laura Orgué, Eduard Hernández Teixidor, and Louis Dumas. Routes stay consistent: Extrem (5km with 1,440m positive gain), Clàssica (3.5km, 760m), and Mini (2.4km, 400m), suiting elite athletes and novices alike.

This year's additions include the free, non-competitive Kids category for children aged three to eight, featuring a village-center loop to spark early interest. The new Teams option targets groups of three to five in a mixed, accessible format, with time bonuses for female participants to address historical gaps, plus a best club prize based on federated athletes' results across categories.

Pellicer emphasized synergy with the Andorran Mountain Federation's grassroots efforts, focusing on voluntary engagement for youth beyond under-16s. Organizers expect many first-timers to get hooked after participating.

The event retains its community focus via collaboration with the Jocs Esportius de la Gent Gran, which will use shared facilities for adapted walking trials and easier mountain paths.