Noor van der Veen Sets Record on the Pyrenean Haute Route
Dutch mountain runner Noor van der Veen has accomplished an extraordinary feat, establishing a new record on one of Europe’s most challenging long-distance trails. She completed the formidable 731-kilometer Pyrenean Haute Route in an astonishing time of 10 days, 11 hours, and 38 minutes. This remarkable achievement has captured the attention of the outdoor community and has been featured in a short documentary by the outdoor brand Rab.
The Pyrenean Haute Route
The Haute Route is renowned for its demanding terrain and scenic beauty, linking the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts by tracing the high spine of the Pyrenees mountains. This route is often hailed as the “truest” line across the range, embodying both the aesthetic and physical challenges of the Pyrenees. Typically, most thru-hikers take over six weeks to complete this journey, but Van der Veen’s incredible determination has allowed her to condense that experience into less than eleven days.
A Grueling Challenge
Following a path that veers close to the French-Spanish border and frequently climbs above 2,000 meters, the route presents numerous obstacles, including steep scree fields and technical alpine stretches. Notably, Van der Veen has not only set a new women’s record but has also achieved the overall supported record, surpassing the previous benchmark set by French runner Antoine Galonnier by more than a full day. Galonnier’s self-supported record stood at 11 days, 21 hours, and 48 minutes.
While Galonnier navigated the route alone, Van der Veen was supported by a dedicated crew, which played a crucial role in managing logistics and pacing her through grueling days often lasting from 4:00 a.m. until nearly 11:00 p.m.. However, the journey was not without its challenges.
Overcoming Adversity
On the sixth day of her attempt, Van der Veen faced a significant setback when she contracted a severe stomach bug after consuming unfiltered water in the mountains. Her support team quickly stepped in, providing medicine and fluids that allowed her to push through the last kilometers of the day with the help of two pacers. After regaining her strength, she mounted a remarkable final effort, completing the last 152 kilometers in a continuous stride, ultimately arriving at the Mediterranean shore in Banyuls-sur-Mer.
The Essence of the Journey
Reflecting on her remarkable feat, Van der Veen expressed her long-standing dream of reaching the beach but noted that the true essence of the endeavor lay in the camaraderie and joyful experiences shared with her friends in the mountains. “I’ve been dreaming about running on that beach for as long as I was planning the project,” she remarked. “But on the way, it became clear to me that the true goal was to have a good time with friends in the mountains.”
The Power of Teamwork
For Van der Veen, this endeavor was not only about setting a record; it was also a test of the power of teamwork. She stated, “So far, ultrarunning for me had been something individual, but I was really curious to find out how far I could push my body with a strong support crew. I can honestly say that this wouldn’t have been possible without them. It’s also their FKT, something we all did together from beginning to end.”
Documentary Release and Visual Experience
A documentary capturing this exhilarating journey was released on September 12 on Rab’s YouTube channel. The film juxtaposes breathtaking scenery with raw behind-the-scenes footage of the effort required to transform a trail that typically takes phase of 40 days into a 10-day sprint across an awe-inspiring mountain range. It offers a unique glimpse into the dedication, precision, and resilience exerted throughout this remarkable challenge.
Conclusion
Van der Veen’s record-setting achievement on the Pyrenean Haute Route stands as a testament to the strength and determination inherent in mountain runners. It highlights not just personal ambition but also the vital role played by a supportive team in achieving extraordinary goals. As the long-distance running community reflects on this inspiring feat, Van der Veen has established herself as a significant figure in the sport and has inspired many to explore the limits of their potential.
