Drac del Canigo Triathlon: a raw, intimate long-distance test in the Pyrenees

This is a race with serious backbone and a clear identity. Drac del Canigo is a long-distance triathlon that shines a spotlight on Catalan country, tracing a journey from the Mediterranean Sea in Collioure all the way to the summit of the mythical Pic du Canigó (2,785 m), part of the commune of Vernet-les-Bains. Launched in 2025, it’s designed to stay intimate yet resolutely welcoming, built around values of simplicity, closeness and authenticity.

Far from the glitz of big productions, the organising team wants to deliver the best and most immersive experience possible for athletes and their supporters, which means keeping bib numbers limited. That choice fits perfectly with the race’s stated ambition to respect the environment in a protected region, particularly the Massif du Canigou, listed as a Grand Site de France.

The name “Drac del Canigo Triathlon” refers to the first recorded ascent of the peak by Peter II of Aragon in 1285. He then spoke of a furious dragon rising from the dark waters of Lake Estanyol, lying at the foot of the Pic…

For the first edition, 66 triathletes wanted to tap into that legend and take on the razor-sharp slopes of the Canigó, including a relay trio made up of Sam Laidlow (IRONMAN World Champion 2023, winner of Challenge ROTH and IRONMAN Leeds), who raced alongside his partner Milan Agnew and his brother Jake Laidlow.

© Thomas Bruballa

© Elodie Labarrere

For 2026, the symbolic figure of 66 individual bibs has been kept, and the event is also open to 20 relay entries, bringing the total to more than 120 athletes. Enough to make a dent in last year’s waiting list, which had close to 200 hopefuls!

© Thomas Bruballa

There’s only one race format at this triathlon: an XL course, a major physical and mental test made up of:

• 3,000 m swim (Collioure Bay)

• 130 km bike (from Collioure to Vernet-les-Bains)

• 30 km trail run (ascent of Pic du Canigó via the Col des Voltes)