Taga 2040 Race: An iconic event this weekend in Sant Joan de les Abadesses

This Saturday, September 20, the Ripollès region will once again host the Taga 2040, an iconic mountain race that blends endurance, breathtaking landscapes, and tradition. Organized by the Sant Joan de les Abadesses Hiking Union, this classic event features three different distances, tailored to runners of all levels, who will once again take on the spectacular peaks surrounding the town.

Distances and times

Participants will be able to choose from three routes with staggered departures on Saturday:

Coll d'Art Route (9 km)

A short yet intense route with 500 meters of elevation gain, starting at 9:30 a.m. in Sant Joan de les Abadesses. The course follows the Camino de la Rovira toward Coll d’Art, passing by the La Bona Pecora cheese factory. It’s an ideal option for runners seeking a trail running experience without overly demanding challenges.

Can Camps Route (15 km)

It features 823 meters of elevation gain, making this intermediate route a perfect balance between physical challenge and natural beauty. The departure is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. The trail first leads to Can Piquer and then continues on to El Negre Hostel. Slightly more demanding than the short route, it offers a deeper and more immersive experience of the surrounding landscape.

Taga Route (28 km)

The main event, with 2,000 meters of elevation gain, will take on the ascent and descent to the summit of Taga (2,040 meters) on a circuit that combines technical trails, panoramic areas, and lush forests. The start is at 9:00 a.m. The route is almost completely circular: Sant Juan, Coll d’Art, Can Piquer, Escalers, Puigestela, Portella d’Ogassa, the summit of Taga (2,040 m), Coll de Jou, Sant Amand, Albergue El Negre, Coll de La Tuta, Còdol, and a new descent to Sant Juan. It is a challenge for runners accustomed to long mountain efforts, who will visit some of the most beautiful and technical landscapes in the Ripollès region.

The briefing and start line will take place at 8:30 a.m. for long-course runners and at 9:00 a.m. for the 9- and 15-km courses.

A mountain running style

The race is a classic of Catalan trail running and is part of the Catalan Mountain Race Cup. Its routes are well marked, and the organizers ensure the safety of participants. This race is ideal for runners looking for a sporting challenge accompanied by an immersion in nature and the emblematic landscapes of Ripollès.

Discover the Ripollès region

Participating in the Taga Race also gives you the chance to discover a region rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary traditions. Sant Joan de les Abadesses, the starting and finishing point, is a town deeply rooted in medieval history, reflected in its streets and especially in the Monastery of Sant Joan, a remarkable Romanesque treasure. Just minutes away, the mountains of the Taga Massif offer spectacular hiking trails with breathtaking views over the Ter River valley and the Pyrenees in the distance.

Beyond the race, Ripollès is the perfect setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, or exploring nearby villages. Its rural charm, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning landscapes will make your stay truly unforgettable.

Where to register

Registration can be done online at the official race website taga2040.com, where you can also find all the details about the routes and regulations. You can also register in person the days beforehand in Sant Joan de les Abadesses.

I want to sign up for the race

El Serradal rural house: ideal accommodation for runners

For runners and their companions seeking a comfortable, well-equipped retreat, El Serradal rural house offers an unbeatable location just 4 km from Sant Joan de les Abadesses. The property features heating, a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace with scenic views, a games room, and a children’s play area—perfect for recovering after the race or enjoying a few peaceful days surrounded by nature.

Ripollès is all about family and nature, and El Serradal is the perfect starting point to discover it all, with a combination of comfort and rural authenticity where relaxation is guaranteed.