Concept:

Innovation since the fifth edition:
In addition to the 500-km race, the raid will also include a 250-km race, still during 8 days, which will allow the runners preferring shorter distances to give a try on the Franco-Spanish coasts.

Dates:
From 26 April to 3 May 2009.
- Saturday 25 April: Arrival of competitors at the bivouac and pasta party
- From Sunday 26 April to Sunday 3 May: Raid
- Monday 4 May: Return to France by coach

Route:
Departure from Montpellier, capital town of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, via the Canal du Midi, Sigean, the Etang de Bages, Perpignan - Crossing of the border, in le Perthus, towards the Costa Brava, Barcelona, the Ebro delta, the Costa Dorada, Peniscola, Beniscassim and, finally, arrival in Valencia.
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Competitors - Categories:
Men, women, juniors to veterans (individual). Minimum age: 18.

Two races:
• 500 km: Running or walking in semi self-sufficiency, by legs of 42 to 73 kms. The race will last 8 days. Nearly 7.000 meters difference in altitude.
• 250 km: Running or walking in semi self-sufficiency, by legs of 21 to 32 kms. The race will last 8 days. More than 1500 meters difference in altitude.

The Raid Montpellier Valencia is now a race qualifying for the Mont Blanc UltraTrail! The 500-km race gives 3 points, the 250-km 1 point.

Registration fee - Budget: One single fee for both races: €800
This includes: transfer to the neutralized areas, medical assistance, evening meals, lodging on campsite, mineral water, tee-shirt, dvd film, closing dinner, transport Montpellier-Valencia return.

Awards ceremony: Trophies, many prizes, free registration for the next edition.

Required level - Training:
The raid is open to motivated walkers and runners who will adapt or begin their training at least 4 months before the race.

Medical certificate: Compulsory, together with an electrocardiogram (dated of less than a month before departure)

Required equipment: List provided on registration.

The organizers’ advice:
I ran the raid for the first time in 2000, on my own. I think the Montpellier-Valencia Raid requires a good management of efforts. Do not start too quickly and intake plenty of fluids, on a regular basis. The race is long; do not hesitate to alternate running and walking.