Press release -
Rab athlete Noor van der Veen sets Pyrenean Haute Route supported record – video documentary now available
Rabathlete Noor van der Veen has set a new overall Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the legendary Pyrenean Haute Route, completing the brutal 731km traverse with 45,000m of vertical gain in just 10 days, 11 hours, and 38 minutes. A video documenting the project will be available HERE on 12 September 2025, 7 p.m. (BST).
The accomplished Dutch climber-turned-ultra runner, together with her support crew, conquered one of Europe’s most technical long-distance trails, which typically takes hikers 40+ days to complete. Noor was the first to tackle the route with the help of a support team, allowing her to set the overall fastest known time. No female or supported record previously existed. The self-supported male record for the same route (set by French runner Antoine Galonnier) impressively stands at 11 days, 21 hours and 48 minutes.
Starting at the Atlantic Ocean in Hendaye on July 13th and finishing at the Mediterranean at Banyuls-sur-Mer on July 23rd, Noor navigated treacherous terrain including barely-there trails, scree fields, and technical Alpine passages, staying largely above 2,000 metres.
“I've been dreaming about running on that beach for as long as I was planning the project,” says Noor. “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 record attempt wasn’t without drama. On day six, Noor was struck by a severe stomach bug after drinking unfiltered mountain water. Her crew provided fluids and medicine, allowing Noor to finish the last 10km of the day with two pacers. Despite the setback, she recovered and pushed through to complete the final 152km section in one continuous effort.
Noor’s handpicked support crew included her partner and close friends who managed everything from nutrition to navigation across the six-month planning phase and grueling 10-day execution. Running a punishing schedule of 4:00 a.m. starts and 10-11 p.m. finishes, the team operated with absolute precision to keep Noor moving through the Pyrenees’ most challenging terrain.
“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,” explains Noor. “I can honestly say that this wouldn't have been possible without them,” Noor admits. “It’s also their FKT, something we all did together from beginning to end. I was just one member of that team.”
A documentary on the team’s journey through the Pyrenees will be released on Rab’s YouTube channel on 12 September 2025, 7 p.m. (BST), capturing the highs, lows, and raw emotions of this extraordinary mountain adventure.
-ENDS-
Additional resources
A blog post about the FKT project can be found HERE.
Additional high-resolution images are available upon request.
More information on Noor‘s projects can be found via her athlete profile page and at @noor.vanderveen.
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Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd is an international business with the head office based in Derbyshire, UK. We are proud to own both the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands. We design exceptional product to meet the needs of our active customers. We encourage our teams to thrive and be part of our success. Our passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit sets the foundation for what we do. We have approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the SBTi and are proud to be a Fair Wear Leader Brand. www.equipuk.com.
