Press release -
Rab athlete Noor van der Veen targets fastest-ever crossing of legendary Pyrenees Haute Route
On July 13*, Rab athlete Noor van der Veen together with her team will attempt to set the fastest overall time on the legendary Pyrenees Haute Route – an 800-kilometer traverse from Atlantic Ocean to Mediterranean Sea featuring over 40,000 vertical meters of rough mountain terrain.
“This is the most ambitious project I’ve ever taken on,” says Noor, the 2024 Dutch SkyUltra Champion who holds the fastest Dutch female time at UTMB. “The Pyrenees Haute Route is one of Europe’s most demanding mountain crossings – it’s going to push everything I’ve learned about moving fast in the mountains.”
The Pyrenees Haute Route stretches from Hendaye, France to Banyuls-sur-Mer, crossing into Spain and back through some of Southern Europe’s most isolated mountain terrain. The current self-supported male record stands at 12 days, 4 hours, 41 minutes and 58 seconds. No female or supported record exists.
Noor will be supported by a crew of friends who will join sections of the route, helping her target an ambitious overall record on this iconic traverse.
Interestingly, Noor’s journey to become an accomplished mountain runner started many years ago in a climbing gym. Her climbing efforts quickly evolved into technical Alpine ascents and first ascents in remote Kyrgyzstan as part of the NKBV Expedition Academy (2019-2022). But as climate change makes alpine climbing increasingly dangerous, Noor has shifted her focus to what she calls “long days moving through hard mountain terrain.” The results speak for themselves: multiple race wins, a growing collection of FKTs including the rugged Translagorai traverse, and a recent second place at Stubai Ultratrail 2025 that proved her form is dialed for the Pyrenees challenge.
Running enthusiasts can follow Noor’s progress through daily updates on her social media channels and live tracking HERE. A video documentary about the project will be available on Rab’s YouTube channel at a later time.
*Date might slightly change due to weather conditions.
-ENDS-
Live tracking & updates
Noor van der Veen on Instagram
https://live.trail-tracking.com/PyreneanHauteRoute/
Media opportunities
Noor is available for interviews before and after the FKT attempt. For more information, contact sarah.kampf@equipuk.com.
Topics
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.
