Description
RACES AND MARCHES
Book Summary
An exciting journey through the history of mountain competition in Catalonia, from its origins to the present day. The work, winner of the 24th Vèrtex Prize, explains how the first hiking races were born at the beginning of the 20th century and how, over time, regularity marches, resistance walks, and high mountain rallies emerged. An essential book for lovers of hiking, sports history, and mountain culture.
What is it about?
The book explains the history of mountain competition in Catalonia, from its beginnings to current competitions. It all starts in 1909, with the inauguration of the Ulldeter chalet, where the first competitive activity organized by hiking associations was held. At that time, a few participants, with rudimentary equipment, achieved very good times. Later, in 1927, the Rafael Casanova Hiking Center organized the first edition of a regularity march, a modality that dominated the Catalan competitive landscape until the nineties of the 20th century. The work also reviews the evolution of competition after the Civil War and how new disciplines began to emerge, such as resistance walks, high mountain rallies, and the races that have given rise to today's competitions.
Main Topics
- History of competitive hiking in Catalonia.
- Origin and evolution of regularity marches.
- Mountain competitions after the Civil War.
- Emergence of resistance walks, high mountain rallies, and modern races.
- The role of hiking associations in the promotion of competition.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for hikers, trail runners, sports historians, and anyone interested in mountain culture and competition in Catalonia. It is also ideal for those who want to know the roots of the races and marches that have shaped the country's sporting tradition.
What this book provides
- A complete and documented vision of mountain competition in Catalonia.
- Historical context on the evolution of races and marches from 1909 to the present.
- Knowledge about the role of hiking associations in the creation of competitions.
- Information on how disciplines, equipment, and participants have changed over time.
Technical Sheet
- Author: VIVES TEIXIDO, JOAN M.
- Publisher: COSSETANIA
- Language: cat
- Topic: SPORTS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION, HIKING AND TREKKING
- Collection: ANNAPURNA
- Publication date: February 2026
- Number of pages: 160
- Weight: 260 g
Editorial Review
A work that won the 24th Vèrtex Prize, offering rigorous and engaging research on mountain competition in Catalonia. The book is a valuable tool for understanding the evolution of races and marches, from their origins to current disciplines. It is especially interesting for those who want to delve into the history of competitive hiking and discover how hiking associations promoted a sporting legacy that lasts to this day.