The SCARPA athlete completes the iconic 166-kilometre route with 12,000 metres of elevation gain, improving the previous record by more than two hours while wearing the Spin Ultra 2.
Asolo, September 28, 2026 – 27 hours and 29 minutes to cross Corsica from north to south along one of Europe’s toughest and most technical trails. This is the new GR20 record set by SCARPA athlete Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz, who reached Conca on Friday, September 25, after setting off from Calenzana the previous day.
The goal was clear: to break the 29-hour barrier and beat the previous record of 29 hours and 46 minutes, set by François D’Haene in July 2026. Dunand-Pallaz completed the route in 27 hours and 29 minutes, taking 2 hours and 17 minutes off the previous record, supported along the way by a team of pacers.
The GR20 crosses the Corsican mountain range from north to south, linking Calenzana and Conca along a 166-kilometre route with approximately 12,000 metres of elevation gain. Considered one of Europe’s toughest and most technical trails, the route combines long mountain sections with technical terrain, demanding endurance, consistency and careful pacing throughout.
The achievement is even more significant given how recently the previous record was set. In July 2026, François D’Haene completed the GR20 in 29 hours and 46 minutes, becoming the first athlete to bring the record below the 30-hour mark.
Just over two months later, Dunand-Pallaz has pushed the benchmark even further, completing the same route in 27 hours and 29 minutes and improving by more than two hours on a record that had already marked a turning point in the history of the GR20.
For the crossing, Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz ran in the SCARPA Spin Ultra 2, a shoe designed for ultra running and long distances on any terrain. The model provides an excellent balance between cushioning and responsiveness, combining low weight, precision and durability to support performance during the most challenging races.
The BOUNCE FOAM midsole delivers a sweet spot between comfort, energy return and responsiveness, supporting every phase of the foot roll and helping to maintain running efficiency over long distances. Meanwhile, the Vibram® outsole with MEGAGRIP compound is designed to deliver grip and adaptability across different types of terrain. A combination designed for long-distance running, which accompanied Dunand-Pallaz throughout all 166 kilometres of the GR20.
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Image credits: Rising Story (https://www.instagram.com/rising.story/)
SCARPA was founded on the belief that No Place Too Far exists to be explored. A vision that reflects a deep respect for the mountains, and one that supports those who aim to turn every limit into a new benchmark. Craftsmanship and innovation come together to create footwear for every path, from everyday challenges to the most demanding peaks.
Grounded in a family-owned Italian heritage and a direct production chain, SCARPA has always invested in human relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. Every product is born from a real world need, interpreted with expertise to create high-performance, durable footwear. Authenticity, mountain culture and conscious innovation guide every decision—yesterday as much as tomorrow.
Founded in 1938 in Asolo, in the heart of Italy’s Veneto footwear district, SCARPA is an international company specializing in footwear for mountaineering, climbing, trail running, trekking, hiking, outdoor lifestyle, ski mountaineering, and telemark. With offices in Italy, Germany, the United States, and China, and production facilities in Italy, Romania, and Serbia, SCARPA remains a reference point for those who experience nature as a source of freedom and adventure.