Extreme trail format
GR20 in 6 days: the near-record format
Let's call it what it is: six days is no longer hiking, it's running on a trail. Thirty kilometres a day on average, nearly 1,900 m of climbing daily, and one stage that hits 39.9 km for +2,760 m. This split brushes up against mountain-runner times. Our planner can compute it, but it recommends it to no one outside seasoned ultra-runners already used to this kind of effort.
The pace
Why 6 days?
Because some people are after the pure challenge: covering the 182.4 km and +11,220 m of the GR20 as fast as possible, running the rolling sections and pushing hard on the rest. This isn't about comfort, it's a sporting goal in itself. All six days are rated very hard, without exception, and the back-to-back leaves no recovery window. For a real on-foot traverse, look instead at our GR20 in 12 days.
What this format demands
Proven ultra-trail experience in the mountains, a solid base over 30 km and more on technical ground, a minimalist pack, and pinpoint management of water, resupply and bail-out points if things go wrong. Without that background, it's dangerous.
What this format gives
A performance, nothing more. No contemplation, no margin: you're chasing the clock all day. The reward is in the time and the commitment, not in scenery you stop to take in.
The stages
The detailed stage table
Distance, elevation gain, estimated walking time and difficulty for each day. These are exactly the figures our planner computes, from the OpenStreetMap track of the GR20. Times here assume a trail-running pace and a light (~8 kg) pack — adjust to your own profile in the planner.
| Day | Stage | Distance | D+ | D- | Time | Diff. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calenzana → Ascu Stagnu / Haut-Asco | 23.1 km | +2,760 m | -1,590 m | 7h17 | 5/5 |
| 2 | Ascu Stagnu / Haut-Asco → Castel de Vergio | 23.0 km | +1,870 m | -1,870 m | 6h08 | 5/5 |
| 3 | Castel de Vergio → Onda | 34.7 km | +1,880 m | -1,860 m | 7h43 | 5/5 |
| 4 | Onda → E Capannelle | 24.0 km | +1,590 m | -1,380 m | 5h46 | 5/5 |
| 5 | E Capannelle → A Basseta | 37.7 km | +1,640 m | -1,940 m | 7h49 | 5/5 |
| 6 | A Basseta → Conca | 39.9 km | +1,430 m | -2,490 m | 7h59 | 5/5 |
| Total | 6 stages | 182.4 km | +11,220 m | -11,250 m | 42h42 |
How to read these numbers? The time shown is an estimated walking time (excluding breaks) for an average pace; on the trail, add stops, meals and weather. The D+ / D- are rounded, smoothed GPS values: the total track distance stays 182.4 km.
Watch out
The demanding days
On this split, 6 days stand out for their length or elevation gain. Plan an early start, carry water and keep some margin for a rough patch.
Calenzana → Ascu Stagnu / Haut-Asco
23.1 km, +2,760 m of gain, ~7h17 walking. Start early, don't rush it.
Ascu Stagnu / Haut-Asco → Castel de Vergio
23.0 km, +1,870 m of gain, ~6h08 walking. An early start is strongly advised.
Castel de Vergio → Onda
34.7 km, +1,880 m of gain, ~7h43 walking. Leave early and keep some margin.
Onda → E Capannelle
24.0 km, +1,590 m of gain, ~5h46 walking. Big day: get going at first light.
E Capannelle → A Basseta
37.7 km, +1,640 m of gain, ~7h49 walking. Long stage: don't linger at the start.
A Basseta → Conca
39.9 km, +1,430 m of gain, ~7h59 walking. Start early, don't rush it.
Accommodation
Where to sleep on this route
The 5 nights of this split, from start to finish. Book the Park refuges early in season — details, contacts and prices on our GR20 accommodation page.
- Night 1 Ascu Stagnu / Haut-Asco 1443 m
- Night 2 Castel de Vergio 1408 m
- Night 3 Onda 1400 m
- Night 4 E Capannelle 1617 m
- Night 5 A Basseta 1314 m
Your way
Adapt this itinerary to your level
This split is a balanced starting point. In the planner you can change the duration, the direction (North-South or South-North), your pace and your pack: the stages, distances, times and difficulty recompute live, and you can download the GPX track for each day.
Level required
Who this pace is for
The right split depends above all on your mountain experience and your preparation. Here, honestly, is who this format suits.
Beginner
Absolutely not: this pace can put your safety at risk from the very first day.
Regular hiker
Even very fit on foot, without long ultra-trail practice this format is too brutal.
Experienced trail runner
Possible if you already race mountain ultras and know how your body holds up over time.
Ultra-runner / mountain racer
The only profile truly built for a 39.9 km, +2,760 m stage repeated six days running.
Methodology
How we calculate these numbers
Compare
Other durations and variants
This pace isn't for you? Compare it with the other GR20 splits — each page details its stages, elevation gain and difficulty.
Keep going