The race, which began in 2007, features a course of 21.5 kilometers with 1,800 meters of positive elevation gain. A notable characteristic is that 72% of the route is above 2,700 meters in altitude.
The classic Olla includes ascents to peaks such as Puigmal (2,913 meters), Pic del Segre (2,843 meters), Pic de Finestrelles (2,828 meters), Pic d’Eina (2,789 meters), Pic de Nou Fonts (2,861 meters), Coll de Noucreus (2,799 meters), Fossa del Gegant (2,808 meters), Puig de Fontnegra (2,727 meters), and Pic de l’Àliga (2,472 meters). The total accumulated elevation gain reaches 3,880 meters.
Throughout its history, the race has seen participation from renowned runners including Alfons Gaston, Cristina Bes, Kilian Jornet, Emanuela Brizio, Marc Pinsach, Ricardo Mejia, Laura Orgué, Oriol Cardona, Jan Margarit, Stian Angermund, Maude Mathys, and Oihana Kortazar.
Some editions have been affected by adverse weather conditions, such as the 2nd edition and the one in 2018, which had to be neutralized or finished at intermediate points.
Since the 10th edition, L’Olla Vertical has also been organized, starting from the Núria plateau and reaching the summit of Puigmal. The 14th edition (2021) was particularly significant as it marked the start of the Golden Trail World Series circuit.
The organization emphasizes minimizing environmental impact in the delicate surroundings of the Vall de Núria.
