While the winner’s name has changed, Switzerland‘s grip on the men’s title remains unbroken. After Walter Manser‘s three-peat from 2021 to 2023, compatriot Lucien Epiney seized victory in the 100km event, clocking an astounding 11:36:19 worth the new course record.
Epiney, hailing from Zinal, takes another win on Italian soil following last year’s success at BUT Val Formazza. The race began with a twist as defending champion Manser withdrew due to a last-minute injury. Italy’s Francesco Lorenzi initially set the pace, leading for the first 30km before Epiney made his move. The Swiss runner steadily pulled away from the field, ultimately breaking Manser’s previous record.
Italy’s Alessandro Affolati claimed second place, finishing 57:02 behind Epiney, while fellow Countryman Enrico Basso rounded out the podium 1:22:58 off the winning pace.
“I’m over the moon with this win in such a beautiful area. I came to discover the race and the region, and I decided to begin on a controlled pace. However, as I felt good legs I started to push and got first. Once I cross the Tonale Pass I thought about the course record and gave my all. Breaking it is just the icing on the cake: it’s a great event, very well organized. Thanks to all volunteers to make it possible” said Epiney on the finish line.
Hilbert dominates in the women’s field and joins partner Westenberger among #AUT winners
Beliana Hilbert is the new undisputed queen of the Adamello Trail 100 km. Two years after Alexander Marcel Westenberger‘s triumph in the 170km event, Hilbert wrote her name in the Adamello Ultra Trail roll of honour. The German star didn’t just win: she smashed the women’s 100km course record, held by fellow Gemany’s Karola Rennhack, by an astonishing 27 minutes and 33 seconds.
Hilbert ran in the front positions the entire race, though pre-race favorites Francesca Crippa and Chiara Boggio kept her honest early on. The race stayed open until the 60 km mark atop Passo Contrabbandieri (2690 m a.s.l.), when the German took her lead up to almost 10 minutes. From here on, Hilbert’s relentless pace eventually broke her rivals, and she steadily extended her advantage.
The winner, totally exhausted, crossed the finish line in Vezza d’Oglio with a jaw-dropping 14:06:08. Annemarie Heidi Schwartz made it a German one-two, finishing 30:05 behind Hilbert, while Italy’s Chiara Boggio secured third place, 34:08 late from the winner
