The Pontedilegno-Tonale area is gearing up for a record-breaking Adamello Ultra Trail (September 20-22), with registrations soaring past previous benchmarks. This year’s event has attracted over 150 more participants than the 2022 record, while international entries have surged by more than 50%. The organizers are thrilled: “It’s the perfect way to mark a decade of Adamello Ultra Trail.”
The tenth edition of the Adamello Ultra Trail is set to be one to remember. On September 20-22, the event in the Pontedilegno-Tonale region (Northern Italy) will host a record-breaking 873 runners from 30 Countries. Participants from all over the World will gather in Alta Valle Camonica and Alta Val di Sole, tackling the challenging trails and enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Adamello Natural Park and Stelvio National Park.
The event has come a long way since 2022, when it drew 719 runners from 18 Countries. This year’s surge in international participation aligns perfectly with the organizers’ vision to put the region on the global trail running map.
The organizing committee shared their excitement: “Of course, we’re passionate about the competitive aspect of trail running. But our true mission has always been to showcase our amazing region. We want runners to experience our majestic mountains, tread the historic World War I trails, and soak in the unique character of our territory. Seeing these record-breaking numbers as we hit our ten-year mark is incredibly rewarding.“
Two key factors have fuelled the event’s impressive rise: the organizers’ drive to innovate, and the Pontedilegno-Tonale area’s savvy focus on sports tourism and year-round outdoor activities.
The event has evolved significantly in recent years. 2023 saw the launch of the Adamello Vertical Kilometer, offering competitive, junior, and ‘slow’ categories. This year, the new Adamello Half Trail (60 km) joins the lineup, complementing the existing 35, 100, and 170 km challenges. Moreover, the event’s inclusion in the elite TORX eXperience circuit has elevated its global profile, drawing runners from as far afield as India, Brazil, Finland, and New Zealand. Come race day, nearly 130 international athletes will be tackling the trails, ready to soak in the spectacular scenery and charming atmosphere of the Pontedilegno-Tonale region.
EVENT’S SCHEDULE
The program begins with the Adamello Series on Sunday, September 15, in Vione (Brescia). The Adamello Series will feature Vertical races in the morning and the Adamello Trail Junior in the afternoon. Athletes from the Italian Skyrunning National Team (FISKY) will be among the participants in the Adamello Vertical Kilometer, aiming to defend their titles. The reigning champions in this race are Elite runners Marcello Ugazio and local favorite Corinna Ghirardi, while Davide Gadin holds the Junior title. Late registrations for these side events are available at www.adamelloultratrail.it until race day.
Preliminary operations for the main event commence on Thursday, September 19, at the headquarters in Vezza d’Oglio (Brescia). Participants can collect their race packs from 2 to 8 PM, followed by the technical briefing at 8 PM. Friday, September 20, marks the main race day with staggered start times: 7 AM for the 100 km race, 8 AM for the new 60 km event, and 9 AM for the highly anticipated 170 km ultra trail. The 35 km Short Trail starts from nearby Monno on Saturday, September 21, at 2 PM.
All races conclude in Vezza d’Oglio, which serves as the venue for the award ceremonies as well. The ceremonies for the 35, 60, and 100 km races take place on Saturday starting at 6 PM, while the 170 km ultra-distance awards are presented on Sunday at 2 PM (all CET times).
