If you're a romantic, you're surely familiar with Lake Como in Italy ๐๏ธ. But in September, we're taking you somewhere else: to Lake Maggiore, a blue gem nestled between Piedmont and Lombardy. It's the largest lake in the region, and it's easy to see why it's also called Verbano: verbena grows everywhere here ๐ฑ. But forget about herbal tea: your infusion will be a healthy dose of hills, rocks, and breathtaking panoramas ๐ต. Ready? In diamo! ๐ฎ๐น
This lake is steeped in history ๐ฎ. Did you know that in 1935, the Stresa Front was signed here, an agreement between Mussolini, Churchill, and Laval to oppose the rise of Nazi Germany? ๐ค And in the 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte even stayed here! ๐To make your own mark on history, you'll first need to find a trail that suits you. With distances of 57, 38, 24, or 13 km, you get to choose your adventure ๐. And what an adventure! Opting for the 57 km, expect 3,300 mD+ to reach the Monte Zeda at 2,156 m ๐ตโ๐ซ. On your journey through the Val Grande National Park, you'll encounter Monte Spalavera and Monte Fajรจ. Be warned, the climbs are steep and the ridges endless ๐คช. Not ready to tire out your legs over 57 kilometers? The 38 km with its 2,200 mD+ awaits ๐ค. On the agenda: Pizzo Pernice, Monte Todum, Cossogno and still Monte Fajรจ โฐ๏ธ. The view? Just as magnificent: grand vistas of pine trees, peaks, and the shimmering blue lake below ๐. Looking for something easier? Try the 24 km with 1,400 mD+, a lovely loop passing through Cossogno, Rovegro, and Cavandone, enough to warm up your thighs but not strain your knees ๐ฆต. For those who prefer a quick format, there's the 13 km with 400 mD+, just enough to say you've run and soaked up all the stunning views: the Val Grande National Park, the village of Mergozzo, Pallanza, and always with that postcard-perfect backdrop of the lake ๐๏ธ. As you can see, there's something for every taste and every desire ๐.
After those legs have worked hard, it's time for a well-deserved rest: around Lago Maggiore, you can wander the streets of Stresa, climb onto the Borromean Islands to visit the palaces and tropical gardens, or take a boat to Isola Bella and Isola Madre: a guaranteed taste of the Dolce Vita ๐. Feeling like nature? Go hiking in the Val Grande, explore hidden waterfalls, or climb a few more peaks if your legs still have the energy โฐ๏ธ. And post-race? We're talking gastronomy, of course: risotto with lake fish ๐, creamy polenta, braised beef with red wine ๐ฅฉ, not to mention panna cotta and a glass of Barolo or Nebbiolo to wash it all down ๐ท.
Ready to make your calves dance like a wild tarantella? ๐
Remember to drink alcohol responsibly โ ๏ธ.
The 57 km race is an epic adventure for those who love significant elevation changes and stunning landscapes ๐. With 3,300 m of ascent, you'll conquer trails that wind their way up to Mont Zeda, the pinnacle of your journey at 2,156 m above sea level, perched at the heart of the Val Grande National Park ๐ฑ. This legendary route also takes you along the ridges of Mont Spalavera and Mont Fajรจ โฐ๏ธ, providing a deep dive into a wild and unspoiled natural environment, with the lake glistening far below โจ. Plus, completing this distance earns you 3 ITRA points, a valuable stepping stone towards your dreams of even greater races ๐ .
If you're looking for a challenge but not quite ready to tackle an ultra, the 38 km route is your perfect introduction to the magic of the Ultra Trail Lago Maggiore. Here, a 2,200 m elevation gain separates you from the summit of Pizzo Pernice, which peaks at 1,506 m โฐ๏ธ. This trail also takes you up Mont Todum, through the picturesque village of Cossogno, brushes past Mont Fajรฉ, and descends towards Cavandone, all while offering you breathtaking views of Lake Verbano ๐. At the finish line, you'll earn 2 ITRA points as a reward for your effort, just enough motivation to come back and tackle the 57 km next year! ๐คฉ
The 24 km is the perfect distance to experience the magic of trail running without exhausting your legs ๐ฆต. With 1,400m of elevation gain, youโll navigate single tracks through woodlands, open sections boasting stunning views, and charming typical villages ๐คฉ. From Cossogno to Rovegro, and from Mont Fajรฉ to Cavandone, you'll unravel your trail to the finish line. Your first ITRA point awaits you, a proud trophy in your trail runner's logbook ๐คฉ.
For those looking to embark on a gentle adventure, the 13 km route is the perfect choice ๐คฉ. It's an accessible trail with 400 mD+, starting from the shores of Lake Mergozzo and reaching Pallanza. Along the way, it passes through Cavandone and stunning forest trails ๐ฒ. Easy doesn't mean dull: the scenery is breathtaking, the atmosphere is welcoming, and you might even wish you had chosen a longer course ๐คฉ. It's a fantastic introduction to trail running, by the shore of a lake steeped in history ๐ค.
You can pick up your bib at the UTLM village:
Friday, September 26, 2025, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 5:30 am to 3:00 pm
The races will start at:
57 km: Str. L. Cadorna, 90 Pian Cavallo, at 8:00 am
38 km: Miazzina (VB) Sports Center, at 9:30 am
24 km: P.zza V. Emanuele II, 2 Cossogno (VB), at 10:30 am
13 km: Via Pallanza, 2 Mergozzo (VB), at 5:00 pm
Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old to compete in the races.
For the 57 km:
Wave 1 (1-50): โฌ60
Wave 2 (51-100): โฌ70
Wave 3 (101-250): โฌ80
On-site: โฌ90
For the 38 km:
Wave 1 (1-50): โฌ40
Wave 2 (51-100): โฌ50
Wave 3 (101-200): โฌ60
On-site: โฌ70
For the 24 km:
Wave 1 (1-50): โฌ30
Wave 2 (51-100): โฌ40
Wave 3 (101-250): โฌ50
On-site: โฌ60
For the 13 km:
Wave 1 (1-50): โฌ20
Wave 2 (51-150): โฌ30
Wave 3 (151-300): โฌ40
On-site: โฌ50
Yes, here are the maximum times:
57 km: 16 hours
38 km: 11 hours
24 km: 9 hours
13 km: 3 hours
Yes! Here they are:
57 km: 7 aid stations
38 km: 4 aid stations
24 km: 3 aid stations
13 km: 2 aid stations
Yes, here's the list:
For the 57 km:
Backpack or belt with enough space for all mandatory items
GPS watch/device with GPX track
GPS tracker provided by the organizer
Mobile phone with emergency numbers saved, always on
Trail shoes suitable for alpine terrain (gravel, stones, slabs)
Cup or container for drinks/food (no cups provided)
Water bottle or hydration bladder (min. 1 L)
Headlamp + extra battery or 2 headlamps
Emergency blanket (min. 2.0 m x 1.40 m)
Whistle
Elastic bandage (min. 100 cm x 6 cm)
Food reserve
Waterproof/breathable jacket (like GORETEX) with hood for bad weather
Long or ยพ pants + long socks covering the entire leg
Long-sleeve t-shirt
Cap, hat or bandana covering the entire head
Waterproof gloves
For the 38 km:
Backpack or belt with enough space for all mandatory items
GPS watch/device with GPX track
Mobile phone with emergency numbers saved, always on
Trail shoes suitable for alpine terrain (gravel, stones, slabs)
Cup or container for drinks/food
Water bottle or hydration bladder (min. 1 L)
Headlamp + extra battery or 2 headlamps
Emergency blanket
Whistle
Elastic bandage
Food reserve
Waterproof/breathable jacket with hood
Long or ยพ pants + long socks
Long-sleeve t-shirt
Cap, hat or bandana
Waterproof gloves
For the 24 km
Backpack or belt with enough space
Mobile phone always on with emergency numbers
Trail shoes suitable
Cup or container
Water bottle or hydration bladder (min. 1 L)
Headlamp + extra battery or 2 headlamps
Emergency blanket
Whistle
Elastic bandage
Waterproof/breathable jacket with hood
For the 13 km
Mobile phone always on
Trail or running shoes suitable
Cup or container
Water bottle or hydration bladder (min. 1 L)
Emergency blanket
Whistle
Elastic bandage
Recommended equipment (all distances):
ID card
GPS watch/device with GPX track (24 km and 13 km)
Food reserve (24 km and 13 km)
Waterproof jacket (13 km)
Long or ยพ pants + long socks (13 km)
Long-sleeve t-shirt (13 km)
Cap, hat or bandana (13 km)
Waterproof gloves (13 km)
Sunglasses + sunscreen
Extra warm clothing
Waterproof overpants
Warm long-sleeve underlayer
Poles
Money for purchases at refuges
Basic first-aid kit (self-medication for blisters, scrapes...)
For the 57 km:
Shuttle departure: 6:45 am (UTLM Village)
For the 38 km:
Shuttle departure: 8:45 am (UTLM Village)
For the 24 km:
Shuttle departure: 9:45 am (UTLM Village)
For the 13 km:
Shuttle departure: 3:30 pm (UTLM Village)
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