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Ultra Trail Lago Maggiore 2026

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Photo credits: Farida

The event in a few words

If you're a romantic, you're surely familiar with Lake Como in Italy 🏞️. 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 🌱. But forget about herbal tea: your infusion will be a healthy dose of hills, rocks, and breathtaking panoramas 🍵. Ready? In diamo! 🇮🇹

This lake is steeped in history 😮. 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? 🤓 And in the 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte even stayed here! 📍To make your own mark on history, you'll first need to find a trail that suits you. With distances of 60, 38, 24, or 13 km, you get to choose your adventure 😋. And what an adventure! Opting for the 60 km, expect 3,300 mD+ to reach the Monte Zeda at 2,156 m 😵‍💫. On your journey through the Val Grande National Park, you'll encounter Monte Spalavera and Monte Fajè. Be warned, the climbs are steep and the ridges endless 🤪. Not ready to tire out your legs over 57 kilometers? The 38 km with its 2,200 mD+ awaits 🤗. On the agenda: Pizzo Pernice, Monte Todum, Cossogno and still Monte Fajè ⛰️. The view? Just as magnificent: grand vistas of pine trees, peaks, and the shimmering blue lake below 🌄. Looking for something easier? Try the 24 km with 1,350 mD+, a lovely loop passing through Cossogno, Rovegro, and Cavandone, enough to warm up your thighs but not strain your knees 🦵. 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 🏞️. As you can see, there's something for every taste and every desire 🙌.

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 🌞. 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 ⛰️. And post-race? We're talking gastronomy, of course: risotto with lake fish 🐟, creamy polenta, braised beef with red wine 🥩, not to mention panna cotta and a glass of Barolo or Nebbiolo to wash it all down 🍷.

Ready to make your calves dance like a wild tarantella? 💃

Remember to drink alcohol responsibly ⚠️.

4 reasons to join this race

For the Scenery ⛰️
You'll cover miles with stunning views of one of Italy's largest lakes. Between its serene waters, the Borromean Islands offshore, and ridges like Mount Zeda or Mount Spalavera. Each viewpoint will remind you why you got up in the morning to train all summer long! 🤩
A Wild and Preserved Playground 🌱
Here, you lace up your shoes in the heart of Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in Italy 🇮🇹. It's just you, your legs, the mountain, and the silence 🤫. A true breath of fresh air and a technical terrain we all love to challenge our muscles.
For ITRA Points 🏅
The 60 km course earns you 3 ITRA points, the 38 km brings 2, and the 24 km will give you 1 ITRA point. A great way to add a remarkable line to your track record... and bring you closer to your UTMB dreams! ⛰️
For the Variety of Formats 🙌
You don't have to be an extreme ultra-trailer to have a blast 🤗. With its four distances (60, 38, 24, or 13 km), everyone can come and test the Verbano terrain and enjoy this unique atmosphere 🌱. Whether you're aiming for the summit of Mount Zeda or a gentler loop around Mergozzo, you'll leave with unforgettable memories.

A distance for every taste

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

You can pick up your race bib at the UTLM village:

  • Friday, September 25, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM

  • Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 5 AM to 3 PM

The races will start at:

  • 60 km: Viale Lido Cannero (VB) at 7 AM

  • 38 km: Sports Center Miazzina (VB) at 9 AM

  • 24 km: P.zza V. Emanuele II, 2 Cossogno (VB) at 10 AM

  • 13 km: Via Pallanza, 2 Mergozzo (VB) at 5 PM

Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to participate in the races.

Yes, here are the maximum times allowed:

  • 60 km: 17 hours

  • 38 km: 11 hours

  • 24 km: 9 hours

  • 13 km: 3 hours

Yes! Here they are:

  • 60 km: 7 refueling points

  • 38 km: 4 refueling points

  • 24 km: 3 refueling points

  • 13 km: 2 refueling points

Yes, here it is:

For the 60 km:

  • Backpack or waist belt with enough space for all mandatory equipment

  • GPS watch/device with GPX track

  • GPS tracker provided by the organization

  • 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 bladder (min. 1 L)

  • Headlamp + spare battery or 2 headlamps

  • Emergency blanket (min. 2.0 m x 1.40 m)

  • Whistle

  • Elastic strapping band (min. 100 cm x 6 cm)

  • Food reserve

  • Waterproof/breathable jacket (GORETEX type) with hood for bad weather

  • Long or ¾ pants + long socks covering the entire leg

  • Long-sleeved t-shirt

  • Cap, hat, or bandana covering the entire head

  • Waterproof gloves

For the 38 km:

  • Backpack or waist belt with enough space for all mandatory equipment

  • 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 bladder (min. 1 L)

  • Headlamp + spare battery or 2 headlamps

  • Emergency blanket

  • Whistle

  • Elastic strapping band

  • Food reserve

  • Waterproof/breathable jacket with hood

  • Long or ¾ pants + long socks

  • Long-sleeved t-shirt

  • Cap, hat, or bandana

  • Waterproof gloves

For the 24 km

  • Backpack or waist belt with enough space

  • Mobile phone always on with emergency numbers

  • Suitable trail shoes

  • Cup or container

  • Water bottle or bladder (min. 1 L)

  • Headlamp + spare battery or 2 headlamps

  • Emergency blanket

  • Whistle

  • Elastic strapping band

  • Waterproof/breathable jacket with hood

For the 13 km

  • Mobile phone always on

  • Suitable trail or running shoes

  • Cup or container

  • Water bottle or bladder (min. 1 L)

  • Emergency blanket

  • Whistle

  • Elastic strapping band

Recommended equipment (all distances):

  • Identification 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 ¾ pants + long socks (13 km)

  • Long-sleeved t-shirt (13 km)

  • Cap, hat, or bandana (13 km)

  • Waterproof gloves (13 km)

  • Sunglasses + sunscreen

  • Extra warm clothing

  • Waterproof overpants

  • Warm long-sleeved undershirt

  • Poles

  • Money for purchases at refuges

  • Basic first aid kit (self-medication for blisters, scrapes...)

For the 60 km:

  • Shuttle departure: 6 AM (UTLM Village)

For the 38 km:

  • Shuttle departure: 8 AM (UTLM Village)

For the 24 km:

  • Shuttle departure: 9:30 AM (UTLM Village)

For the 13 km:

  • Shuttle departure: 3:30 PM (UTLM Village)

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