ePodismo online | U.S. edition | Issue 12 | May 2015
When snow gives way to the colours of spring in the Ampezzo valley, skiers pass the baton to summer sports enthusiasts ready for an active holiday in spectacular mountain scenery. Cortina offers a full range of alpine sports with many fabulous hiking and biking itineraries at all levels difficulty, as well as climb&ride, tennis and horseback riding. But Summer 2015, runners are the main protagonists as the Queen of the Dolomites turns into a running resort. The flagship project of Cortina's summer season greatly expands the offer dedicated to trail runners, with a wealth of running itineraries and tailored services, for a summer season "on the run". Two major international running events take place in Cortina this summer - the "Cortina-Dobbiaco Run" (May 31) and "The North Face Lavaredo Ultra Trail" (June 25-27). Each year these races attract thousands of athletes from around the world to experience the thrill of competing in the magnificent Unesco World Heritage Dolomites. Cortina is a natural paradise for trail runners at all levels, and the new services aim to make the area even more accessible to visitors wishing to take advantage of the excellent running opportunities offered by the territory. A brand new running map outlines more than 475 kilometers of running routes across 18 itineraries at different length and difficulty, from easy runs suitable also for beginners to challenging routes with significant elevation gain, all immersed in a unique natural setting. In addition to detailed running maps and GPS tracks available online, visitors can also take advantage of organized training camps to prepare for races, as well as trail running hotels and mountain refuges with dedicated services for runners. For a Summer holiday dedicated to sport, fitness and wellness in awe-inspiring nature, there is only one running resort - Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Here is a course for those in love with skyrunning. It is located in the Province of L'Aquila, in the Abruzzo region. Start from the Campo Imperatore hostel. Run downhill and towards the Sella dei Due Corni (1924 meters of altitude) where the course starts. Follow the easy trail to Monte Brancastello (2385 meters). After you pass the mountain peak, continue on an assisted trail through Torri di Casanova (2214 and 2362 meters) and L'Infornace (2469 meters) until you reach Monte Prena (2561 meters). The trail winds now downhill to Vado di Ferruccio (2245 meters) the goes up again to Monte Camicia (2564 meters), the highest point of our course. From here you resume running downhill towards Fonte Vetica. The total lenght of the course is about 17 kilometers with a total altitude change of 1600 meters uphill and 1400 meters downhill.
SAUCONY BREAKTHRU - Saucony has introduced a variety of effective performance shoes. The Breakthru is the first to feature the 8mm geometry of many of its mainline training shoes. The upper is a closed mesh with both traditional and welded overlays, and tailored for a good fit for a broad range of feet. The midsole is a blend of well-cushioned EVA and a full-length of Powergrid that adds snappiness to the ride, extending its effective range in the process. The mostly segmented outersole is lightened by the "missing" segments. The effectiveness of the shoe can be summed up this way: good durability and a smooth ride at a reasonable price.
Testers: "Nice, roomy forefoot with a no-nonsense heel and midfoot fit. Not super cushioned, but they can really handle the mileage - and they don't weigh a lot either."
Sizes: Men 7-13, 14, 15; Women 5-12
Weight: 10.2 oz. (men's size 11); 8.2 oz. (women's size 8)
Shape: semicurved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
MAY 1 - The Ultra Milano-Sanremo is Europe's longest point-to-point foot race. Over three days, it retraces the route of the famous bicycle race called "The Spring Classic". It goes through three Italian regions starting from the city of Milan, running between rice fields, countless historical centers, up and down the Turchino Pass before reaching the Mediterranean Sea. The course then stretches along the entire coast of the Italian Riviera, arriving in the city of flowers, the beautiful Sanremo. It is over 290 kilometers of Pure Sport History that fascinated its crowds for over a century. www.ultramilanosanremo.it |
MAY 2 - The Ultratrail del Mugello begins with a climb in the beautiful forests surrounding the ancient Badia di Moscheta, near Firenzuola, in the province of Firenze. It then continues climbing the ridgeline of the Apennine watershed, passing sections that alternate between breathtaking panoramic views and old growth forests, and reaching Mount Pratone, one of the most stunning sections of the race. The trail follows the Gothic Line, where the German forces created a defensive line hoping to slow the advance of the allied army during their retreat from the Second World War. The course is 60 kilometers long. www.ultratrailmugello.it |
MAY 3 - The Chia Laguna Half Marathon is a spectacular sea view international half marathon that takes place in Chia, near Cagliari, in the south of Sardinia. The stunning 13.1 miles course on closed roads takes in the island's world-famous coast surrounded by the green of the Mediterranean vegetation, turquoise sea, white sand dunes and a lagoon hosting pink flamingos. The event includes a competitive 10 kilometers race as well as 5 kilometers fun run. It is a unique opportunity to run in an amazing place and enjoy a vacation in the outstanding Chia Laguna Resort at special half marathon rates. www.chialagunahalfmarathon.com |
MAY 9 - Behind the Da piazza a piazza there is a bet among friends: go from one "piazza" (square) in Prato to second one a few miles away, but without crossing the river Bisenzio that divides the town in two. This requires hiking up the mountains to cross the river behind its source, for a total of 75 kilometers. Depending whether you run or hike, to complete the event it may take you a full day (dawn to sunset) or two days (if you rest mid-way and spend the night in the quaint village of Montepiano like most participants do). The views along the course are simply magnificent. www.dapiazzaapiazza.it |
MAY 10 - The Marniatona will be held in Leccio di Reggello, on the mountains near Firenze. It is a 28k trail event featuring 10-mile and 3-mile courses as well. As the name implies, the race winds through the valley of the river Marnia on country roads and forest trails, with a spectacular finish after having crossed the castle of Sammezzano, erected in 1605 and remodeled at the end of the 1800s into one of the largest examples of Moorish Revival architecture. |
MAY 17 - We know you are in love with Italy (this is why you are reading this newsletter) but if you are also in love with Italians (or the idea thereof), then look no further. Your soulmate may be running right next to you at the Strasingle, a 5k fun run in the center of Milano open to any runner who is not in a (serious) relationship. And if the romance does not go along well sweating and all that, in the evening you may be luckier at the free post-race party. www.strasingle.it |
MAY 24 - Borgio's old downtown stands atop a low hill, while Verezzi is divided into several very characteristic hamlets on the hillside, at some 200 metres (660 feet) above sea level. The third edition of the Vertical Verezzi is a 6k, mostly uphill event, connecting the two places, located in the province of Savona, on a course that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea. www.runrivierarun.it |
MAY 31 - The Amalfi-Positano Ultratrail is a 50k trail race with a cumulative elevation gain of about 4200 meters. Dubbed "The race that sees all but is not seen", it winds through paths, mule tracks, up and down steps, high up along the Coast going from Amalfi to Positano, part of the World Heritage List of Unesco. The time limit allowed for completing the total course of the race is 13 hours, and there will be a barrier at the 37.5 kilometer that must be crossed within 10 hours from the start. Participants may be disqualified for littering, polluting or damaging the environment, insulting, being rude, or threatening organization staff or volunteers. www.amalfipositanoultratrail.it |