Art. 1 ORGANIZATION
The amateur sports association VUT is organizing, on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July 2026, the ninth edition of the “Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail”, a semi-self-sufficient mountain running race on a route in an alpine environment.
Art. 2 GENERAL INFORMATION
The Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail is a foot race along the trails of the Alta Via della Valmalenco, in semi-self-sufficiency, starting in Chiesa in Valmalenco and finishing in Caspoggio within the maximum time of 25 hours.
For the 2026 edition, due to the summer closure of the municipal road toward Franscia and Campo Moro, the individual race route will be approximately 83 km long with 6,100 meters of positive elevation gain.
The organization is affiliated with the CSEN sports promotion body.
Each runner must make sure, when leaving each refreshment point, that they have the quantity of water and food supplies necessary to reach the next refreshment point.
Art. 3 PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Participation in the race requires mountain experience, absence of vertigo, excellent training, and clothing suitable for temperatures that may range from -5 to +30 degrees Celsius.
For the individual race, at the time of registration the athlete must provide a personal sports résumé demonstrating experience on long-distance mountain terrain.
The participating athlete must be fully aware of the environmental context in which the competition takes place and of the technical difficulties of the race route.
Art. 4 REGISTRATION
a) Registration requirements
The event is open to all adult athletes who, for the current year, are duly registered with a sports promotion body (CSEN, CSI, UISP, Libertas, etc.) or FIDAL, or who hold a Mountain & Trail RunCard or RunCard.
Foreign athletes may take part in the competition if they are already registered with their own athletics federation. Otherwise, for insurance reasons, they will be registered with CSEN by providing a copy of their medical certificate of fitness for sports practice or by self-certifying possession of it pursuant to current Italian legislation.
A copy of the valid medical certificate or substitute declaration, if not provided at the time of registration, must be handed in when collecting the race bib together with the signed liability waiver (which will be available at bib collection).
b) Registration procedure
Registration will open on 15 January 2026 and close on 20 July 2026, unless the maximum number of participants is reached earlier.
The maximum number of participants is 300 for the individual race and 50 teams for the relay race.
Registrations must be completed according to the procedures indicated on the website ultravalmalenco.com.
Those deemed unsuitable for participation will receive an email from the organization.
c) Registration fees
Individual race
120.00 euros
The registration fee includes:
- race bib
- refreshment points along the route
- race pack
- post-race meal
- gadget for finishers
Relay race
150.00 euros per team
The registration fee includes:
- race bib
- refreshment points along the route
- race pack
- post-race meal
- gadget for finishers
d) Payment method
The registration fee must be paid by credit card or bank transfer, according to the procedures indicated on the Endu website.
e) Cancellation
If unable to participate, the request to cancel the registration must be communicated by email to valmalencoultratrail@evodata.it.
The following refund methods are provided:
- refund of 70% of the fee if cancellation is requested by 14 July 2026
- no refund if cancellation is requested after 14 July 2026
The refund of the fee will be made within one month from the end of the race.
The transfer of the race bib may be authorized — at the discretion of the race management — up to one week before the event, subject to payment of 10 euros for administrative costs, to be paid when collecting the race bib.
In the event of pregnancy confirmed after registration, the athlete may request that the registration be postponed to the following edition or that the full fee be refunded.
In the event of race cancellation due to force majeure, the registration will be transferred to the following edition; no refund will be due to participants.
Art. 5 MEDICAL CERTIFICATION
Italian athletes (including those residing abroad) must submit, at the time of registration, a copy of a competitive sports medical certificate valid on the days of the race, or present it when collecting the race bib. Otherwise, the registration will be cancelled and no refund will be due to the competitor.
For Italian athletes, only the certificate of fitness for competitive sports activity (pursuant to Art. 5 - Ministerial Decree 18/2/82) - yellow form - or equivalent certification for which all diagnostic protocols required by the same decree have been carried out - white form - are valid.
Foreign athletes may take part in the competition if they are already registered with their own athletics federation. Otherwise, for insurance reasons, they will be registered with CSEN by providing a copy of their medical certificate of fitness for sports practice or by self-certifying possession of it (if foreign) pursuant to current Italian legislation.
A copy of the valid medical certificate or substitute declaration, if not provided at the time of registration, must be handed in when collecting the race bib together with the signed liability waiver (which will be available at bib collection).
Art. 6 BIB AND RACE PACK COLLECTION
Art. 7 LIABILITY WAIVER
The liability waiver must mandatorily be signed by each individual athlete at the race office in front of the organization’s staff. Pre-signed waivers will not be accepted.
Art. 8 MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
It is mandatory to carry the following equipment for the entire duration of the race:
- camel bag or bottle holder containing at least one liter of liquids
- race bib clearly visible throughout the entire race
- GPS device provided by the organization
- survival blanket
- whistle
- mobile phone switched on with ringtone activated
- waterproof windproof jacket with hood (minimum protection 10,000 mm water column and heat-sealed seams)
- long-sleeved shirt or short-sleeved shirt with arm warmers
- long-sleeved microfleece or equivalent
- long trousers or trousers covering at least the knee
- hat or bandana
- gloves
- working headlamp with sufficient charge for at least 12 hours
- cup, glass, or bottle (no cups at refreshment points)
- small waste bag (to avoid accidentally losing wrappers and packaging along the route)
- suitable footwear
The mandatory equipment may be worn or stored inside the race backpack.
The organizing committee reserves the right to check the mandatory equipment at the start, during the competition, or immediately after the finish line has been crossed.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
It is recommended to carry the following equipment:
- waterproof trousers
- energy bars or solid food
- some money for the possible purchase of food at mountain huts
- elastic bandage for strapping
The use of poles is permitted.
Art. 9 MAXIMUM TIME, TIME GATES, WITHDRAWALS
The maximum time to reach the finish is 25 hours (by 23:00 on Saturday). A “sweeper” service is provided, which will follow the route behind the last competitor, in order to assist those who withdraw and to prevent any injured participants from being left without assistance.
Time gates will be set up along the route, where, compatibly with race logistics, a return service to the finish area will be provided for delayed competitors and those who withdraw.
For the 2026 edition, following the route modification, the provisional time gates for the individual race are as follows:
- Lago di Chiesa (28 km) by 06:00 on Saturday
- Chiareggio (40 km) by 11:00 on Saturday
- Chiareggio, second passage (54 km) by 14:00 on Saturday
- Paluetto (66 km) by 17:00 on Saturday
The time gates for the 2026 edition may be subject to change following route inspections and the final assessments of the Race Management. Any changes will be communicated to participants through official channels and during the pre-race briefing.
Competitors who do not arrive within the established time limits will be stopped and may not continue the race; they must hand over their bibs to the staff present on the route and go to the race village to return their GPS devices.
To protect participants’ health, medical staff present at checkpoints or along the route are authorized to stop any competitor deemed unfit to continue the race. In this case, the competitor must follow the instructions of the medical staff, under penalty of immediate disqualification.
Competitors who arrive at the time gates outside the maximum time, those judged by medical staff to be unfit to continue the race, and any other athletes who wish to withdraw voluntarily, may use the return service arranged by the organization at points reachable by authorized vehicles. For logistical reasons, withdrawn competitors may have to wait some time before being transported back to the finish area. Any competitor withdrawing from the race outside the designated points must immediately communicate their withdrawal by SMS or phone call to the number indicated by the organization and make their own way back to Caspoggio.
If a withdrawn athlete wishes to request return transport outside the designated points, and if deemed possible, the organization may offer the service — at the athlete’s expense — using the available means (shuttles or helicopter).
The organization’s vehicles, not being adequately equipped, cannot intervene in the event of rescue for an athlete requiring medical care. In that case, official emergency medical services must intervene.
Art. 10 REFRESHMENT POINTS
The race is run in semi-self-sufficiency, with the obligation to carry at least one liter of water.
For the 2026 edition, as a result of the route modification, the refreshment points and support points planned along the individual race route will be as follows:
- Rifugio Cometti / Alpe Piasci
- Rifugio Bosio
- Laghi di Chiesa
- Rifugio Ventina / Rifugio Gerli-Porro
- Chiareggio
- Rifugio Tartaglione Crispo
- Rifugio Del Grande Camerini
- Chiareggio, second passage
- Rifugio Longoni
- Alpe Paluetto
- Rifugio Lago Palù
- Rifugio Motta
- Alpe Ponte
The list of refreshment points for the 2026 edition may be subject to change following route inspections and the final assessments of the Race Management. Any changes will be communicated to participants through official channels and during the pre-race briefing.
Only competitors with their bib clearly visible may access the refreshment point.
No cups will be provided at refreshment points; competitors must use their own.
Food and drinks from the refreshment point must be consumed on site; drinking directly from refreshment bottles is prohibited; waste must be disposed of in the appropriate containers.
When leaving each refreshment point, runners must have the quantity of water and food necessary to reach the next refreshment point.
An additional liquid refreshment point will be available at the finish; furthermore, each participant may consume a hot meal at the facilities set up at the finish at the Caspoggio sports center: access requires presentation of the meal voucher.
There are fountains along the route where water can be refilled. For the entire duration of the competition, it is possible to use the alpine huts located along the route. Any purchase of extra food or drinks in the huts is at the competitor’s expense.
Art. 11 RACE ASSISTANCE
Assistance to athletes by family members or teams is possible only at refreshment points.
Accompanying athletes during the race is prohibited.
Art. 12 BAG DROP
Bags intended for changeover points and for the finish in Caspoggio may be handed in from 20:00 at the start.
For the 2026 edition, following the modification of the route and relay changeover areas, the final procedures for handing in, transporting, and collecting bags intended for changeovers will be communicated by the organization before the race and during the pre-race briefing.
Inside the facilities set up at the finish at the Caspoggio sports center, changing rooms and bag storage will be available from 19:00 on Friday 24 July. Bags may be collected no later than 24:00 on Saturday, upon presentation of the race bib. Competitors are advised not to place valuables in their bags; in any case, the organization is not responsible for any theft, loss, or damage to the bags or their contents.
Any forgotten bags may be returned by courier sent by the competitor at their own expense to the storage address that will be communicated by email upon request.
Art. 13 START
Competitors must report to the start in Chiesa in Valmalenco by 20:30. The race will start at 22:00.
Art. 14 ROUTE
The Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail route is classified with the red mark: EE itinerary for expert hikers. An itinerary requiring the ability to move over particular terrain, tracks, or difficult or treacherous paths (slopes with rocky outcrops or debris), sometimes exposed.
For the 2026 edition, due to the summer closure of the municipal road toward Franscia and Campo Moro, the Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail route will be modified compared with the historic route and will follow the following itinerary:
Chiesa in Valmalenco, Vassalini, Torre Santa Maria, Ciappanico, Alpe Son, Rifugio Cometti at Alpe Piasci, Alpe Canale, Arcoglio, Sasso Bianco, Lago di Zana, Zana, Rifugio Bosio, Alpe Airale, Alpe Lago, Alpe Pirlo, Alpe Pradaccio, Laghetti Sassersa, Passo Ventina, Rifugio Ventina, Rifugio Gerli Porro, Chiareggio, Vazzeda Inferiore, Rifugio Tartaglione Crispo, Alpe Sissone, Rifugio Del Grande Camerini, Vazzeda Superiore, Alpe Monterosso, Alpe dell’Oro, Chiareggio, Alpe Fora, Rifugio Longoni, Alpe Entova, Alpe Paluetto, Rifugio Palù, Alpe Palù, Rifugio Motta, Alpe Campolungo, Cima Sassa, Alpe Ponte, Tornadri di Lanzada, Curnasch, Curada, Caspoggio.
The route for the 2026 edition may be subject to change following inspections of the route, trail conditions, requirements issued by the competent authorities, or the final assessments of the Race Management. Any changes will be communicated to participants through official channels and during the pre-race briefing.
In the event of bad weather or the impracticability of one or more trails, alternative routes are provided and will be presented at the pre-race briefing before the start.
Kilometers are not marked. Competitors must strictly follow the marked race route, avoiding shortcuts or cutting sections of the route. Leaving the official route, in addition to resulting in disqualification from the results, will be done at the competitor’s sole risk and peril.
The relay race distances for the 2026 edition:
1st relay runner: 28 km 2,019 m D+
2nd relay runner: 26 km 2,287 m D+
3rd relay runner: 29 km 1,721 m D+
Changeover areas for the 2026 edition:
1st changeover Laghi di Chiesa, km 28
2nd changeover Chiareggio, second passage, km 54
At the changeover, relay runners must mandatorily hand over the GPS tracking device provided by the organization.
No shuttles are provided for relay races; athletes must reach the start of their own leg and return independently. For the 2026 edition, relay runners must take into account the logistical changes due to the closure of the road toward Franscia and Campo Moro and follow the operational instructions communicated by the organization.
Art. 15 SAFETY AND CONTROL
At the most significant points identified by the organization and in any case at refreshment points, a rescue call point will be established. A rescue team will be present in the finish area. The rescue points are intended to provide assistance to all persons in danger using the organization’s own means or through affiliated bodies. Official doctors are authorized to suspend competitors judged unfit to continue the race. Rescuers are authorized to evacuate runners judged to be in danger using the means deemed suitable. If necessary, for reasons that are in the interest of the person being assisted, at the discretion of the organization and healthcare staff, official rescue services will be called upon; they will take over the management of operations and deploy all appropriate means, including a helicopter. Any costs arising from the use of exceptional means (helicopter) will be borne by the person rescued in accordance with current regulations. A runner who calls upon a doctor or rescuer thereby submits to their authority and undertakes to respect their decisions.
Art. 16 ENVIRONMENT
The race takes place in natural mountain environments with delicate ecosystems located within protected SIC and ZPS areas. Competitors must behave respectfully toward the environment, avoiding littering, picking flowers, or disturbing wildlife. Anyone caught abandoning waste along the route will be disqualified from the race and will incur any sanctions provided for by municipal regulations. To reduce environmental impact, cups will not be provided at refreshment points. Each competitor must carry a cup or bottle to refill at refreshment points.
Art. 17 WEATHER
In the event of significant weather phenomena (dense fog, snowstorms, severe thunderstorms), the organization reserves the right to make route changes, even at the last minute or during the race, in order to eliminate potential dangers or conditions of severe discomfort for participants. Any changes will be communicated to participants and indicated by staff. The organization also reserves the right to suspend or cancel the race if weather conditions put the safety of participants, volunteers, or rescuers at risk.
In the event of interruption or cancellation of the race, no refund will be due to participants.
Art. 18 DISQUALIFICATIONS AND PENALTIES
Disqualification, with withdrawal of the race bib, is provided for the following infractions:
- failure to pass through a checkpoint
- cutting the race route
- abandoning waste on the route
- failure to assist a competitor in difficulty
- insults or threats toward organizers or volunteers
- use of means of transport during the race
- refusal to undergo checks by medical staff on the route
- refusal to undergo checks of mandatory equipment
- absence of headlamp, windproof jacket, thermal blanket, container for 1 liter of liquids
Disqualification may also be applied immediately on the route.
A 30-minute penalty is provided for the following infractions:
- absence of whistle, GPS provided by the organization, long-sleeved shirt, trousers covering at least the knee, hat or bandana, gloves, cup or bottle, failure to display the race bib.
Disqualification will be applied immediately at the point where any infraction is ascertained.
Failure to return the GPS device to the organization will result in a penalty of 150 euros.
Art. 19 PRIZES
No cash prizes are provided. Prizes in kind will be awarded to the first 5 men and first 5 women in the individual race, and to the first 3 men’s relay teams, the first 3 women’s relay teams, and the first mixed relay team. For the 2026 edition, prizes for the individual race will refer to the ranking of the VUT 90K held on the modified route of approximately 83 km. Each competitor who completes the race within the maximum time will receive a Finisher gadget. The awards ceremony will take place at 22:00 on Saturday 25 July in Caspoggio. Under no circumstances will prizes be awarded in advance or shipped.
Art. 20 IMAGE RIGHTS
By registering, competitors authorize the organization to use, free of charge and without any limitation, still and moving images portraying them during their participation in the Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail.
Art. 21 ACCEPTANCE OF THE REGULATIONS
Voluntary registration and consequent participation in the race indicate full acceptance of these regulations and of any amendments made to them. By registering, the participant releases the organizers from any liability, both civil and criminal, for damage to persons and/or property caused by or arising from the participant.