Art. 1 ORGANIZATION
The amateur sports association VUT organizes the ninth edition of the “Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail” on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25, 2026. It is a semi-self-sufficient mountain race through an Alpine environment.
Art. 2 GENERAL INFORMATION
The Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail is a foot race along the paths of the Alta Via della Valmalenco, covering approximately 90 km with 6,000 meters of positive elevation gain. It is held in semi-self-sufficiency, starting in Chiesa in Valmalenco and finishing in Caspoggio within a maximum time of 25 hours.
The organization is affiliated with the sports promotion body CSEN.
Each runner must ensure they carry enough water and food to reach the next aid station when leaving each refreshment point.
Art. 3 PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Participation requires mountain experience, no vertigo, excellent training, and clothing suitable for temperatures ranging from -5 to +30 degrees Celsius.
For the individual race, athletes must provide a personal sports curriculum at the time of registration proving their experience on long-distance mountain terrain.
Participants must be fully aware of the environmental context in which the competition takes place and the technical difficulties of the route.
Art. 4 REGISTRATION
a) Registration Requirements
The event is open to all adult athletes who are members of a sports promotion body (Csen, Csi, Uisp, Libertas…) or FIDAL for the current year, or holders of a Mountain & Trail RunCard or RunCard.
Foreign athletes can participate if they are members of their national athletics federation. Otherwise, for insurance reasons, they will be registered with CSEN by providing a copy of their sports medical certificate or by self-certifying possession of one in accordance with current Italian regulations.
A copy of the valid medical certificate or self-declaration, if not provided during registration, must be handed in at bib collection along with the signed liability waiver (available at bib collection).
b) Registration Procedures
Registration opens on January 15, 2026, and closes on July 20, 2026, unless the maximum number of participants is reached.
The maximum number of participants is 300 for the individual race and 50 teams for the relay race.
Registration must be completed according to the methods indicated on the ultravalmalenco.com website.
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
- aid stations along the route
- race pack
- post-race meal
- finisher gadget
Relay Race
150.00 euros per team
The registration fee includes:
- race bibs
- aid stations along the route
- race pack
- post-race meal
- finisher gadget
d) Payment Methods
The registration fee must be paid via credit card or bank transfer, as indicated on the ENDU website.
e) Cancellation
In case of inability to participate, cancellation requests must be sent via email to valmalencoultratrail@evodata.it.
Refund conditions are as follows:
- 70% refund if the cancellation is requested by July 14, 2026
- No refund if the cancellation is requested after July 14, 2026
Refunds will be processed within one month after the end of the race.
Bib transfer may be authorized — at the race director's discretion — up to one week before the event, upon payment of a 10 euro administration fee at bib collection.
In case of certified pregnancy after registration, the athlete may request to defer registration to the next edition or receive a full refund of the fee.
In the event of race cancellation due to force majeure, registration will be moved to the following edition; no refunds will be due to participants.
Art. 5 MEDICAL CERTIFICATION
Italian athletes (including those resident abroad) must send a copy of a valid competitive medical certificate during registration or present it at bib collection. Otherwise, the registration will be cancelled and no refund will be due.
Foreign athletes can participate if they are members of their national athletics federation. Otherwise, they will be registered with CSEN for insurance purposes by producing a copy of their sports medical certificate or self-certifying possession (for foreigners) according to current Italian law.
A copy of the valid medical certificate or self-declaration, if not submitted during registration, must be handed in at bib collection along with the signed liability waiver.
Art. 6 BIB AND RACE PACK COLLECTION
Art. 7 LIABILITY WAIVER
The liability waiver must be obligatorily signed by each athlete at the race office in the presence of the staff. Pre-signed waivers will not be accepted.
Art. 8 MANDATORY GEAR
It is mandatory to carry the following equipment for the entire duration of the race:
- camelbag or water bottles containing at least one liter of liquid
- race bib clearly visible throughout the race
- GPS tracking device provided by the organization
- survival blanket
- whistle
- mobile phone turned on with ringtone activated
- waterproof jacket with hood (minimum 10,000mm water column and taped seams)
- long-sleeved shirt or short-sleeved shirt with arm warmers
- mid-layer fleece or equivalent long-sleeved top
- long trousers or leggings covering at least the knee
- hat or bandana
- gloves
- working headlamp with enough battery for at least 12 hours
- cup, glass, or bottle (no cups at aid stations)
- Small waste bag (to prevent accidental loss of wrappers and packaging along the route)
- suitable footwear
Mandatory gear can be worn or stored in the race backpack.
The organizing committee reserves the right to check mandatory gear at the start, during the race, or immediately after crossing the finish line.
RECOMMENDED GEAR:
It is recommended to carry the following items:
- waterproof trousers
- energy bars or solid food
- some cash for purchasing food at mountain huts if needed
- elastic bandage for dressings
The use of poles is permitted.
Art. 9 TIME LIMIT, CUT-OFF TIMES, WITHDRAWALS
The maximum time to reach the finish line is 25 hours (by 11:00 PM on Saturday). A "sweeper service" will follow the last competitor to assist those who withdraw and ensure no injured participants are left without help.
Three time cut-offs will be established, where a shuttle will be available to return late runners to the finish area:
- Chiareggio (33 km) by 7:00 AM Saturday (9 hours of race)
- Alpe Musella (53 km) by 11:30 AM Saturday (13.30 hours of race)
- Rifugio Zoia (75 km) by 6:00 PM Saturday (20 hours of race)
Competitors who do not reach these points within the time limits will be stopped and cannot continue. They must hand over their bibs to the staff on the course and go to the race village to return the GPS device.
To protect participant health, medical staff at checkpoints or along the route are authorized to stop any competitor judged unfit to continue. In this case, the runner must follow the medical staff's instructions under penalty of immediate disqualification.
Shuttles for withdrawals will be available at Chiareggio and the Rifugio Zoia parking lot. For logistical reasons, withdrawn runners may have to wait before being transported back. Any runner withdrawing outside of designated points must immediately communicate their withdrawal via SMS or call to the number provided and arrange their own return to Caspoggio.
If a withdrawn athlete requests transport outside designated points, the organization may provide it — at the athlete's expense — using available vehicles (shuttle or helicopter).
Organization vehicles are not equipped for medical emergencies; official health rescue services will intervene if medical care is required.
Art. 10 AID STATIONS
The race is semi-self-sufficient with a mandatory water supply of at least one liter. 10 aid stations are provided along the route:
- Rifugio Bosio
- Rifugio Ventina / Gerli-Porro
- Rifugio Longoni
- Rifugio Lago Palù
- Rifugio Mitta / Alpe Musella
- Rifugio Marinelli
- Rifugio Carate
- Rifugio Bignami
- Rifugio Poschiavino / Zoia
- Rifugio Cristina
Only competitors with a clearly visible bib have access to aid stations.
No cups will be provided at aid stations; competitors must use their own.
Food and drinks at aid stations must be consumed on-site; drinking directly from bottles is prohibited; trash must be disposed of in the appropriate containers.
Upon leaving each aid station, runners must have enough water and food to reach the next one.
A liquid refreshment station will be available at the finish; additionally, each participant can have a hot meal at the finish structures in Caspoggio by showing their meal voucher.
Fountains are available along the route for water refills. Mountain huts along the course can be used throughout the competition; any extra food or drink purchases are the runner's responsibility.
Art. 11 RACE ASSISTANCE
Assistance to athletes by family or teams is only permitted at aid stations.
Pacing or accompanying runners during the race is prohibited.
Art. 12 BAG DROP
Bags for the Chiareggio changeover and the Caspoggio finish can be dropped off from 8:00 PM at the start area.
Locker rooms and bag storage will be available at the Caspoggio sports center from 7:00 PM on Friday, July 24. Bags can be collected until midnight on Saturday upon presentation of the race bib. It is recommended not to place valuables in the bags; the organization is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage to bags or their contents.
Forgotten bags can be returned via courier at the competitor's expense by contacting the organization.
Art. 13 START
Competitors must arrive at the start in Chiesa in Valmalenco by 8:30 PM. The race starts at 10:00 PM.
Art. 14 ROUTE
The Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail route is classified with a red label: EE (Expert Hikers). It requires the ability to move on specific terrain, rough or treacherous tracks/paths (slopes with rocky outcrops or debris), sometimes exposed.
The route follows this itinerary:
Chiesa in Valmalenco, Vassalini, Torre Santa Maria, Ciappanico, Alpe Son, Rifugio Cometti at Alpe Piasci, Rifugio Bosio, Alpe Airale, Alpe Lago, Alpe Pirlo, Alpe Pradaccio, Laghetti Sassersa, Passo Ventina, Rifugio Ventina, Rifugio Gerli Porro, Chiareggio, Alpe Fora, Rifugio Longoni, Alpe Entova, Alpe Paluetto, Rifugio Palù, Bocchel del Torno, Alpe Campascio, Rifugio Mitta, Vallone di Scerscen, Rifugio Marinelli, Bocchetta Forbici, Rifugio Carate, Bocchetta di Fellaria, Rifugio Bignami, Campo Moro, Rifugio Zoia, Rifugio Cà Runcasc, Rifugio Cristina, Alpe Acquanera, Piazzo Cavalli, Caspoggio.
In case of bad weather or impassable trails, alternative routes will be presented at the pre-race briefing.
Kilometers are not marked. Competitors must strictly follow the marked route, avoiding shortcuts. Leaving the official path leads to disqualification and is done at the runner's sole risk.
Relay Race distances:
1st leg: 33 km 2896 D+
2nd leg: 40 km 3326 D+
3rd leg: 15.5 km 545 D+
Exchange zones:
1st exchange: Chiareggio, km 33
2nd exchange: Rifugio Zoia, km 73
Relay runners must pass the GPS tracking device to the next teammate at the exchange point.
Shuttles are not provided for relay teams; athletes must arrange their own transport to and from exchange points.
Art. 15 SAFETY AND CONTROL
Emergency call points are established at aid stations and key points. Rescue staff will be at the finish. Rescue points assist anyone in danger using organizational or contracted means. Official doctors can suspend runners unfit to continue. Rescuers can evacuate runners in danger by suitable means. If necessary, official health rescue (including helicopters) will be called, and they will take charge of operations. Any costs for exceptional means (helicopter) will be borne by the rescued person according to current regulations. A runner calling for a doctor or rescuer submits to their authority and agrees to respect their decisions.
Art. 16 ENVIRONMENT
The race takes place in natural mountain environments with delicate ecosystems (SIC and ZPS protected areas). Competitors must respect the environment, avoiding littering, picking flowers, or harassing wildlife. Anyone caught littering will be disqualified and may face local municipal penalties. To reduce environmental impact, no cups are provided at aid stations; each runner must carry their own cup or bottle.
Art. 17 WEATHER
In case of significant weather events (dense fog, snowstorms, heavy thunderstorms), the organization reserves the right to modify the route at any time to eliminate danger. Changes will be communicated to participants. The organization also reserves the right to suspend or cancel the race if weather conditions threaten the safety of participants, volunteers, or rescuers.
No refunds will be due in case of race interruption or cancellation.
Art. 18 DISQUALIFICATIONS AND PENALTIES
Disqualification (with bib withdrawal) applies for:
- missing a checkpoint
- cutting the course
- littering
- failing to assist a runner in difficulty
- insulting or threatening organizers or volunteers
- using transport during the race
- refusing medical or gear checks
- missing headlamp, waterproof jacket, survival blanket, or 1L water capacity
Disqualification can be applied immediately on the course.
A 30-minute penalty applies for:
- missing whistle, GPS device, long-sleeved shirt, trousers covering the knee, hat/bandana, gloves, cup/bottle, or failing to display the bib.
The penalty/disqualification is applied at the point where the infraction is found.
Failure to return the GPS device results in a 150 euro fine.
Art. 19 PRIZES
No cash prizes are provided. Prizes in kind will be awarded to the top 5 men and top 5 women of the 90km, and the top 3 male, top 3 female, and 1st mixed relay teams. Every finisher within the time limit receives a Finisher gadget. Awards take place at 10:00 PM on Saturday, July 25 in Caspoggio. Prizes will not be sent or delivered in advance.
Art. 20 IMAGE RIGHTS
By registering, competitors authorize the organization to use, free of charge and without limit, still and moving images of them during the Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail.
Art. 21 ACCEPTANCE OF REGULATION
Voluntary registration and subsequent participation indicate full acceptance of these regulations and any changes made. By registering, the participant exempts the organizers from any liability, civil or criminal, for damage to persons and/or property caused by or to them.
