Art. 1 ORGANIZATION
The VUT amateur sports association is organizing the fifth edition of the "Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail" on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 July 2023, a semi-self-sufficiency mountain run with a route in an alpine environment.
Art. 2 GENERAL INFORMATION
The Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail is a race on foot along the paths of the Alta Via della Valmalenco, of about 90 km and 6,000 meters of positive difference in altitude, in semi-self-sufficiency, starting in Chiesa in Valmalenco and arriving in Caspoggio in the maximum time of 24 hours.
The organization is affiliated to the sports promotion body CSEN.
Each runner must make sure that, at the start from each refreshment point, he has the quantity of water and the food supply necessary to reach the next refreshment point.
Art. 3 PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
To participate in the race you need experience in the mountains, lack of vertigo, excellent training, suitable clothing for a temperature that can range from -5 to +30 degrees.
For the individual event, when registering, the athlete must provide a personal sporting curriculum that demonstrates long-distance mountain terrain experience.
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 track.
Art. 4 REGISTRATION
a) Enrollment requirements
The event is open to all adult athletes in good standing for the current year with membership in a sports promotion body (Csen, Csi, Uisp, Libertas…) or Fidal or to Mountain & Trail owners RunCard or RunCard.
Foreign athletes will be able to participate in the competition if they are already registered with their own athletics federation. Otherwise, for insurance reasons, they will be CSEN members by producing a copy of their medical examination of suitability for sporting practice or by self-certifying their possession (if foreigners) in accordance with current Italian legislation.
Copy of the valid medical certificate or substitute declaration, if not delivered at the time of registration, it must be delivered to the collection of the bib together with the signed declaration of responsibility (you will find it at the collection of the bibs)
b) How to register
Registrations will open on 16 January 2023 and will close on 19 July 2023, unless the maximum number of subscribers is reached.
The maximum number of entries is 250 for the individual event, and 80 teams for the relay event.
Entries must be made according to the methods indicated on the ultravalmalenco.com website
Those who will not be deemed suitable for participation will receive an e-mail from the organization.
c) Membership fees
Individual test
90.00 euros
The registration fee includes:
- race bib
- refreshments along the route
- race pack
- post-race meal
- gadgets for the finishers
Try relay
120.00 euros per team
The registration fee includes:
- race bib
- refreshments along the course
- race pack
- post-race meal
- gadgets for the finishers
d) Methods of payment
The registration fee must be paid by credit card or bank transfer, according to the methods indicated on the endu website.
e) Cancellation
In case of impossibility to participate, the request for cancellation of registration must be communicated via e-mail to iscrizioni@ultravalmalenco.com .
The following refund methods are envisaged:
- refund of 70% of the fee if the cancellation is requested by July 15th
- no refund if the cancellation is requested after July 15th
The refund of the fee will be made within one month of the end of the competition.
The transfer of the bib can be authorized - at the discretion of the race direction - up to a week before the event, upon payment of 10 euros for secretarial expenses.
In case of cancellation of the race due to force majeure, the registration will be moved to the next edition, no refund will be due to the participants.
Art. 5 MEDICAL CERTIFICATION
Italian athletes (even those residing abroad) must send a copy of the competitive medical certificate valid on the days of the race at the time of registration, or present it when collecting the bib number. Otherwise the registration will be canceled and no refund will be due to the competitor.
For Italian athletes, only the certificate of suitability for competitive sporting activity (ex art. 5 - DM 18/2/82) - yellow form - or equivalent certification for which all the diagnostic protocols envisaged for the same have been performed decree - blank form.
Foreign athletes will be able to participate in the competition if they are already registered with their own athletics federation. Otherwise, for insurance reasons, they will be CSEN members, producing a copy of their medical examination of suitability for sporting practice or self-certifying their possession (if foreigners) in accordance with current Italian legislation.
Copy of the valid medical certificate or substitute declaration, if not delivered at the time of registration, it must be delivered to the collection of the bib together with the signed declaration of responsibility (you will find it at the collection of the bibs)
Art. 6 BIB AND RACE PACK COLLECTION
Art. 7 DECLARATION OF LIABILITY
The declaration of liability release must be signed by each individual athlete at the race office in front of the organization staff. Signed releases will not be accepted.
Art. 8 MANDATORY MATERIAL
It is mandatory to have the following material with you for the entire duration of the race:
- camelbag or bottle cage that contains at least one liter of liquids
- clearly visible race bib for the entire duration of the race
- gps device that will be delivered by the organization
- survival sheet
- whistle
- mobile phone on with ringtone activated
- waterproof windbreaker with hood (Goretex or similar recommended material)
- long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt with sleeves
- microfleece or equivalent with long sleeves
- long trousers or trousers that cover at least the knee
- hat or bandana
- gloves
- working headlamp with sufficient charge for at least 12 hours
- cup, glass or water bottle (no glass at the refreshment points)
- suitable footwear
The obligatory material can be worn or placed inside the race backpack.
The organizing committee reserves the right to check the obligatory material when picking up the bib, during the course of the competition or immediately after crossing the finish line.
RECOMMENDED MATERIAL:
It is recommended to have the following material with you:
- waterproof trousers
- energy bars or solid food
- a little money for the possible purchase of foodstuffs at the shelters
- elastic bandage for bandages
The use of sticks is permitted.
Art. 9 MAXIMUM TIME, GATES, TIMETABLES, WITHDRAWALS
The maximum time to reach the finish line is 25 hours (by 11.00 pm on Saturday). There is a "broom service" which will travel the route following the last competitor, in order to be of help to those withdrawn and to prevent any injured people from being left without assistance.
Three time gates will be set up, where there will be a shuttle for latecomers to return to the arrival area:
- Chiareggio (33 km) by 7:00 on Saturday (9 hours of competition)
- Alpe Musella (53 km) by 12:00 on Saturday (14 hours of competition)
- Rifugio Zoia (75 km) by 17:30 on Saturday (19 hours 30 minutes of competition)
Competitors who do not arrive within the pre-established time limits will be stopped and will not be able to continue the race, and will have to hand over the bibs to the staff present on the route, and will have to go to the race village for the delivery of the gps.
To protect the health of the participants, the medical personnel present at the checkpoints or along the route are authorized to stop the competitor who will not be judged fit to continue the race. In this case the competitor must follow the instructions of the medical personnel, under penalty of immediate disqualification.
Competitors who arrive at the time gates after the maximum time, those who will be judged by the medical staff as unfit to continue the race, and the other athletes who want to withdraw voluntarily, will be able to use a shuttle service at Chiareggio and the parking lot of the Zoia refuge. It is possible that, for logistical reasons, withdrawn competitors may have to wait a while before being brought back to the finish area. Each competitor who withdraws from the race outside the pre-established points must immediately communicate his withdrawal via text message or telephone call to the number indicated by the organization and autonomously arrange for his return to Caspoggio.
In the event that the withdrawn athlete wishes to request transport for the return outside the pre-established points, if deemed possible the organization can offer - at the expense of the athlete - the service using the means available (shuttles or helicopter ).
The means of the organization, not being adequately equipped, cannot intervene in the event of aid to the athlete who may need medical treatment. In that case, the intervention of the official medical aid will be necessary.
Art. 10 RESTAURANTS
You run in semi-self-sufficiency with the requirement of a water supply of at least one litre. There are 11 refreshment points along the route:
- Bosio
refuge - Ventina / Gerli-Porro
refuge - Longoni
refuge - Lago Palù
refuge - Mitta refuge / Alpe Musella
- Marinelli
refuge - Carate
refuge - Bignami
refuge - Zoia
refuge - Cà Runcasch
refuge - Cristina refuge
Only competitors with clearly visible bibs have access to the refreshment point.
Food and drink from the refreshment area must be consumed on site; it is forbidden to drink directly from refreshment bottles; waste must be thrown in the appropriate containers.
At the start of each refreshment point, the runners must have the quantity of water and food necessary to reach the next refreshment point.
Upon arrival there will be an additional liquid refreshment; furthermore, each participant will be able to consume a hot meal at the structures set up at the finish line at the Caspoggio sports centre: to access it, it is necessary to show the meal voucher.
Along the way there are several streams and fountains where it is possible to stock up on water. For the entire duration of the competition it is possible to take advantage of the alpine huts along the route. Any purchase of extra food or drinks in the refuges is the responsibility of the competitor.
Art. 11 ASSISTANCE DURING THE RACE
Assistance to athletes by family members or teams is only possible in the refreshment points.
Accompanying the race is prohibited.
Art. 12 DEPOSIT OF BAGS
The bags intended for the change in Chiareggio and for the arrival in Caspoggio can be delivered during the bib collection phase, or from 8pm at the start.
Changing rooms and bag storage will be available from 7pm on Friday in the facilities set up at the finish line at the Caspoggio sports centre. The bags can be collected no later than midnight on Saturday, upon presentation of the race bib. It is recommended not to put valuables in the bags; in any case, the organization is not responsible for any theft, loss or damage to the bags or their contents.
Art. 13 DEPARTURE
Competitors must present themselves at the departure point in Chiesa in Valmalenco by 8.30 pm. At 22.00 the start will be given.
Art. 14 ROUTE
The Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail is classified with a red dot: EE itinerary for expert hikers. Itinerary that requires the ability to move on particular terrains, impervious or treacherous tracks or paths (slopes with rocky or detrital outcrops), sometimes exposed.
The route of the Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail follows the following itinerary:
Chiesa in Valmalenco, Vassalini, Torre Santa Maria, Ciappanico, Alpe Son, Cometti Refuge at Alpe Piasci, Bosio Refuge, Alpe Mastabbia, Alpe Lago, Alpe Pirlo, Alpe Pradaccio, Laghetti Sassersa, Ventina Pass, Ventina Refuge, Gerli Porro Refuge, Chiareggio, Alpe Fora, Longoni refuge, Alpe Entova, Alpe Paluetto, Palù refuge, Bocchel del Torno, Alpe Campascio, Musella refuge and Mitta refuge, Scerscen valley, Marinelli refuge, Bocchetta Forbici, Carate refuge, Bocchetta di Fellaria, Bignami refuge, Campo Moro, Zoia refuge, Cà Runcasc refuge, Cristina refuge, Alpe Acquanera, Piazzo Cavalli, Caspoggio.
In the event of bad weather or one or more paths being impracticable, alternative routes are planned which will be presented at the pre-race briefing before departure.
The kilometers are not marked. Competitors must strictly respect the marked race route, avoiding taking shortcuts or cutting sections of the track. The removal from the official route, in addition to involving disqualification from the order of arrival, will take place at the competitor's exclusive risk.
The distances of the relay event:
1st relay: 33 km 2896 D+
2nd relay: 40 km 3326 D+
3rd relay: 15.5 km 545 D+
Transition areas:
1st transition Chiareggio, km 33
2nd transition Rifugio Zoia, km 73
Relay runners at the exchange must obligatorily pass the GPS tracking device provided by the organization.
Art. 15 SECURITY AND CONTROL
An emergency call point is established in the most significant points identified by the organization and in any case in correspondence with the refreshment points. A rescue staff will be present in the finish area. The aid posts are intended to bring assistance to all people in danger with the organization's own means or through affiliated bodies. The official doctors are authorized to suspend competitors judged unfit to continue the race. The rescuers are authorized to evacuate the runners judged in danger with the means deemed suitable. In case of need, for reasons that are in the interest of the rescued person, in the opinion of the organization and of the health personnel, the official rescue will be called upon, which will take over the direction of operations and will implement all the appropriate means, including the helicopter. Any expenses deriving from the use of exceptional means (helicopter) will be borne by the rescued person according to the regulations in force. A runner who appeals to a doctor or rescuer submits to his authority and undertakes to respect his decisions.
Article 16 ENVIRONMENT
The race takes place in natural mountain environments with delicate ecosystems located within protected SIC and SPA areas. Competitors must behave in an environmentally friendly manner, avoiding littering, picking flowers or disturbing wildlife. Anyone caught abandoning waste along the way will be disqualified from the race and will incur any penalties provided for by municipal regulations. To reduce the environmental impact, glasses will not be provided at the refreshment points. Each competitor must bring a glass or water bottle with them to fill up at the refreshment points.
Article 17 WEATHER
In the event of significant weather phenomena (thick fog, blizzards, heavy thunderstorms), the organization reserves the right to make changes to the route, even at the last minute or during the course of the race, in order to eliminate potential dangers or conditions of severe discomfort for the participants. Any changes will be communicated to the participants and reported by the staff. The organization also reserves the right to suspend or cancel the race in the event that the weather conditions put the safety of the participants, volunteers or rescuers at risk.
In case of interruption or cancellation of the race, no refund will be due to the participants.
Art. 18 DISQUALIFICATIONS AND PENALTIES
There will be disqualification, with withdrawal of the race bib, for the following infractions:
- failure to pass through a control point
- cutting off the race course
- abandoning waste on the course
- failure to help a competitor in difficulty
- insults or threats to organizers or volunteers
- use of means of transport in the race
- refusal to submit to medical personnel checks on the route
- refusal to submit to mandatory equipment checks
- lack of headlamp, wind jacket, thermal towel, container for 1 liter of liquids
The disqualification can also be applied immediately on the course.
A 30-minute penalty is foreseen for the following infractions:
- lack of whistle, gps provided by the organization, long-sleeved shirt, trousers that cover at least the knee, hat or bandana, gloves, glass or water bottle, failure to display the race bib .
The disqualification will be applied immediately, at the point where the possible infraction will be ascertained.
Failure to return the GPS device to the organization will result in a fine of 150 euros.
Art. 19 AWARDS
There are no cash prizes. Prizes in kind will be awarded to the top 5 men and top 5 women. Each competitor who has completed the race within the maximum time will be given a Finisher gadget. The awards will take place at 10pm on Saturday in Caspoggio. Prizes will not be pre-delivered or mailed under any circumstances.
Art. 20 IMAGE RIGHTS
By registering, the competitors authorize the organization to use free of charge, without any limit, still and moving images that portray them during their participation in the Valmalenco UltraDistance Trail.
Art. 21 DECLARATION OF LIABILITY
Voluntary registration and subsequent participation in the race indicate full acceptance of these regulations and any changes made. By registering, the participant releases the organizers from any liability, both civil and criminal, for damage to persons and/or things caused by or derived from him.
