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Tuscany Crossing Val d'Orcia

17-Apr-2020 Castiglione d'Orcia, Siena, Italy

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2 REVIEWS

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Mountains Race Race Terrain

161KM / 100Miles
2 Days - 600 Runners

Alternate Distances: 103KM/64M 52KM/33M 15KM/9M

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Intermediate

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Running 100 miles in the Tuscany of your dreams. The Valdorcia has been a UNESCO natural, cultural and artistic park since 2004, a territory shaped over the centuries by man.

The organizers in designing the route thought about the journey of the wayfarers and pilgrims who have crossed this land on foot for centuries. Running here, in these lands, will be like being one of the "wayfarers of a time that was" a daydream.

The roads and paths are the great roads that, in Roman times, linked Rome to the other side of the Alps, the Romea, the Cassia, the Francigena. Traveled by Sigerico Archbishop of Canterbury and many illustrious wayfarers, warriors, saints and brigands, the fortifications, castles and medieval parishes still present in the area bear witness to this.

Leaving in the afternoon to meet the magical night of the valley, passing through magnificent medieval villages on the Via Francigena, will be an experience that will remain in your heart, the challenge is to finish it in 24 hours before you drop the second night, but even if you finish it in 34 hours your name will be imprinted in history...

Event Organiser
Roberto Amaddii

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Tuscany Crossing Val d'Orcia

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Orange

05:37 08-05-16

This race was all I expected and more. The course was beautiful even, or because of, the varied weather that included sunshine and thunderstorms. The race certainly churned up a good part of the first half of the course, leading to thick clinging clay tripling the weight of your shoes as it tried to suck them off your feet. Similar showers later in the race though were welcome and refreshing, though certainly cold.

The second half of the race is where the serious hills started. Do not expect a negative split! The reward at many of the hilltops was a run through a maze of tiny Tuscan streets; a tourist tour to the most inaccessible places, right past people's doors and through their courtyards. Back out in the countryside and the classic 'painterly' views continued uninterrupted.

Castiglione d'Orcia, the start and finish for the 103km race (53 and 15km also available) finally came into view amidst the mist of the final hilltop. A sub 14.5 hour finish for me placed me just in the top 25% and let me beat the dusk. My head torch remained in my pack where it had been since dawn broke an hour into the run. Other runners continued to come in up until the 24 hour cut-off.

Checkpoints with a variety of drinks, fruit, bread, meat, cheese and even beer and wine were every 15km or so and a block of cheese and bottle of Montalcino wine (branded Tuscany Crossing) were even part of the race-bag, along with a technical t-shirt and buff. Volunteers at each stop were friendly and helpful; locals were supportive and encouraging. The medal was a terracotta tile inscribed with the race distance. I must also praise the course marking. The was THE BEST marked ultra course I have ever been on. Marker ribbons were permanently in sight. Lengths of tape prevented any wrong turns. It was impossible to go wrong.

This race was a magnificent event. Don't expect a fast time but do expect a great challenge and a feast for the eyes (and stomach). Thank you Tuscany.

Shani

09:35 12-04-15

Great trail, lovely scenery, very well organised - recommend this one!

Tuscany Crossing Val d'Orcia