While trail running is one of the most popular disciplines, other “lesser-known” mountain running disciplines—such as skyraces and vertical races—are also gaining ground. These are characterized by extremely steep elevation gains and, often, shorter distances.

Summer and the heat lead many runners to prefer dirt trails over asphalt during the months of June, July, and August; for this reason, organizers have filled the gap left by the 21k and 42k races with numerous trail running events, mountain races, sky races, and vertical races… In fact, there are many off-road races during this time of year, and they’re particularly well-attended: they offer a pleasant alternative to the sweltering heat of the cities and the chaos of beaches and lakes, drawing hundreds of enthusiasts into the heart of nature and, perhaps, even leading them to discover beautiful, hidden corners of our peninsula.

This week’s trail running races will actually kick off on Thursday, the 23rd, with two high-profile events: the Cortina Skyrace in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Belluno, a 20k race with 1,000 meters of elevation gain, and the multi-stage Lampedusacorri trail race in the province of Agrigento, a 30k race with no significant elevation gain.

On Friday the 24th, it will be time for the Mont Blanc Vertical km in Chamonix, Aosta—just 3.8 km, but with a 1,000-meter elevation gain—and the Santa Caterina Vertical in Valfurva, Sondrio—3.1 km with a 1-kilometer elevation gain.

Then, on Saturday the 25th, also in Chamonix, the Mont Blanc Trail will take place, featuring a 23k course with 1,665 meters of elevation gain and a 10k course with 325 meters of elevation gain, the Trail Becca di Viou in Valpelline, a 21k race with 1,200m of elevation gain, and the Terminillo Skyrace, a 20k trail running race with 1,641m of elevation gain.

Among the trail running races on Sunday, the 26th, highlights include the Nirvana Raid in Resegone—a 30k race with 2,000m of elevation gain and a 15k race with 1,000m of elevation gain— the Etna Trail in Nicolosi, a 30k race with 1,800m of elevation gain, the Strà Granda Monterosa in Piedimulera, a 30k race with 1,750m of elevation gain, the Montebore Trail in Garbagna, a 26k race with 1,372m of elevation gain and a 12k race with 700m of elevation gain; the Monte ChabertondiCesana Trophy, a 25.5k race with 2,000m of elevation gain; the Trail della Duchessa in Cartore, 24 km with 1,000 m of elevation gain, the Biella Camino Skyrace, 22.7 km with 2,000 m of elevation gain, the Sulle Tracce del Lupo in Guardiagrele, 14.5 km with 1,250 m of elevation gain, andthe Introbio Biandino, in the province of Lecco, 8.2 km with 980 m of elevation gain.
In Aviatico, in the province of Bergamo, it will finally be time for the fourth edition of the “Corsa a Coppie Verso il Cielo,” a 13k race with 500m of elevation gain—a timed trail running race for men’s, women’s, or mixed pairs—that will take competitors from Aviatico to Monte Poieto amid the breathtaking scenery of the Orobic Pre-Alps.