100 Miglia Monviso kicks off on August 19 2022

One year after the first edition of the 100 Miglia Monviso, organizers have reintroduced the event with three-race dedicated entirely to mountain running, a discipline particularly cherished among the peaks of the Cuneo province. We are located in an area that has already been organizing historic trail running competitions for years, and about it, the organizing committee comments: “That’s why we decided to go beyond ourselves and build races that alternate running routes characterized by wide views with striking, steep and challenging passages.” Before telling about all the people, activities and strong passion behind the organization of the event, I would like to introduce the three races and their most interesting info.

100 Miglia Monviso

Covers 160 km and includes 8000 meters of positive elevation gain. The start is set in the center of Saluzzo, then the route descends into the Bronda Valley and continues with a long traverse leading to high altitude, alternating hills and refuges that host the most enthusiastic spectators. The route will be interspersed with stops and refreshments in villages and hamlets of the Po Valley, extending with a more challenging stretch until it reaches its highest point: 2882 m altitude, over 85km of running. Here, it encounters the first alpine tunnel in history: the Buco di Viso, a 75m tunnel allowing access into France. Afterwards, the race proceeds with 60km immersed in the meadows of the Varaita Valley until returning to the center of Saluzzo.

A race that immediately attracted the attention of athletes from all over the world, involving in its first edition 170 participants from 11 countries; the record to beat is by Paolo Bert, who finished the tour in 23 hours and 46 minutes.

Monviso Trail

A competition for those who like to run surrounded by typical alpine landscapes, the Monviso Trail will be held on Saturday, August 20, starting from Crissolo (1318 m) and will retrace 25,5 km among the trails of the historic Refuges of the Monviso Trail. After the start, continue in the direction of Colle delle Traversette, continue to Rifugio Giacoletti (2730 m) and then descend on the opposite side to Chiaretto Lake. Reaching Rifugio Quintino Sella, you run to Rifugio Alpetto (2268 m, holds the title of first Italian refuge) descending again to Crissolo.

Vertical Race

The last race will be held on Sunday, August 21 in Pontechianale, with 6 km to the summit. A competition that this year managed to involve many registered fans, lovers of vertical challenges.

Organizers, supporters and partners

As the organizing body, we have the Fondazione Amleto Bertoni, with technical advice from Carlo Degiovanni and the Associations Podistica Valle Varaita, Atletica Saluzzo, Podistica Valle Infernotto and Atletica Sanfront. We find the Municipality of Saluzzo, Monviso Park, the Mountain Unions of the Municipalities of Monviso and Varaita Valley, and the Po and Varaita Valley Mountain Catchment Area as promoters, Piedmont Region and ATL of Cuneo as sponsors

“At a time of particular transformation for the world of tourism involving both demand and supply, ATL del Cuneo (the tourism promotion body with jurisdiction over the mountain and lowland territory of the province of Cuneo) actively supports the territory and the organization of outdoor events such as the 100 Miglia Monviso. Events like this represent a significant example of an experience to be lived at 360° in the Cuneo area, in close contact with unspoiled nature, through an integrated approach with the territory, but also performative” comments Mauro Bernardi, president of ATL del Cuneese.

Then he continues, “Monviso, with its iconic image and rocky embrace, will surely amaze and leave its mark on the hearts of participants. A beautiful postcard that will also be promoted through The Pill!”

With this second edition, several opportunities for collaboration have also bloomed. One of these features the Università di Torino, partnering with the event in a study and analysis effort (with support from SUISM, DBIOS and Alp Stream) related to the narrative of care and attention to the mountains and the human/environment relationship even during competitions.

Side events

During the sports weekend there will be a series of side events that will accompany and welcome the athletes along the route, produced in collaboration with Occitamo Festival. Many of the stages will include musical events of different genres, so as to tell the story of the area in which the race is run, the people who live there and the traditions that characterize it. Not only music: during the side events there will be moments of reflection – in collaboration with the greenchainsaw4life project and Walden Srl – on the relationship between the forest, man and the environment with the aim of involving heterogeneous audiences in order to make the Occitan mountain known and told.

If you want to know more about 100 Miglia Monviso and sign up, you can check out this page!