Exceptional conditions at altitude, registrations that continue unabated, athletes already from 28 nations ready to share a unique experience around the Matterhorn. All the conditions are in place for a great second edition of the Matterhorn Ultra Race, scheduled for 21 to 23 July. By now it is only a matter of small details, the team of route setters is at work on the final reconnaissance and design of the final route.
The paths between Italy and Switzerland are ready to welcome hundreds and hundreds of athletes attracted by the beauty of the Matterhorn, always clearly visible along the race routes. Several top runners are set to be protagonists of the 173 kilometres, a tough and demanding race that requires good preparation, physical and mental energy. A high-altitude marathon that involves overcoming more than 12 thousand metres of altitude difference and that has bewitched athletes from Belgium, Cambodia, France, Germany, Japan, Great Britain, Iran, Israel, Nepal, Holland, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Among the women, the spotlight is on the Basque Silvia Trigueros Garrote (winner a year ago), the Italian Lisa Borzani (first in the 100 kilometre race in Courmayeur), the Iranian Mahya Karbalaii and the other Italian Elisabetta Negra. In the men’s sphere, there are many athletes ready to put on a show: Franco Collé wants to redeem himself after his forced retirement in 2022, but in front of him he will have his compatriots Peter Kienzl, Andrea Mattiato, Gianluca Galeati and Andrea Macchi, winner a year ago together with the Canadian – again present – Galen Reynolds. Also at the start are Spaniard Oscar Perez Lopez, Nepalese Sangé Sherpa and Swiss Michaël Nançoz.
The 173-kilometre route is confirmed in its entirety; the Plateau Rosa glacier is in excellent condition and even in the most delicate passages, where mountain guides will be present, safety is guaranteed. Also confirmed are the tracks of the Cervino Matterhorn Ultra Trail, the 55-kilometre race that joins Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt and is part of the TREK+ project of the Interreg Italy-Switzerland cross-border cooperation programme. In addition to the two trials designed to straddle two countries, the organisation has also added a 28-kilometre and a 16-kilometre race, which remain on Italian territory and reach the Teodulo and the Cime Bianche Laghi area as their highest altitude.
On Friday 21 July, at 6 a.m., start of the queen race, the 173 kilometres Cervino Matterhorn Ultra Race; on Saturday 22, again at 6 a.m., start of the 55 kilometres Cervino Matterhorn Ultra Trail, at 7 a.m. it will be the turn of the competitors of Trail 28 and at 8 a.m. those of Trail 16. The winner of CMUR173 is expected around 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, ninety minutes after the arrival of the best of the UTCM55.
New in terms of logistics and headquarters; this year the organisation has centralised everything at the entrance to the pedestrian street of Breuil-Cervinia (church area), where there will be bib distribution, briefings, starts, finishes, massage area, refreshments and prize-giving.
Registrations are still open on Wedosport, but very few bibs remain for the three shorter races, which are now close to being sold out. All registered participants will receive a race pack with a Montura commemorative T-shirt, Nova Argentia mineral salts, water brick provided by Forte di Bard, Radio 105 gadgets, meal voucher and beer and much more. And after the effort, a souvenir medal to the competitors who will conclude the adventure.