History

The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon – the most emblematic race in the history of skyrunning that summited the 4,554m of Monte Rosa in the Italian Alps on July 4, 1993, remains an icon.

This is where the sport has its roots and it was here that after the first ascent record in 1989 by Italian Marino Giacometti in 3h57”, that the first skyrunning races were launched in the ‘90’s to become a global reality across five continents with more than 450,000 participants from  90 countries.

After four glorious editions of the race, the individual records, set in 1994 by Italians Fabio Meraldi and Gisella Bendotti, still stand: 4h24’27” and 5h34’40” respectively.

Since 2018 a new format has been introduced but with the same spirit as the first pioneers – racing in teams of two, roped together for safety. Add the new Monte Rosa SkySummit ascent and the single and double Vertical Kilometers – Monte Rosa now counts four competitions –  looking to the future but with their roots, firmly in the past.