The new Monte Rosa Vertical is open also to hikers. 1,150m uphill only, is a tough challenge for everyone. ©iancorless.com
Just when the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon entries are about to close, a new event joins Europe’s highest race. Open to two categories, runners and hikers, the Monte Rosa Vertical will take place on Sunday, June 18, 2023.
The new course ascends the first sections of the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon from Alagna to the Pianalunga cable car station, where it takes on the steep climb of the new ski slope. The course is 5 km long with 1,150m vertical climb, topping out at the Bocchetta delle Pisse at 2,396m altitude.
The runners category will start at 10 am on Sunday, June 18, to battle on this uphill only course for the €1,000 prize money, while the hikers will enjoy the spectacular views of Monte Rosa with more ease, thanks to the early start at 9.30 am.
The event will see a new cooperation with amputee athletes, part of the
AMA-bilmente programme that will attempt the Monte Rosa ascent the week prior to the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon. On Sunday, June 18, the group will also cover the Monte Rosa Vertical course to reach the Bocchetta delle Pisse together with the other participants, in time to share lunch and celebrate at the prize giving ceremony at the Rifugio Alpen Stop, at the Pianalunga cable car station.
Entries for runners and hikers will open on March 20 at €25, including a race bag and lunch, until May 31 or until the maximum quota of 200 entrants is reached. After June 1, the price will be €30.
Entries for the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon will close on March 31, while entries for the AMA VK2, the double Vertical Kilometer® on June 17, will close on June 15.