Val Gardena will host the first edition of an important event on 9 June, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomites.
The Dolomites Saslong Half-Marathon (21 Km) is a circuit around the Sassolungo massif featuring a total elevation gain of approximately 900 metres.
The route winds its way across rocky and gravelly trails and dirt roads. The participants start from 1,624 metres, while the highest point of their journey is 2,363 metres a.s.l., surrounded by the indescribably beautiful landscape of the Sella, the Marmolada, the Alpe di Siusi, and the Sciliar.
Runners will start from picturesque Monte Pana. They’ll face the first climb to the famous Emilio Comici hut; then continue at an average altitude ranging between 2,200 and 2,300 m a.s.l. through the legendary City of Stones and its numerous rocky boulders. The next stop is Passo Sella and its breathtaking view across the Marmolada glacier, Queen of the Dolomites, to then reach the renowned Sasso Piatto hut. A descent now awaits the runners who will make their way back to Monte Pana.
Everyone who’s 18 or older before the day of the race can participate. All Italian citizens must have a valid sports medical certificate for athletics issued by a recognised sports doctor. Participants have 4 hours to complete the Saslong Half-Marathon.
To sign up, visit the website.
Early bird rates are €35 until 31 May 2018 and regular rates are €45 from 1 June 2018. The registration fee includes a half-marathon goodie bag, participation medal for classified runners, 1 beverage and 1 meal in the arrival area, snacks along the route, free parking.
Prizes: a 2-night stay for two people at the Grones Hotel in Ortisei, the Beludei Hotel in S. Cristina, the Genziana Hotel in Selva, as well as Under Armour products and much more.
The Sassolungo Group is located between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa. It’s surrounded by the Sella Massif, the Sciliar, and the Catinaccio Group. It’s Val Gardena’s symbol. The mountain features summits that stretch across approximately one kilometre from the northwest to the southeast. The Group consists of the Sassolungo (3,181 m) – the highest peak; the Spallone del Sassolungo (3,081 m), the Punta delle cinque dita (2,996 m), the Sasso Levante (3,126 m), the Torre Innerkofler (3,081 m), the Dente (2,825 m) and the Sasso Piatto (2969 m).
A massif which is unique in the whole world, its location 230 million years ago was occupied by a tropical coral reef.
A majestic and unique natural landscape for a race which seeks to become a recurring event for all uphill race fans.
INFO: Val Gardena
Dolomites Saslong Half-Marathon
The 22nd edition of the Südtirol Gardenissima, the world’s longest giant slalom, delivered thrills and spills aplenty as it brought the Alpine skiing season to a fittingly exciting close today. The stunning backdrop of the Dolomites, the sunny day and the perfect snowconditions helped boost the already-spectacular performances of the athletes as they started their descent from the top of Monte Seceda and then shot down the to the finish-line at Col Raiser, through 117 gates.
The fastest of the 650 participants was the italian Christof Innerhofer who stopped the clock in 3’32.70. Behind him was Daniel Hemetsberger with 3’33.91, while Alexander Prast finished third in a time of 3’36.98.
The women athletes delivered equally impressive performances with Nicol Delago proving exceptionally skilled at weaving in and out of the gates, to make it first across the line in a time of 3’44.09 . Federica Brignone could not catch Delago, however, and finished second, 3″05 behind her. The bottom step of the ladies’ podium went to the 4times “Gardenissima”-winner Verena Stuffer who crossed the line in a time of 3’46.00 .
There was great applause and cheering from the crowd for the large group of Ski Legends as they completed their descent. First of the former champions to cross the line in this special category was Federico Vanz with a time of 3’46.07. He was 1″27 faster than Jonas Senoner and Federico Vanz. The first of the women to finish was Regina Haeusl, from Germany, who triumphed in style over Paola Magoni and Daniela Zini.
Delivering its usual magical mix of music, sport and fun, the Gardenissima once again proved a truly fantastic festival of snow, drawing in and involving everyone from amateur to professional skiers as well as promising young talents and families. And of course, a large group of very appreciative spectators.
Südtirol Gardenissima 2018 22° Edition – Val Gardena (BZ)
Men’s classification:
1. Christof Innerhofer (ITA) 3’32.70
2. Daniel Hemetsberger (AUT) 3’33.91
3. Alexander Prast (ITA) 3’36.98
4. Alex Hofer (ITA) 3’37.38
5. Mattia Casse (ITA) 3’37.90
Women’s classification:
1. Nicol Delago (ITA) 3’44.09
2. Federica Brignone (ITA) 3’45.23
3. Verena Stuffer (ITA) 3’46.00
4. Nadia Delago (ITA) 3’48.81
5. Angelica Simari Birkner (ARG) 4’02.04
For further information: Südtirol Gardenissima
Val Gardena
Becoming a King has never been so easy and fun, since you can sign up for King of Dolomites, the photo contest about freeride on the Dolomites taking place in San Martino di Castrozza, in Trentino.
King of Dolomites is the great event taking place since 2013 in Trentino, on the Dolomites, joined by freeride and photography lovers and making the Dolomites protagonists of amazing pictures of landscape and action.
To take part in the contest you have 2 options: you can participate in the open category with a team of maximum 3 people and take your pictures on the 2nd and 3rd of march shooting reeriders in action on the Dolomites.
The other option is to compete for the pro category. In this case, you have to follow 3 steps: take freeride pictures from the 1st of January to the 24th of February reporting name of photographer and rider and the place where you took the shot. You can also use old pics but one must have been taken this year. Then post the pictures on Instagram with the hashtag #KOD2018 and #KOD2018QS and send the best 3 of them via WeTransfer. Wait for the committee’s verdict: the winner will have the chance to take part in the Grand Finale as a pro team. One fundamental rule is that photos must have been taken on the Dolomites, but that will be very easy on the magic Pale di San Martino.
Even if you don’t take part in the contest, you shouldn’t miss the King of Dolomites’ days, from the 1st to the 4th of March, with many events like the Friday’s party and the Arc’teryx KOD test village on the Alpe Tognola, in the skiarea San Martino di Castrozza – Passo Rolle, on Saturday and Sunday. During the weekend it will be also possible to see stunning pictures of the King of Dolomites’ past editions. The event will be closed on Sunday, the 4th of march with a prize-giving ceremony in the center of San Martino di Castrozza and the name of the new King of Dolomites.
INFO: King of Dolomites
Apt San Martino di Castrozza – Passo Rolle
