Several champions of trail running, mountain running, and skyrunning have chosen the Tuscan event to test their fitness level.
On Sunday, February 12th, races will take place across three distances: 45, 24, and 14 km.
Surrounding the race, there is a rich program of initiatives, including the “Winery Visit” and the “Brace Pasta Party,” catering to vegetarians and vegans as well.
MONTALCINO – Ten days to go and it will be Brunello Crossing. The sixth edition of the trail amidst the hills of the Val d’Orcia, scheduled for Sunday, February 12th, with start and finish in the heart of Montalcino (SI), confirms itself once again as a destination for several members of the Italian national teams of trail running, mountain running, and skyrunning. Spectacle and emotions, therefore, will not be lacking, not only in the race for the podium. The Tuscan event, organized by Asd Montalcino Trail with the support of the Municipal Administration and the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino, has become, year after year, a reference point and meeting place for all off-road running enthusiasts, thanks to technical yet spectacular routes, services for athletes, and initiatives surrounding the event.
DISTANCES AND ROUTES – The 6th Brunello Crossing, as tradition dictates, includes three competitive events: the 45km Banfi Trophy D+ 1,820m+, the 24km Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona Trophy 1,050m D+, and the 14km Barbi Trophy 634m D+. Waiting for the participants in all three races are white roads and trails winding through a territory, that of the Val d’Orcia, appreciated and envied worldwide. It will be easy to get lost in breathtaking views, among the vineyards and in the presence of the Tuscan hills, villages, castles, and abbeys.
In addition to the three races, on the same morning, there will be the Brunello Crossing – Walk & Nordic Walking, a 13 km walk that will allow even those who want to enjoy the beauty of the territory to forget about speed and the stopwatch.
TOP RUNNERS – Davide Cheraz and Julia Kessler, winners of the 5th Brunello Crossing in the 45 km category, have once again chosen the Tuscan race to test their form ahead of international events. But they are not alone: there are indeed several top runners featured in a starting list that will surely be enriched with other important protagonists by February 12.
To confirm their place on the top step of the podium in the longest race (45 km), the runner from Aosta and the one from South Tyrol will have to compete with other absolute protagonists of trail running, mountain running, and skyrunning. Among them, Andreas Reiterer, who comes strong with the bronze medal at the World Championships and the tricolor championship in long-distance trail running won in 2022, Simone Corsini, 5th at the Tor des Géants of 330 km in 2021 and 1st at the Gran Trail di Courmayeur 100 km in 2022, Matteo Lucchese, who returns to Montalcino after dominating the 45 km race in 2018, and Roberto Gheduzzi, who extends the distance after winning the Brunello Crossing 24 km last year. Among the women, Kessler, Italian long-distance trail champion in 2022, will find high-level opponents such as Marina Cugnetto, who boasts, among others, third place at the UltraDolomites.
In the 24 km competition, attention will be focused on Giacomo Forconi, strong from several significant placements in 2022, including victory at the Arezzo Wild Trail and 5th place at the Lavaredo Ultratrail by UTMB – Cortina Trail, and on the Turin-based runner Camilla Magliano, third last year in the Montemuro Vertical, in Castro Daire in Portugal, valid as the second mountain running trial.
A NEW TEAM IS BORN – The 6th Brunello Crossing will baptize a new team: Reiterer, Cheraz, Kessler, and Magliano will present themselves at the start of the race with a new “jersey”. However, the name, aspects, and news about the newborn team will only be known in the days following the competition when it will be officially presented to the press. Simona Morbelli will also be present in Montalcino, engaged in a managerial role in this new adventure.
RUNNING WITH YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND – This year it will be possible to participate in all three competitive distances and in the Walk & Nordic Walking of the Brunello Crossing with your own dog. One but fundamental rule to respect: the animal, for the entire duration of the competition, must be kept on a leash (non-extensible). Furthermore, the departure of the runner-dog pairs will take place at the end of the grid, and the owner will be responsible for the conduct of the animal.
BEYOND THE RACE – The organizers have developed a rich program of initiatives around the race, aimed at introducing athletes and their families to the territory through the products that have made it famous worldwide. Among the events not to be missed are certainly the “Brace Pasta Party”, with Tuscan meats grilled on the spot but also dishes for vegetarians and vegans, and the “Visite in cantine”, with three different programs to taste the local wines accompanied by typical products.
REGISTRATIONS AND SERVICES FOR RUNNERS
Registrations for all three races will close upon reaching 400 entries to ensure a better service for all athletes.
For all registered participants, it will be possible to sleep independently and free of charge at the Municipal Gymnasium in Montalcino (to take advantage of the service, it is necessary to send an email to info@brunellocrossing.it with the subject: sleep independently. Limited places to 50).
A special tribute is also reserved for all those who have participated in all previous editions, regardless of the distance completed: they will be given a Decanter Vinocchio, an elegant and special container similar to a glass or crystal ampoule.
Registrations on the event website: www.brunellocrossing.it