Entries officially open on May 1 for the 11th edition of the Valtellina Wine Trail, which takes place on Saturday, November 9, 2024 on winding routes through the steep, terraced vineyards in the province of Sondrio, Northern Italy. In 2023, this trail running weekender clocked a record number of participants – 3,500 in total – which is now the limit for this year’s edition.
Each distance at the Valtellina Wine Trail (“VWT”) has its own entry cap: 1,300 participants for the 13K Sassella Trail, 1,200 for the half marathon, and 1,000 for the full marathon distance. As is custom for the event sponsored by Salumificio Rigamonti, all entrants receive a generous race bag loaded with local delicacies, including a bottle of Valtellina wine.
“The aim is to introduce people to all these great things that come out of our valley,” explains Simone Bertini, race director. “We’re convinced that one of the best ways to get to know a new place is through its flavours. You’ve got to picture each of our three routes as the chance to run through an outdoor museum, where the unique landscape will be stealing the show.”
It’s no surprise to learn that the number of international entries has risen year on year, with 2023 seeing 43 nationalities on the start line, including participants from the United States and Argentina.
It isn’t just the elevated participation numbers that prove that the Valtellina Wine Trail is one of the most popular events in Italy; it’s become a classic season closer for those looking to round off the year at an accessible event that appeals to athletes, foodies, and good-time seekers alike. In classic VWT tradition, the post-race festivities will include fresh dishes of pizzocherie made by hand in the main square and a lively DJ set late into the night.
A key standpoint of the VWT is accessibility and the organisers are committed to removing as many barriers to entry as possible: “Once again we’ll be including our joelette route, which allows wheelchair users and people with disabilities to partake in the event using special off-road chariots on largely the same trails. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the atmosphere. For this reason, we’re also moving the children’s races to Sunday, November 10. We know this will keep the town alive for the entire weekend and get kids excited to share the stage.”
The Students Wine Trail is also still on the schedule. This event, based at the gorgeous Tenuta la Gatta wine estate in Bianzone (part of the 42K route), is intended for secondary school-age teenagers and looks to build on the success of 2023.