The Saslong Half Marathon takes place against an impressive backdrop. © Newspower.it

The trail runners are already looking towards Val Gardena

The Sassolungo is one of the top addresses for trail running. On Saturday June 10th, the Dolomites Saslong Half Marathon will provide a foretaste of summer on the sunny meadows of Monte Pana in Val Gardena.

31 May 2023

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On the half marathon route you can enjoy a new panorama at every corner and with every change of direction: the Sassolungo group, as well as the Sella group, the Marmolada glacier, the Schlern and the Alpe di Siusi. And that obviously has its charm, because the numbers speak for themselves for itself: The organizing committee ASV Gherdëina Runners gave around 2018 participants the opportunity to run around the Sassolungo at the first edition in 400, and then in the following years increased the maximum number of participants to 600 to guarantee a high quality event that is sold out every time, sometimes several weeks in advance. 5 nations are expected at the 20th edition and the maximum number of participants will be reached this year too.

A large part of the route is already perfectly accessible and will be a pleasure for both professionals and amateur runners. The total altitude difference of 900 meters is limited and is also feasible for athletes who want to try their hand at a trail running event for the first time.

The starting signal for the Saslong Half Marathon will be given on June 10th. © Newspower.it

Ingalena Schömburg-Heuck, former top German runner, winner of the German half marathon title and now nutritionist and running coach, will also be at the start. Also taking part is the experienced Edeltraud Thaler, the well-known South Tyrolean runner from Lana, winner of the South Tyrol Ultra Skyrace and the Maddalene Skymarathon 2021, among others. Alex Oberbacher from Val Gardena, a professional ski mountaineer and two-time Saslong winner, will also be there. Last year he celebrated together with his partner Martina Cumerlato, the women's winner, this year only he will be able to defend his title, because Martina will be at the Mountain and Trail Running World Championships from June 6th to 10th in Innsbruck-Stubai get started. Top athletes such as Daniele Felicetti from Trentino, Lukas Messner from South Tyrol, Luca Clara and Martina Falchetti as well as superstar Benedetta Coliva will also be at the start.

The top men's runners will not exceed one hour and forty minutes, while the best women will aim to run under one hour and fifty minutes. But there are also those who will travel at a leisurely pace on Saturday, June 10th - primarily to enjoy the panorama.