Vertical, trail, or ultra? Trail running season begins
A brief guide for beginner trail runners.
Distances, types of uphill (and downhill), iconic races to participate in. And the choice of SCARPA models to wear.
WHAT IS TRAIL RUNNING?
Definition and terrain
First and foremost, what is trail running technically?
It involves running in natural environments such as deserts, fields, forests, mountains, or beaches, with a minimal amount of asphalt (no more than 20% of the trail).
Key features of the discipline
When people talk about trail running, they usually think of mountains, with their trails and ups and downs. In trail running, runners try to run on the most challenging terrains, ranging from rocky and technical to softer surfaces with mud or snow.
ULTRA TRAIL, FOR THOSE WHO LOVE LONG DISTANCES
Distances and ITRA classification
The rule is simple: if a trail race is longer than a marathon (42.195 kilometers), it becomes an "ultra" race. The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) has attempted to classify these races based on distance:
Between 42 and 69 kilometers: trail ultra medium
Between 70 and 99 kilometers: trail ultra long
Over 100 kilometers: trail ultra xlong
Iconic ultra races
There are even more epic races in the endurance trail category, such as the Tor Des Géants or the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc).
SCARPA shoes for ultra trails
When choosing the right shoe based on distance rather than terrain, SCARPA has created models for top runners seeking trail running shoes for long distances. These models provide maximum cushioning, protection, and support, even on wet and off-road terrains.
For ultra trails, the recommended shoe is the SPIN PLANET, which combines extreme cushioning with a new sustainable concept in Trail Running footwear thanks to its recycled components.
Another iconic model for long distances is the SPIN ULTRA 2, which offers cushioning and responsiveness, making it perfect for training and Ultra Trail races.
VERTICAL, THE POWER OF ADRENALINE ON UPHILL
Vertical kilometer and its variations
After overcoming the challenge of the first race, trail runners will want to experience something new. Those who enjoy fast and intense challenges will be drawn to vertical races, which essentially involve pure uphill routes. Starting from the bottom and reaching the top (then returning calmly or even by other means).
The most famous races are the "vertical kilometers", where participants must complete a vertical kilometer with lethal slopes. The difficulty level can increase with double or triple vertical kilometers, all complicated by the technicality of high mountain terrain.
Famous vertical races
The Fletta Trail in Malonno, which takes place in mid-July, could be an interesting event to experience, as well as the Chiavenna-Lagunc Vertical Kilometer on October 8th, which will also host the finals of the Mountain Running World Cup.
SCARPA shoe for vertical races
In this discipline, shoe cushioning is almost irrelevant; what matters is having grip and responsiveness to jump high rather than far. SCARPA has designed the perfect shoe for this, the SPIN RACE, a lightweight model that guarantees precision and versatility on the most rocky and uneven terrain.
SKY RUNNING, SUPERHEROES RUNNING ALONG THE SKYLINE
What makes skyrunning unique
Lastly, the most spectacular races, at least from a technical standpoint, that a runner can aspire to are skyrunning races, challenges that take place in alpine environments, often at altitudes of up to four thousand meters. These races are extremely technical and involve both uphill and downhill. They are so unique that they have given rise to a separate federation to manage them, the Fisky.
Generally, the race starts from a valley, reaches the summit of a mountain, and returns to the base, often passing through other slopes. The use of upper limbs is the norm, considering that slopes can reach 30%, and runners reach the ridges just centimeters away from sheer drops.
Iconic skyrunning races
The difficulty of these races varies not based on the height of the mountain but on the exposure and technicality of the trails. These challenges should only be undertaken when one is truly prepared.
Sky-marathons represent the most extreme level, titanic feats at high altitudes, with distances even reaching the marathon's 42 kilometers.
The LimoneXtreme, held near Lake Garda at the end of October, stands out as one of the most interesting races and will serve as the final of the Sky-Running World Series.
SCARPA shoes for skyrunning
Wearing the right footwear in cases like these is not a luxury; sometimes, it is a matter of survival. The recommended model is the RIBELLE RUN 2, an iconic trail running shoe designed for this type of competition. It offers precision and adaptability for maximum safety in both uphill and downhill.
