The countdown to April 2nd is on, the day in which the UltraTrail on the wine trails of theCinque Terre, with start and finish in Monterosso, will be held.
From the United States Sally McRae, Jenn Shelton and Connie Gardner: 3 running icons will take on the challenge of our centuries-old stairs.
Not only running…at the Sciacchetrail Outdoor & Family Village open from Saturday, April 1st to Sunday, April 2nd in the village of Monterosso with activities for kids and families.
(ASD Cinque Terre, Manarola 11 March 2017) Sunday, April 2nd 2017, the appointment with Sciacchetrail returns to Monterosso, the UISP trail running race dedicated to the trails of the Cinque Terre and their symbol: the passito wine Sciacchetrà.
Long awaited by runners from all over the world and the local community that started this competition to open the tourist season because of its capacity to synthesize the peculiarities of the territory in a single event: winemaking culture, creativity, testing limits and quality landscape and hospitality.
Now in its third edition, Sciacchetrail, 47 km with 2600 meters of positive elevation gain, within the ITRA circuit, presents itself in all its beauty and harshness. Centuries-old trails with frequent changes of scenery through villages, sanctuaries, mediterranean scrub, terraced vineyards and breathtaking ascents and descents from the sea to the mountains.
Characteristics that have attracted the attention of ultra runners the likes of Sally McRae (Nike), Jenn Shelton (Patagonia) and Connie Gardner, USATF member and coach, all in arrival from the USA to compete in the race. Jenn and Connie will also coach a trail camp organized by International Running Company in the Cinque Terre the days preceding the race. Three paradigmatic figures in running and in life who, this year, will battle thousands of ancient steps.
In addition to the thrill of running alongside these three women of steel, not to be missed, this year, the Sciacchetrail Outdoor & Family Village, which will be open for 2 days starting from Saturday, April 1st, in Monterosso.
ASD Cinque Terre and Cinque Terre Trekking organizers of the event, in collaboration with Pro Loco Monterosso, Consorzio Cinque Terre and Consorzio In Manarola, are preparing a festival for the 300 runners and for all lovers of sport, young and old.
Besides the usual tribute to wine and the winemakers of the Cinque Terre, with the VinVagando Preview, music and local specialties, the village will host a “sea view” outdoor village along its streets and squares where visitors can experience free of charge, a diverse range of disciplines, in the presence of expert instructors and technical materials provided by the race sponsors; climbing, skateboard, slackline, yoga and kid’s yoga, nordic walking, trail shoe test, ebikes, and the challenge of the Sciacchetrail table boulder. And, naturally, the MiniSciacchetrail of Saturday. (go to the complete program)
This year, simultaneously with the race, CAI La Spezia organizes the Sciacchetrail Walk e Wine, excursion with start in Vernazza, on trails n. 582 e 591 from the Sanctuary of Reggio to the Sanctuary of Soviore, where there will be a snack of focaccia and wine, then arrival in Monterosso, with lunch at the gargantuan pasta party in the seaside event tent in Piazza Belvedere. Information and excursion reservations: telephone 0187 22873 | e-mail: cailaspezia@libero.it
In short, a big party involving hundreds of volunteers eager to bring to life for all the participants an authentic experience with the community of the Cinque Terre and with the grand heritage that they guard.
Also this year Sciacchetrail has received the patronage of the UNESCO National Commission, a prestigious recognition that joins those of the Region of Liguria, the Cinque Terre National Park, and the municipalities of Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Monterosso.
Cover: Jenn Shelton – photo from Patagonia website