The altitude profile of the race and the route map.
For an interactive consultation, explore the route on the Trace de trail website by clicking on the images.
Touch the sky by running up to 3560m in front of the Mont Blanc
Download the race track in GPX format
The sports competition regulations outline the ethics, relationships, rights, duties and behaviors that the athlete must respect. Anyone who participates as an athlete, organizer, volunteer, sponsor, patron or for any other reason, undertakes to observe these regulations, which are signed at the time of joining.
The organizer and sole person in charge of the event is TRAIL MOUNTAIN ASD, which is based in via De La Chapelle 28, Verrand (Prè Saint Didier- AO).
The event is organized with the patronage of the Municipality of Courmayeur and in collaboration with other associations present in the area.
VERTICAL COURMAYEUR MONT BLANC VK2 is a partially self-sufficiency VERTICAL - RACE and it is organized by TRAIL MOUNTAIN ASD, with the patronage of the municipality of Courmayeur and in collaboration with local institutions, sponsors and partners.
The Athletes, volunteers,organization and its partners share the same principles and values:
EQUITY
Rules valid and applied to everyone
RISPETTO FOR PEOPLE
PROTECT THE ENVIROMENT
VERTICAL COURMAYEUR MONT BLANC VK2 adheres to the campaign: "I DON'T THROW MY WASTE", promoted by Spirito Trail and aimed at all trailer runners, athletes and organizers, to protect the environment.
TRACK
The start of the race will be from the private square of the local RENTAL SKI 4810 GRIVEL, Via Delle FORGES, 3 DOLONNE (Courmayeur). After about 100 meters, in the direction of La Villette, you will enter Via Dello Stadio, at the bridge crossing the Dora Baltea turn left into Via Val Veny towards Larzey, turn right downhill for a hundred meters until you cross the Dora Baltea and go again up to the Larzey Entreves municipal road. Continue towards Entreves for about 1 km, turn left into via Padri Somaschi. After 200 meters turn right on the sidewalk that runs along the main road to the Mont Blanc tunnel, keep right passing through a farm road, you will reach an underpass that leads to the square of the Val Veny cable car from where the path that leads to the Pavillon of Mont Frety starts; from here you take the trail that in few kilometers climbs up for 900mt of positive altitudeto the Pavillon refuge, first stage of the Skyway cable.
From the Pavillon, you continue along a predominantly rocky path, with a climb of 1200 meters in altitude, until you reach the Torino Old Refuge. In the final part, the runners will pass through the Torino Old Refuge, and with a short climb they will arrive to the Torino New Refuge. From there, after a small piece of a ridge, they will finally reach Punta Helbronner 3466m, finish line of the race.
START
The start will be Saturday 29 July 2023 at 7.00am from the private square of the local RENTAL SKI 4810 GRIVEL, Via Delle FORGES, 3 DOLONNE (Courmayeur).
The athletes must arrive at least 15 minutes before the start to be checked. Once the runner is checked at the start, he must remain within the "starting area" space specifically delimited by the organization and will not be able to leave it until the start (except in cases of overt necessity).
The non-validated athlete will be "not started" and will not be included among the finishers.
MAXIMUM TIME
The maximum time for the race, to be included in the ranking, is set at 4 hours and 30 minutes with arrival at Punta Helbronner by 11.30am.
In case of bad weather conditions and / or for safety reasons, the organization reserves the right to suspend or cancel the race in progress, to change the scheduled times or to postpone the start of the race to the next day.
TIME BARRIES
There is a time barrier at 9.00am at the Pavillon.
Those who do not pass by the time barrier will be stopped at the Pavillon.
THE VERTICAL VK2 is open to all, men and women, who are 18 years old at the time of registration (categories from seniors to veterans). Athletes must submit a MEDICAL CERTIFICATE FOR COMPETITIVE SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
To participate you must:
submit a sports medical certificate for competitive sports activities (Ministerial Decree 18.02.1982 tab. B) valid on the date of the race. Self-certification (Article 5 of the Civil Code "Acts of disposition of one's body") or declaration issued by one's own doctor is not considered valid.
be absolutely aware of the length and specificity of the race and be perfectly prepared.
having acquired, before the race, a real capacity for personal autonomy in the mountains (NB: participation in other races is useful for gaining this experience, but it is not necessarily sufficient) to be able to better manage the problems associated with this type of race
knowing how to deal with climatic conditions that could become difficult due to the altitude (night, wind, cold, fog, rain or snow)
being able to manage, even if you are isolated, the physical or psychological problems due to great fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, muscle or joint pain, small wounds
be aware that the role of the Organization is not to help an athlete to manage these problems and, for mountain running, safety depends on the individual's ability to adapt to the problems encountered or foreseeable.
Be aware that pets are not allowed.
The principle of the partially self-sufficiency the rule.
Partially sel-sufficiency is defined as the ability to be autonomous between two refreshment points, in terms of safety, energy and equipment. This principle implies the following rules:
Each athlete must carry all mandatory equipment for the duration of the race (see MANDATORY EQUIPMENT paragraph). This must be carried in a backpack / belt and will be checked upon delivery of the bibs (we trust that it will be used during the race in an ethically correct manner). At any time, the Organisation can check the contents of the backpacks. The athlete is obliged to accept these checks, under penalty of disqualification.
The refreshment points are stocked with drinks and food to be consumed on the spot. The organization provides only natural water to fill bottles or camel bags. At the start of each refreshment point, runners must have the amount of water and food necessary to reach the next refreshment point.
It is forbidden to be accompanied along all the race track by a person who is not regularly registered as a runner or authorized by the Organization.
The points provided are:
Pavillon - water and food
Mule hut - water only
Torino Old Refuge - water only
Each athlete must always check to have the amount of water and food necessary to reach the next refreshment point and the finish line.
By registering, each participant undertakes to carry all the mandatory equipment listed below throughout the race, under penalty of disqualification (check points can be possible along the track):
Trail Running Shoes suitable for the type of terrain
Apparel suitable for the type of race, altitude gain, weather conditions and worn for the entire race
Windproof jacket
Homologated helmet (see specifications below)
Crampons with spikes (further information will be given during the briefing)
Recommended equipment
Backpack or belt
Water reserve (minimum 500cc) and nutrition (minimun 2 bars or similar)
Personal glass
Spare clothing and waterproof technical jacket
Thermal survival blanket
Mobile phone (enter the Organization's emergency number, do not mask the number and leave with a charged battery)
Whistle
Poles
Permitted and optional equipment: stopwatch, altimeter, heart rate monitor.
The use of poles is optional. It is mandatory to leave the poles at the PAVILLON.
HELMET
The UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme) approved helmet is mandatory for the Vertical Courmayeur Mont Blanc K2000. The organization took this decision in agreement with the Race Director and the Rescue Manager, following various inspections.
All the athletes will be able to:
- deposit their helmet together with the athlete bag and collect it at the Pavillon ready to be worn
or
- give the helmet to a reference person and, ONCE ARRIVED AT THE PAVILLON, take it from the volunteers. Each helmet will have a stick with the number corresponding to athlete’s bib.
The helmet is mandatory from the fixed ropes onwards. Nobody can proceed without a helmet. Anyone who arrives in the area of the fixed ropes HIGH PYLON / MULE HUT without a helmet will be disqualified and will not be able to proceed further.
The Athletes who reach the finish line in Punta HELBRONNER wearing non-approved helmets (for example bicycle helmets) will be disqualified from the race.
POLES
They can be used up to the PAVILLON. The athletes who have arrived at this point will leave their poles to the volunteers. The organization will be responsible for returning them to the athlete once the race is over. It is MANDATORY to apply a sticker / tag with your bib number on the poles.
The poles can also be left to a trusted person. Or be folded and stored in your backpack.
In case of loss of the poles, the organization will not be held responsible.
When registering for the VERTICAL TRAIL COURMAYEUR MONT BLANC VK2 it is mandatory to fill in, sign and send the disclaimer document to the Organization.
The fee is 50 Euros for those who register by 30 June 2022 and 60 Euros for those who register from 1 July to 27 July 2022.
The registration fee includes the
HOW TO REGISTER
Registrations for the VERTICAL TRAIL COURMAYEUR MONT BLANC VK2 open on the 15th december 2022 at midnight.
In the event that the registered runner does not provide the sports medical certificate on time, he will not be able to take part in the competition and the registration fee will not be refunded. Certificates and disclaimers are accepted up to the time of the bib collection. Registrations will be closed on the 25th of July 2023 at 00:00 or upon reaching the maximum number of competitors (400).
By signing for the participation in the VERTICAL VK2, the runner confirms the acknowledgment, understanding and acceptance without reservation of these regulations and the ethics of the race.
Registration will be listed in the organization's database, which will be updated weekly, and will be visible online.
The organization will announce the decisions relating to any changes to these regulations (for example, changes to the track for safety regulations) on Saturday 29 July 2023 during the briefing to be held at 6.45am, before the start, at the private square of the local RENTAL SKI 4810 GRIVEL, Via Delle FORGES, 3 DOLONNE (Courmayeur).
Until June 30, the athlete, as long as he is up to date with the payment and documents required (registration form, disclaimer form and medical certificate), can exercise the right to change the bib; the reimbursement of the 90% registration fee is foreseen.
In the event of cancellation of the event due to causes attributable to the current health crisis or adverse weather conditions, the reimbursement of the fee paid at the time of registration will be guaranteed with a deduction of 10 euros for expenses incurred by the organization for the realization of the event.
By accepting the regulation, you accept this clause and expressly renounce to exercise the right to reconsider.
The bib will be assigned according to the chronological order of registration, completed with all documentation required.
Bib numbers will be collected on Friday 28 July 2023 from 15:00 to 20:00 in the square of the Palazzetto dello Sport in via delle Forges 3 (4810 Courmayeur), Saturday 29 July (again via delle Forges 3 ) from 5:30/6:15.
The bibs will be delivered individually to each runner upon presentation of an identity document with photo.
The bib must be worn over clothing and always be fully visible throughout the race.
In case of a chip delivery, the chip must be visible around your ankle or above the shoe. It will be MANDATORY to leave a deposit of 10 EURO. Upon return of the CHIP, the DEPOSIT will be returned.
In case of loss of the CHIP, the organization does not assume responsibility and the deposit will not be returned. Therefore, please take care.
The bib will be your pass to access the refreshing areas, for the descent by cable car, for the final pasta party or similar and the awards ceremony. Therefore, keep it with you.
CONTENTS OF THE RACE PACKAGE:
BIB
PINS
RACE CHIP (if requested)
LABEL FOR HELMET
LABEL FOR POLES
VOUCHER PASTA PARTY
VOUCHER BEER
DISCOUNT FOR 1 ACCOMPANYING PERSON FOR THE CABLE CAR
ATHLETES BAGS
The equipment/clothes of each runner must be left in the personal bag, with an identification label with the bib number; the bag can be left at the bib collection by 6.00am on SATURDAY 29 JULY 2023.
The bags will be available upon arrival of the race at Punta Helbronner.
Ambulances, civil protection and doctors will be present alomng the track and at the Pavillon.
Fully assistance will be provided to all people in danger or in difficulty, with qualified rescuers. In case of need, for reasons that are in the interest of the rescued person, and only and exclusively in the opinion of the Organization, the official regional mountain rescue will be contacted and will take over the direction of the operations and will deploy all the appropriate measures, including the helicopter. Any costs arising from the use of these exceptional measures could be charged to the rescued person according to current regulations.
A runner who requires the intervention of a doctor or a rescuer submits himself to his authority and undertakes to respect his decisions.
In case of bad weather conditions and / or for safety reasons, the Organization reserves the right to suspend or cancel the race in progress or to change the scheduled times and the route.
The track will be marked with flags, signs or other indicators in order to avoid unauthorized detours or shortcuts and to ensure maximum safety for everybody. During the briefing everything will be explained.
CHECK POINT
Check points will be set up with authorized personnel in order to detect the passage of the athletes by controlling the bib number. The be included in the race ranking the athletes must be registered ad each ckeck point.
ABANDON
In case of abandon of the race along the track, the runner is obliged to go to the nearest checkpoint and communicate his intention to withdrawal. In case of failure to communicate the withdrawal and activation of the athletes's searches, any expenses deriving from the searches will be charged to the runner himself.
The FINISHER runners will be included in the official ranking. No cash prizes will be distributed. A general ranking for men and women and by category will be made.
The Award Ceremony will be held at the times set by the official program of the event.
There will be prizes for all categories, information will be published in a short time.
The last ride of the cable car for the return is at 00:00.
The organization is responsible for the return of the runners from the arrival at Punta Helbronner to the departure of the SkyWay cable car in Pontal d'Entrèves.
The return from Pontal d'Entrèves to Courmayeur will be the responsibility of each competitor.
Runners are advised to organize themselve before the start of the race.
Along the race track the staff of the Organization will be present to check at any time the mandatory equipment and the compliance with the entire regulation. Athletes who incur one of the following infractions will be disqualified:
lack of mandatory safety equipment (as indicated at the Mandatory Equipment paragraph)
refusal to be checked by the staff, refusal to be examined by a doctor of the Organization
abandonment of waste along the track
use of a means of transport along the track, sharing and exchange of bib numbers, failure to pass through a checkpoint, doping or refusal to undergo anti-doping checks, failure to rescue an athlete in difficulty, insults or threats to a member organization or a volunteer
refusal to follow an order from the race direction, a race commissioner, a doctor or rescuer
departure from a control point after the deadline set by the time barrier
Only written complaints from runners are accepted. They must be presented within 30 minutes following the publication of the provisional race results, with a deposit of 50.00 Euros to the TRAIL MOUNTAIN Organisation Manager
Complaints will be evaluated by a jury composed by:
the race director
the security officer
the race manager
all competent persons designated by the race director
the competitor and by any person authorized by him
The jury is authorized to deliberate, in a time compatible with the activities related to the race, on all problems or disqualifications occurred during the race. The decisions taken are without appeal and will be made public through written minutes.
In the event that the complaint is rejected, the deposit will not be returned but will be donated to a charity organisation indicated in the report. Conversely, in case of acceptance of the complaint, the deposit will be refunded.
The Organization subscribes a civil liability insurance for the entire period of the race and undertakes to insure each athlete with MSP association. The cost of the insurance is included in the registration fee.
Participation takes place under the full responsibility of the competitors, who renounce any appeal against the Organization in the event of damage and any further consequences that occur before and after the race, and outside of it.
Each athlete, upon registration, authorizes the Organization to use the data provided for the sole purpose of this event, for the publication of the rankings, indication of birth date, sex, category, race times and any other information which does not affect the sensitive data of the individual.
Authorization to send data: athletes give writing consent to the use their electronic addresses provided (emails, websites) in order to receive event promotions, as well as for general and commercial communications from the sponsors of the event.
Image Rights: each athlete expressly renounces to make use of the rights relating to his image during the race, as well as renounces any recourse against the Organization and its partners / sponsors for the use made of his image.
COVID PREVENTION RULES
In the weeks preceding the event, the "Covid-19 prevention protocol" developed by the organizers will be published, which will contain precise indications on the preventive measures and behaviors to be adopted, created both on the basis of the needs imposed by the event itself and by the national and / or regional rules as well as the regulations of the federation to which they belong.
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