K2 Valtellina Extreme Vertical Race 2026

The K2 Valtellina Extreme Vertical Race is a short, steep mountain race in Talamona, Sondrio province, Lombardy. Runners ascend from the town center to the summit of Monte Pisello, gaining 2,000 meters over 9 km. This makes the race more of a demanding uphill test than a typical trail run. It takes place in June and is in its seventh edition, with over 200 participants already registered. The course is straightforward in concept but challenging in execution: depart Talamona, climb without interruption, and finish at the mountain's peak. It also serves as the second stage of the VAM Vertical Challenge, a circuit in Lombardy for uphill specialists. Organizers anticipate international competitors will participate alongside local runners. Recent races highlighted the format's demanding conditions, where humid air and fog at higher elevations intensified the climb and prevented course-record attempts. Daniel Thedy won the men's race for the first time, and Andrea Mayr secured her second victory in the women's event.