Races
Gran Trail Courmayeur
Italy, July. Alpine trails. 100 km. Cutoff 28 hours. The cols come whether you are ready or not.
63 mi+18,658 ft-20,059 ft28 hours2,493 ft to 3,894 fttech 6/106 stationsWSER qualifierJulyRunning Stones · 3 stones
Distance63 mi
Gain+18,658 ft
Loss-20,059 ft
Altitude2,493 ft to 3,894 ft
Technicality6/10
Air32°F to 75°F
- Start3,894 ft
- High3,894 ft
- Low2,493 ft
- Finish2,493 ft
- Italy at mile 0.0
- Gran Trail Courmayeur mile 13 at mile 13, cutoff 5.6000000000000005 hours
- Gran Trail Courmayeur mile 25 at mile 25, cutoff 11.200000000000001 hours
- Gran Trail Courmayeur mile 38 at mile 38, cutoff 16.8 hours
- Gran Trail Courmayeur mile 50 at mile 50, cutoff 22.400000000000002 hours
- Finish Italy at mile 63, cutoff 28 hours
Geometrycourse math
Steepest drop906 ft-9.1% over 1.9 mi
Night miles14 misunset near 20:00 local
Weather at the cruxcourse math
At hour 7 of race, feels like 34 C (91 F).Sample of 7 race days, medium confidence.At hour 7 of race, apparent temperature P90 is 34 C / 94 F.
The cruxHigh cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents (near mile 40)
Course DNA
The Course
Gran Trail Courmayeur runs 100 km through Italy. +18,658 ft gain and -20,059 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents. High point near 3,894 ft. Low near 2,493 ft. July temps run 32°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.
The Work
Train for 18,658 feet of climbing across 100 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 28 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 6/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 40.
Kit
July in Italy: plan for 32°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 28 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 31.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 31. High cols above 2,400 m and long stone descents near mile 40 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Gran Trail Courmayeur finish lines.
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Sources (1)
- Qualifier: utmb_stones: https://utmb.world/utmb-world-series