Races

Puglia by UTMB Sassi di Matera

Matera, ItalyOctober

Matera Sassi. Puglia limestone plateau. One hundred forty-four kilometers through ancient stone and Murgia trail.

89 mi+5,034 ft-5,070 ft27 hours557 ft to 902 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookSassi di MateraPugliaWSER qualifierOctober
Distance89 mi
Gain+5,034 ft
Loss-5,070 ft
Altitude557 ft to 902 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 75°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start807 ft
  • High902 ft
  • Low557 ft
  • Finish771 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop240 ft-2.4% over 1.9 mi
Night miles49 misunset near 17:00 local

The cruxLimestone plateau trails between Matera and the Murgia with night miles on stone (near mile 58)

Course DNA

The Course

Puglia by UTMB Sassi di Matera runs 144 km through Matera, Italy. +5,034 ft gain and -5,070 ft loss. Surfaces skew 60% trail / 30% dry stone / 10% road. Limestone plateau trails between Matera and the Murgia with night miles on stone. High point near 902 ft. Low near 557 ft. October temps run 50°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 45.

The Work

Train for 5,034 feet of climbing across 144 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 27 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 58.

Kit

October in Matera, Italy: plan for 50°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 27 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 22. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 60% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 45.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 22. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 45. Limestone plateau trails between Matera and the Murgia with night miles on stone near mile 58 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 30 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Results

Puglia by UTMB Sassi di Matera finish lines.

Puglia by UTMB Sassi di Matera

144KMatera

Puglia by UTMB Sassi di Matera