Races
Chianti Castles
Radda in Chianti loop. Twenty-five castles. Five thousand two hundred meters of vert through Tuscan vineyards and rugged Monte San Michele.
120 km+9,545 ft-9,540 ft28 hours965 ft to 2,875 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race book25 castlesTuscanyUTMB IndexWSER qualifierMarch
Distance120 km
Gain+9,545 ft
Loss-9,540 ft
Altitude965 ft to 2,875 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 65°F
- Start1,747 ft
- High2,875 ft
- Low965 ft
- Finish1,751 ft
Field, 2026 · 5-year samplescraped
Starters671
Finish rate80%
Median18:39
Sub-24510
Geometryderived
Steepest drop948 ft-8.6% over 2.1 mi
Night miles35 misunset near 18:00 local
Weather at the cruxderived
At hour 9 of race, feels like 14 C (61 F).Sample of 7 race days, medium confidence.At hour 9 of race, apparent temperature P90 is 14 C / 58 F.
Course records
Men08:40:33Andreas REITERER
Women10:12:29Azara GARCIA DE LOS SALMONES
The cruxMonte San Michele climb after mile 75 through Chianti vineyards (near mile 48)
Course DNA
The Course
Chianti Castles runs 120 km through Radda in Chianti, Italy. +9,545 ft gain and -9,540 ft loss. Surfaces skew 70% trail / 25% dirt road / 5% paved. Monte San Michele climb after mile 75 through Chianti vineyards. High point near 2,875 ft. Low near 965 ft. March temps run 40°F to 65°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 37.
The Work
Train for 9,545 feet of climbing across 120 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 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 48.
Kit
March in Radda in Chianti, Italy: plan for 40°F to 65°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 19. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 37.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 19. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 37. Monte San Michele climb after mile 75 through Chianti vineyards near mile 48 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 25 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Chianti Castles finish lines.
Winner: Thomas Cardin, 9:58:38.
Official siteBack to racesPredict your timeTrain for this raceCheck readinessFoot care plan