About This Event
Born in 2007, La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB represents the dream of trail runners seeking to test themselves against one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the world. Set in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites around Cortina d'Ampezzo, this prestigious event unfolds across the same dramatic peaks that will host the 2026 Winter Olympics. The race takes place in late June when the Dolomites reveal their full majesty, offering runners five distinct distances that showcase the region's towering limestone spires, alpine meadows, and ancient mountain villages. As part of the UTMB World Series, the event attracts an international field of runners drawn by both the challenging terrain and the unmatched beauty of the Italian Alps. The event's crown jewel, the Lavaredo 120K, serves as a qualifier race within the UTMB ecosystem, while shorter distances welcome runners of varying experience levels to experience the magic of the Dolomites. From the technical demands of high-altitude running to the logistical precision expected of a UTMB World Series event, Lavaredo delivers an experience that balances athletic challenge with alpine grandeur.
Choose Your Distance
10K
An accessible mountain trail race with 300 meters of elevation gain that welcomes runners to experience the Dolomites landscape. This distance offers a taste of alpine trail running without the extreme demands of the longer races.
20K
The 20K route navigates the technical trails surrounding Cortina d'Ampezzo, climbing 1,200 meters through terrain that reflects the Dolomites' distinctive geology. Runners encounter rocky singletrack, exposed alpine sections, and sustained ascents that require both climbing strength and technical descending skills. The limestone formations that make this region famous provide constant visual landmarks throughout the course. While specific route details vary by year, the distance consistently delivers technical demands that prepare runners for the event's longer offerings. The course design emphasizes quality over distance, packing meaningful elevation and alpine exposure into a timeframe that allows most runners to finish while afternoon mountain weather remains favorable.
50K
The La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail 50K runs through the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of vertical limestone walls and alpine meadows surrounding Cortina d'Ampezzo. Part of the UTMB World Series, this race shares the challenging terrain and professional organization of its longer counterparts while offering a distance manageable for experienced trail runners not yet ready for ultra commitments. The course demands respect for technical descents and sustained climbs, but rewards with access to one of Europe's most striking mountain environments. Cortina's position as a historic alpine resort means race logistics work smoothly, with established infrastructure for international runners. The June timing typically provides stable weather and clear access to high trails, though afternoon thunderstorms remain possible in the mountains. For runners familiar with American mountain races, the Dolomites present a distinct challenge: the terrain here is sharper, rockier, and more technical than most comparable elevations in the Rockies or Sierra. This distance works well as a stepping stone toward Lavaredo's 80K or 120K distances, allowing runners to test their technical skills and altitude response without the sleep deprivation and extreme duration of longer races. It also stands alone as a worthy goal for trail runners who want a serious mountain challenge within a single hard day's effort.
80K
The route explores the high country surrounding Cortina d'Ampezzo, crossing technical limestone trails characteristic of the Dolomites. Runners navigate rocky descents, exposed ridgelines, and alpine passes where weather can shift quickly. The terrain demands constant attention to foot placement, particularly on the descents where loose rock and limestone steps test both technique and concentration. Aid stations are positioned at key points along the course, with support crews able to access several locations. The race follows UTMB standards for marking and safety protocols, with mandatory gear requirements reflecting the alpine environment and potential for weather changes above treeline.
120K
The 120-kilometer loop traces a complete circuit through the Dolomites, connecting a series of passes and valleys via technical singletrack, rocky trails, and occasional stretches of mountain road. Runners encounter sustained climbs over limestone formations, technical descents requiring focus and sure footing, and exposed ridgeline sections where weather exposure becomes a factor. The course links several mountain rifugios that serve as aid stations, following trails that range from well-maintained footpaths to rougher alpine tracks.