About This Race
The La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120K runs through the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape where pale limestone towers rise above alpine meadows and scree-lined valleys. Starting and finishing in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the course traces a demanding loop with 5,800 meters of elevation gain across technical terrain that rewards mountain running experience and careful pacing. As part of the UTMB World Series, this distance serves as a qualifier race, drawing runners who seek both the challenge of the distance and the distinctive character of running in the Dolomites. The route demands proficiency with technical descents, sustained climbing, and navigation across exposed high-altitude sections where weather can shift quickly. Most runners spend 15 to 20 hours on course, with night running likely for many. The late June timing typically offers long daylight hours, though mountain conditions at altitude remain unpredictable. This is not a race for those new to ultras or mountain running, but for runners who have developed the skills and resilience that technical alpine terrain requires.
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.
Elevation Profile
Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.
The course gains 2,725m over 120km, with the steepest section between km 97–km 98.
Location
Practical Info
Late June in the Dolomites typically brings mild valley temperatures with cooler conditions at altitude; afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains, and high passes can see rapid weather changes including wind, rain, or occasional snow.
VCE - Venice Marco Polo Airport
Cortina d'Ampezzo offers hotels, guesthouses, and apartments across a range of budgets, though booking well in advance is advisable given the town's popularity and limited capacity during major events.
Best For
Notable Features
The Dolomites offer a distinctive alpine environment, with their pale limestone peaks and dramatic vertical relief creating a landscape unlike other European mountain ranges. As part of the UTMB World Series, the race connects runners to a global circuit while maintaining its own regional identity rooted in the trails and traditions of the Veneto Alps. Cortina d'Ampezzo, host of the 1956 Winter Olympics and co-host of the 2026 Games, provides a mountain town atmosphere with infrastructure to support both the race and the runners who travel to participate.