About This Race
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.
Elevation Profile
Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.
The course gains 1,623m over 50km, with the steepest section between km 37–km 38.
Location
Practical Info
VCE - Venice Marco Polo Airport
Cortina d'Ampezzo offers extensive lodging from luxury hotels to mountain huts, though prices reflect its status as a premium resort destination; book early as the UTMB event attracts international runners.