The paths that in the past have launched skyrunning icons Bruno Brunod, Dennis Brunod and Jean Pellissier will be protagonists again on 13 May 2023, when the challenging route will stage the Monte Zerbion Skyrace and Vertical. A day full of events and meanings, because along the route there will be a real challenge against the chronometer and because the occasion will be unique to retrace the history of skyrunning and of three champions – today testimonials – who have given and won so much in this truly spectacular discipline.
The 2022 edition, the first ever, was an unexpected success, with over 600 athletes involved. This year, Dennis, Bruno and Jean are expecting just as many enthusiasts ready to compete and have fun in the many collateral activities organised. Because in Châtillon (a municipality on the outskirts of Aosta) and along the Zerbion trails, there will be no lack of moments for toasting, singing and listening to some good traditional Aosta Valley music.
There are competitions of all kinds, for trained athletes, for those taking their first steps of the season, and for the younger ones. A transversal event that will continue throughout the day and will close with prize-giving and a pleasant celebration.
The queen race, as well as the most demanding one, is the Skyrace of 22 kilometres (2,200 metres D+/-) that starts from Châtillon, passes the summit and returns to the Valdostan village. The race will be valid as the Fisky Italian Skyrace Championship. There is also a shorter Skyrace: 18 kilometres (1,500 metres D+/-) with start and finish in Châtillon and turnaround in the ‘Francou’ alpine pasture area. There are two verticals, climbing only, the first of 9.5 kilometres (2,200 metres D+) valid as proof of the Crazy Vertical Italy Cup circuit by Fisky, the second of 5.5 kilometres (850 metres D+), in a competitive version for young people between 15 and 18 years of age (proof of the Italian Cup) or without the nagging of the stopwatch for the over-12s and the disabled.
Those who would like to sample delicacies of Valle d’Aosta cuisine, while tasting local wines, will be able to enjoy the Monte Zerbion Randò, a 5-kilometre non-competitive walk (positive height difference of 120 metres) that will allow them to discover the most hidden corners of Châtillon. And for the children? In the afternoon, space for the future of the discipline with the two Baby Skyraces of 500 metres and 1 kilometre for under 8 and under 11.
Monte Zerbion Skyrace is already known internationally, thanks also to the partnership with the EDF Pierra Menta Été. Participants in the 22-kilometre Zerbion and the three stages of the French race will also be entered in the Mountain Trail Trophy rankings.
Numerous athletes from Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland have already registered for the event. Registration is open until 30 April 2023 and can be done via montezerbionskyrace.com where all information is available.