Monteforte d'Alpone (Italy), Sunday 19 January 2014

Staged in the hills around the village of Monteforte d'Alpone near the city of Verona, the Montefortiana is one of Italy's most popular running and walking events.

Ambitious athletes can choose between the very hilly 21.1km Maratonina or the even hillier 43km EcoMaratona, a multi-terrain race that includes about 2250 metres of ascent (and the same of descent).

Fun runners and hikers who don't bother about finishing times may prefer to take part in the marcia non-competitiva which draws up to 18,000 participants every year.

Participants run (or walk) either a 9km, 14km, 21km, or 28km loop, and many of them take their time at the well-stocked feed stations that are scattered along the course.

All routes are very scenic through beautiful scenery and villages in the wine-producing region between Verona and Vicenza.

The Montefortiana Turà races, which are for elite runners only, are held in the afternoon in the village. Women run four laps (ca. 6km) and men run seven laps (ca. 10.6km).

Race report and photos 2012: Ecomaratona, Montefortiana Turà

Race report and photos 2011: Montefortiana, Montefortiana Turà

Country: Italy

Venue (Map): Monteforte d'Alpone (Verona 27km, Padova 58km, Venice 97km)

Date: 19 January 2014 (Sunday)

Routes (competitive races): 43km; 21.1km; 10.6km (elite race men); 6.06km (elite race women)

Routes (non-competitive ‘Marcia’): 9km, 14km, 21km, 28km

Start time: 8.00 (43km), 8.30 (‘Marcia non-competitiva’), 9.30 (21km), 14.15 (elite race women), 14.45 (elite race men)

Start and finish: near the church of Monteforte d'Alpone

Entries: online or by fax or e-mail; entries close 14 January 2014; entrants to the marathon and half marathon must provide a medical certificate at registration

Entry fees (21km, 43km): € 20 (up to 31 December 2013), € 25 (up to 14 January 2014)

Race centre: Montefortiana-Expo (Saturday 18 Jan 2014, 14.00-21.00; on the day 6.30-9.00)

You get (21km, 43km): a bottle of D.O.C. wine (for entries up to 31 Dec 2013); chip timing, goodie bag, plenty of food and drinks before and after the race and on the course

Showers, changing facilities, baggage storage: yes

Prizes (21km): to the first 40 men and 15 women

Prizes (43km): to the first 20 men and 10 women

Number of finishers 2013: 419 (42km), 844 (21km)

Event website (in Italian and English): www.montefortiana.org

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.