2. Peralba Sky Marathon 2010

Sappada (Italy), Sunday 11 July 2010

Running or hiking 22 kilometres along alpine trails through the Carnic Alps in the far north of Italy is more than enough for most ordinary mortals, in particular if the route goes almost 1,500 metres up and 1,500 metres down.

Therefore, two-thirds of the entrants to this mountain running event decided to take part in the Peralba Mini Sky Race.

Only very experienced mountain running specialists dared to tackle the 32-kilometre Peralba Sky Marathon, which featured over 3,000 metres of ascent and descent.

The marathon included a loop across Monte Peralba, a massive lump of limestone located just about one kilometre from the border with Austria. Participants scrambled up to the top of the mountain, which is at an elevation of 2,694 metres!

The start and finish of both races was in the village of Sappada, a ski and holiday resort with many pretty wooden houses.

Sappada is situated at an elevation of over 1,200 metres in a remote valley, far away from any sizeable town. It's a language island, where most inhabitants speak German as a first language.

The course offered a bit of everything—dramatic mountain scenery, stunning panoramic views, mountain pastures, moorland, woods, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and lots of lovely flowers.

Marmots whistled and cows rang their bells when runners passed. Those participants who took their time on the course could also spot some chamois.

On a beautiful and very warm day (the skies opened up at the award ceremony in the afternoon), Matteo Piller Hofer defended his sky marathon title in a fine time of 4:02:02. First woman home was Francesca Domini in 5:27:03.

Results Peralba Skymarathon 2010:

Men

1.	Matteo Piller Hofer	Italy	4:02:02
2.	Luciano Fontana	Italy	4:10:54
3.	Tullio Grandelis	Italy	4:30:09

Matteo Piller Hofer, winner of the Peralba Sky Marathon 2010

Women

1.	Francesca Domini	Italy	5:27:03
2.	Monica Penzo	Italy	5:42:51
3.	Iris Bonanni	Italy	6:21:51

Francesca Domini, winner of the Peralba Skymarathon 2010

Results Peralba Mini Sky Race 2010:

Men

1.	Paolo Lazzaro	Italy	2:40:57
2.	Andrea del Negro	Italy	2:46:32
3.	Luca Pascolo	Italy	2:48:37

Women

1.	Stefania Zanon	Italy	3:22:10
2.	Tiziana Scorzato	Italy	3:22:46
3.	Alessia Molin	Italy	3:30:45

Number of finishers:

22km: 107 (82 men, 25 women)
32km: 58 (51 men, 7 women)

The route passes the lovely Laghi d'Olbe.

Participants approach Passo del Mulo, the highest point on the course at 2,356 metres above sea level.

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