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The countdown to the second edition of Chianti Trail Ultra has started – the race through the vineyards where some of the world’s most famous wines are produced.

From 22nd to 24th March, the historic Chianti area will be the setting for this exciting challenge, with runners from all over the world proving themselves on the hills of this beautiful corner of Tuscany.

The Chianti’s scenic landscape and the quality of the trails have contributed to the success of this event, born just a year ago.

Last year there were 680 participants representing 22 countries, the registrations were sold out two months before the event, and more than 1,500 spectators came to Radda in Chianti on the last weekend of March 2018.

This year is looking very promising – to date about 400 athletes registered for the three routes.

Trail Ultra (73 km and 2,600 meter climb), Chianti Trail (37 km with 1,200 meter climb), Short Trail (15 km and 600 meter climb).

The three tracks – that start and finish in the Medieval small town of Radda in Chianti – run for 95% along unpaved country roads, offering a unique opportunity to discover little-known corners Chianti.

The runners will come to the charming church of San Giusto, and then up to the imposing Renaissance villa Vistarenni. From there one climbs, putting athletic form and technique to the test, to the summit of Mount San Michele, the highest point of Chianti.

And then the descent to Volpaia, one of the most famous and scenic hamlets, returning to Radda in Chianti to cross the finish line. The 2018 edition of this challenging trail was won by the Spaniard Daniel Aguirre, who covered the 73 kms of the Ultra Trail in 6 hours and 24 minutes.

Sport and discovery of the territory are the basis of the Chianti Trail Ultra’s success, also thanks to the event’s many side activities.

Starting from the conference “Training and nutrition in trail running” that will feature one of the most famous and experienced athletic trainers in Italy, Fulvio Massini, ready to give advice to athletes and everyone interested (on March 22nd, at 5pm, in Piazza IV Novembre, Radda in Chianti).

On Saturday 23rd March the three trails will start from 6am (and then at 8am and 9am), while on Sunday, March 24th, the “Ultra Wine” event is scheduled: in the Casa del Chianti Classico, in Radda in Chianti – an ancient and completely restored Franciscan monastery which today hosts the seat of the Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico – all the participants will have the opportunity to participate in guided tours of the “Museo Sensoriale del Vino Chianti Classico”.

Alternatively, they can explore the Chianti Classico wines with the special event “How to become a Sommelier in 30 minutes”.

And this year there will be another opportunity to experience the Chianti region and the lesser-known side of this area, with a four-day program dedicated to small groups.

To participate in the second edition of Chianti Trail Ultra, simply log on to the dedicated section of the website: www.chiantiultratrail.com.

For more information and curiosities, follow “chiantiultratrail” on Facebook , Instagram and Youtube, and don’t forget the hashtag #runchiantidream that reached over 200,000 unique users during last year’s promotional campaigns on the web and social networks.

A great success that ensured, for the event’s 2019 edition, the prestigious and internationally known brand New Balance, among the technical partners. As a result of this collaboration, on Friday, March 22nd at 2.30pm the runners will take part in a collective training session using the New Balance gear.

Other notable brands support the event, such as Born, a leading manufacturer of food supplements, and Nencini Sport, a well-known sportswear company, and local partners such as Hotel Radda, Ross Hotel Group and Macelleria Falorni.

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