GIIR DI MONT XXX ANNIVERSARY
After five thrilling races, the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup makes a triumphant return to Premana, marking the end of a two-year hiatus from this iconic race. The XXX Giir di Mont will take place on 28th July.
First held in the early 1960s, with a brief revival in the late 1980s, the Giir di Mont race was permanently reinstated in 1999. Initially dominated by legends like Mario Poletti, Fabio Meraldi, and Daniela Gilardi, the race soon attracted the world’s elite mountain runners, eager to compete against Italy’s finest.
Originally conceived as a gruelling test connecting 12 alpine pastures in the Premana region, the Giir di Mont—meaning “tour of the alpine pastures” in the local dialect—has blossomed into a marquee event in the mountain running circuit. Today, it draws over a thousand participants, including top international athletes.
The 32 km race is renowned for its demanding course and breathtaking vistas, amplified by the fervent support of the Premana spectators, making it a uniquely memorable experience for all competitors. In Premana, every runner is celebrated as a top athlete.
Esteemed champions such as Ricardo Mejía, Kilian Jornet, Marc Lauenstein, Kasie Enman, Laetitia Roux, and Ruth Croft have all etched their names into Giir di Mont’s storied history.
THE COURSE
The Giir di Mont 32km starts in the town centre at Piazza della Chiesa of Premana and initially descends to Lavinol. The first of three climbs begins after crossing the Varrone stream, leading to Alpe Chiarino at 1558 meters after 5 km.
The second climb starts after a brief section to Alpe Vegessa, where the first checkpoint is located. The route follows an old military road for 4 km before the steepest ascent to Bocchetta di Larecc at 2063 meters, featuring an 800-meter elevation gain in just over 3 km.
A challenging descent then leads to Alpe Fraina, followed by gentler slopes to Alpe Caprecolo and Alpe Rasga (km 19), where the final, longest climb begins.
This ascent passes through several alpine huts and checkpoints, eventually leading to the final technical descent towards the finish in the piazza of Premana.
THE FAVOURITES
WOMEN’S RACE
Lucy Murigi and Martina Valmassoi at Giir di mont 2023. Photo Giir di Mont by Marco Gulberti.
With last year’s winner sidelined due to injury, the women’s field is wide open, with six or seven athletes poised to claim the top spot on the podium.
Camila Magliano (Altra) comes into the race fresh off a victory at the Eiger E35, a sixth place at the Montemuro Vertical Run in Portugal, and an 11th place finish at Sierre-Zinal 2023. She holds an overall sixth place in the 2023 Valsir Mountain Running World Cup standings.
Ikram Rharsalla (Millet), last year’s winner of the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup Long Distance final in Gran Canaria and 12th overall in the 2023 World Cup, is also a strong contender, sure to battle for a podium finish.
Martina Cumerlato (Asics) has shown impressive form, with a second-place finish at the Ratschings Mountain Trail and a fourth at the Hochkönigman, both in June.
Alice Gaggi (Brooks), second at the Trofeo Valli Bergamasche and winner of the Colmen Trail this year, also boasts a fifth place at last year’s Sierre-Zinal and a victory in the Lavaredo 19km in 2023.
Sarah Willhoit (Scarpa) placed seventh at the European Off-Road Uphill race in Annecy this June and second at the British Championships. She also secured third place at last year’s Valsir Mountain Running World Cup Long Distance final in Gran Canaria.
Ingrid Mutter (Scarpa) has had a strong season with a third place at the Hochkönigman 2024 and a tenth place at the Skyrace des Matheysins.
Other noteworthy competitors in the women’s race include Florencia Milanesi (Asics) and US runner Andie Cornish, both of whom are expected to make significant impacts.
MEN’S RACE
Luca del Pero at Giir di Mont 2023. Photo Giir di Mont by Marco Gulberti.
Antonio Martínez Pérez (Scarpa) has had a phenomenal year, claiming victories at the Transgrancanaria Starter, Maxirace Marathon, and the Patagonia Run. He also secured a prestigious third place at the OCC in 2023, among numerous other accolades.
Daniel Pattis (Brooks) has shown impressive form, winning the Alpenplus Ötzi-Trailrun Naturns in 2024 and finishing 13th at the European Off-Road Up&Down race in Annecy this past June.
Luca del Pero (Scarpa) continues to shine, having finished third at last year’s World Championships in Innsbruck. Recently, he took second place at the Lavaredo 50 km and won the Colmen Trail in April this year.
Michael Selelo Saoli (run2gether) comes into the race with momentum from back-to-back third-place finishes at the Grossglockner Mountain Run and La Montée du Nid d’Aigle. He will undoubtedly be aiming for the top of the podium this weekend in Premana.
Mattia Gianola (Crazy Idea) returns to Premana with a strong track record, having finished third here in 2022. He will be looking to improve on that performance this year.
Jack Kuenzle, an American endurance athlete renowned for his ultrarunning and mountain running feats, has gained significant recognition for setting Fastest Known Time (FKT) records on numerous challenging trails and peaks.
