The fifteenth edition of the Ultrabericus Trail has set its date and direction: on March 14, 2026, the ultra-distance pack will once again rotate clockwise. This technical detail is far from trivial; it defines the race's difficulty by altering the sequence of critical climbs through the Colli Berici—a rotation the organizers strictly maintain to offer a different tactical challenge every year.
The Veneto leg-breaker
Starting and finishing in Vicenza's iconic Piazza dei Signori, the flagship event, the Ultrabericus Integrale, covers 65 kilometers with 2,500 meters of elevation gain. While not a high-altitude mountain race, its sawtooth profile over karst terrain, single-track trails, and ancient mule tracks demands impeccable pacing. Running clockwise in even years, athletes will first tackle the Arcugnano and Perarolo sectors, saving their accumulated fatigue for the technical final stretch back to the historic center.
Distance variety and the Twin factor
The 2026 lineup is solidified with four competitive categories under the ITRA umbrella. The Ultrabericus Marathon offers 43 kilometers with 1,500m of climbing, an ideal distance for those seeking intensity without the extreme toll of an ultra. For speed specialists, the 21-kilometer Ultrabericus Urban traverses the sectors closest to the city with 700 meters of vertical gain.
Special mention goes to the Twin Lui & Lei, a mixed relay of 65 kilometers split into two legs of 34 and 31 kilometers. This format fosters a unique pair-based competitiveness that has become a hallmark of the event, attracting elite runners looking for a pre-season speed test. The 13-hour cutoff for the Integrale and Twin ensures the event remains a true festival of Italian trail running, with the finish line in the heart of Vicenza closing at 11:00 PM.
Logistics and schedule
The day kicks off at 10:00 AM for the long distances, while the Urban race starts an hour later. Runners must manage their own hydration and nutrition under a semi-self-sufficiency protocol, supported by strategic aid stations in Torri di Arcugnano, San Donato, and Villa Bonin. Mandatory gear will be strictly checked—a non-negotiable safety standard for a race that officially opens the calendar of major endurance events in Southern Europe.