The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon® is the highest skyrunning race in Europe and one of the most iconic trail events in the world. Founded in Alagna Valsesia in 1992, it has long been considered the birthplace of skyrunning: it was here, in 1989, that Marino Giacometti set the first speed record on Monte Rosa in 3h57’, laying the foundations for a discipline that would go on to conquer the world.
After its last edition in 1996, the race was revived in 2018 with the same pioneering spirit of its early years. The format that made it legendary has remained unchanged: athletes roped together, above the snow line, on a course reaching 4,554 meters in altitude. An experience that goes far beyond a simple sporting competition.
On June 13, 2026, in Alagna Valsesia, four different races will take place, all sharing one defining feature: exceeding 3,000 meters in altitude.
| Race | Distance | Elevation Gain | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monte Rosa SkyMarathon® | 35 km | 3,500 m+ | Pairs |
| Monte Rosa SkySummit | 17.5 km | 3,500 m+ | Pairs (uphill only) |
| Monte Rosa SkyRace® | 25 km | 2,400 m+ | Individual |
| AMA VK2 | 9 km | 2,086 m+ | Individual |
All routes may be subject to changes due to weather or safety reasons.
The races are open to athletes aged 18 to 70 with a valid competitive medical certificate (B1). For the SkyMarathon and SkySummit, high-altitude experience and familiarity with technical equipment are required: harness, rope handling, knots, and via ferrata kit. For the SkyRace, mountain experience and the use of a harness and via ferrata kit are required.
Moraines, snowfields, and glaciers demand proper technical gear. Essential items include:
The event is organized by AMA ASD in collaboration with local and regional institutions. The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon has obtained ISO certification for the sustainable management of sporting events in alpine environments—recognition that reflects deep respect for one of Europe’s most fragile and spectacular mountain ecosystems.
In a sporting world increasingly driven by numbers and performance, this race takes a different path: respect for the mountains, technical preparation, and team spirit. Running on Monte Rosa means confronting altitude, ice, and silence—a physical and mental challenge that, for over thirty years, continues to attract athletes from all over the world.
That is the secret of its longevity: staying true to its origins while never stopping to look upward.
