The view from Europe’s highest race summiting at 4,554m is worthwhile with the Matterhorn below. ©iancorless.com

The fifth edition of the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon – Europe’s highest race – is ready to kick off again on June 17, 2023, with a new sponsor on board. Today, the organisers are pleased to announce their partners with thanks for their valued support.

Mico Sport, Italian producer of technical products for outdoor sports performance is a welcome addition to the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon events. “For some years we have been focussing on trail running, developing products more and more specific for this target and becoming sponsor of the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon makes us very proud. The passion is strong and we’re sure this is just the beginning!” declared Giovanni Setti, Mico Sport board member.

The company will fill competitors’ race bags with a full zip tech shirt with pockets for the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon, a short-sleeved tech shirt for the AMA VK2 and for the Monte Rosa Vertical, a special arm sleeve with graduated micro-massaging action.

This year, for those who like it short and steep, the new Monte Rosa Vertical has been introduced for both runners and hikers – a classic Vertical Kilometer®, 5 km long with 1,150m vertical climb which will take place on Sunday, June 18, 2023. The existing AMA VK2, a double Vertical Kilometer®, will take place on Saturday, June 17, concomitant with the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon.

Athletes from 26 nations will take part in the events – the iconic race to the summit of Monte Rosa at 4,554m which celebrates the birth of skyrunning exactly 30 years ago. With an incredible 7,000m ascent and descent and “just” 35 km long, it’s pure skyrunning: high altitude, steep and technical, glaciers and snow fields.

Returning to the event after last year’s debut, Daniele Guidi, Quality & Sustainability Manager of Guidi Srl which produces accessories for sailing, commented, “We’re very pleased to support the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon again, a high profile sports event which contributes to promoting the territory to which we are tied at an international level. Our mountains are an extraordinary heritage to protect and promote. Durability and resistance are also characterised in our products – solid as a rock.”

Nortec micro crampons are a must both on the ascent and descent. ©iancorless.com

SCARPA, Italian leader in mountain footwear, is partnering with the race for the third year. Category Manager Marco De Gasperi, comments, “The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon represents to all effects one of the few events that contributed to the birth of skyrunning, that is, the most technical off-road discipline. SCARPA has always put technicality to the forefront of their mountain and running products, an extremely important mission to follow, and this partnership highlights the characteristics of a brand that aspires to climb to the top of full recognition also in this area. The passion that an event like this is able to instil in each participant is a source of pride for us to partner with such a race, unique of its kind.”

Italian company NORTEC is also back with their indispensable product, micro crampons, a compulsory piece of equipment, also in the race rules, for running on snow and ice. NORTEC CEO, Maurizio Ragonese, commented, “The Monte Rosa SkyMarathon is an important event for us as it represents the most authentic expression of skyrunning. Our micro crampons find their natural setting here, offering participants safety and high performance in this fantastic ascent of almost 3,500m vertical climb from Alagna to the 4,554m of the Margherita Hut and back. The passion you see on the faces of athletes and organisers is the synthesis that distinguishes our company: running and outdoor passion!”

Micro crampons, an indispensable piece of equipment in the Monte Rosa SkyMarathon from the snow-line up. Thanks to NORTEC for their support. ©Damiano Benedetto

The organising committee, AMA Asd, is pleased to count once more on their institutional partners who complete the enormous support the event has achieved: Piedmont Region, Vercelli Province, Alagna Valsesia and Gressoney la Trinité Councils, Monterosa 2000 SpA and Consorzio Monte Rosa Valsesia.

Together with our partners, we’re looking forward to rekindling the legend which will come alive again on June 17, 2023.

INFO: Monte Rosa SkyMarathon