The Merrell Skyrunner® World Series returns to the Italian Alps this weekend for the 14th race of the 2024 season – Maga Skymarathon.
The second Italian stage of the circuit, held in the Orobie Alps, promises a technical and challenging course with 3,000 meters of elevation gain across 39 kilometres.
The race starts in the town of Zorzone and features four steep climbs to the summit of four peaks: Menna, Arera, Grem and Alben, reaching a maximum height of 2,513 meters. The course includes extremely technical terrain with fixed ropes and the supervision of mountain safety and guides over certain sections.
As it’s first year being part of the world-renowned Merrell Skyrunner® World Series, this year is expected to be one of the most competitive editions yet, with elite skyrunners vying for crucial points in the circuit.
The Elite Field
In the women’s race, off the back of her recent KIMA win, Hillary Gerardi of the USA (team Scarpa / Black Diamond) is set to be the favourite. Others include the 2024 Madeira SkyMarathon winner Lucille Germain of France (team Sidas Matryx); Ruby Lindquist of the USA (team The North Face); Oihana Kortazar of Spain (team Salomon); Ana Maria Pineda of Columbia (team Merrell); Jessica Campbell of New Zealand and Basque athlete Oihana Zubillaga (team Basque Selection).
In the men’s field, everyone’s eyes will no doubt be on local star, Nadir Maguet (team La Sportiva) who was forced to pull out of Trofeo KIMA in the weeks leading up to the race due to an injury last month. Manuel Merillas of Spain (team New balance) and Louison Coiffet of France (team Merrell) are both athletes likely to be seeking redemption this weekend after dropping out of KIMA due to injuries. Italians, Daniel Antonionli (team Scarpa); Gianluca Ghiano (team Brooks), and Cristian Minoggio, the current record holder, are forces to be reconned with after great performances in KIMA and Ultraks in August. Other “ones to watch” in the men’s race are Jose Manuel Quispe of Peru (team Merrell) and William Boffelli of Italy (team Kailas).
The race starts this Sunday at 07:00 am (local time).
