Have you ever wondered how the world of trail running has changed in recent years? Let me take you on a journey that has revolutionized this sport, pushing it to levels you might never have imagined. Sit back, mentally lace up your favorite trail shoes, and get ready for a journey through the most challenging trails of the Alps.
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The Birth of a Legend: The TOR330 – Tor des Géants®
Fifteen years ago, the idea of a 330 km race seemed like pure madness. Yet, around that time, the TOR330 – Tor des Géants® was born, the first endurance trail competition that dared to push human limits over such extreme distances. Imagine running 330 km, with a total elevation gain of 24,000 meters—it’s like climbing Everest almost three times!
In the beginning, only the most daring athletes would take on this challenge. Today, over 1200 runners gather at the starting line, ready to embark on an adventure that will change their lives forever. And you know what? Many of them return year after year, as if those rugged trails had become a second home.
TORX® with Kailas: When One Race Is No Longer Enough
The world of trail running, like us runners, is constantly evolving. That’s why the TOR330 has become just one part of something much bigger: the TORX® with Kailas. Imagine a full-blown trail running festival lasting 10 days, from September 6 to 15, 2024, featuring five different races that span the entire Aosta Valley.
Nearly 2800 participants, aged 18 to 80, from over 70 different countries. It’s like a mini-Olympics of trail running! And the best part? There’s room for everyone, from beginners to seasoned ultra-runners. This event is more than just a race; it’s an experience that brings together people from all over the world, united by the same passion for mountains and running.
The Newcomer: TOR100 – Cervino-Monte Bianco
This year, there’s a new addition that has me literally trembling with excitement: the TOR100 – Cervino-Monte Bianco. 100 km with 8,000 meters of elevation gain, linking two of the most iconic mountains in Europe. When I heard about it, I thought, “Finally, a distance that was missing!” And I wasn’t the only one who felt that way—the 300 available spots were snapped up in no time.
Imagine starting from Breuil-Cervinia at 9 PM on September 11, running through the night, watching the sunrise paint the peaks pink, and arriving in Courmayeur with tired legs but a heart full of joy. This race is destined to become a classic, and I can’t wait to experience it.
A Thrilling Program: From TOR450 to TOR30
But the excitement doesn’t end there. TORX® with Kailas is a crescendo of adrenaline that leaves no room for boredom:
- It kicks off on September 6 with the TOR450 – Tor des Glaciers: 450 km and 32,000 meters of elevation gain. Only for the bravest (or the craziest, depending on your perspective).
- September 8 is the big day for the TOR330 – Tor des Géants®.
- September 10 is the turn of the TOR130 – Tot Dret: 130 km for those who want to taste ultra-trail without going overboard.
- And for those who want to experience the thrill of a mountain race without overdoing it, there’s the TOR30 – Passage au Malatrà on September 14.
And if you don’t feel like running? No problem! TORX® LIVE lets you follow the entire event from the comfort of your home, with live coverage 24 hours a day starting September 6.
Ready to Challenge Yourself?
So, my fellow runner, what do you think? Are you ready to challenge yourself on these legendary trails? Or maybe you prefer to start as a spectator, drawing inspiration from these extraordinary athletes? Whatever your choice, remember: in trail running, as in life, every step is an adventure. And the TORX® with Kailas is the ultimate adventure.
Whether you’re on the front line on the trail or cheering from the sidelines, the allure of trail running continues to evolve, leading us all to new horizons. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be among those 1200 brave souls at the starting line of the TOR330, ready to write your own story on those epic mountains.