Hello, on June 13th 2015, you’ll be organizing the Scenic Trail. Can you tell us where it is located?
The Scenic Trail is located in one of the most beautiful corner of Southern Switzerland, very close to the Italian border.
How old is the race and why was it created in the first place?
The race is now at its second edition, following the success of the first one. The choice of the location was due to the magnificent nature and the view that runners are enjoying from the grassy ridges of the region.
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What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The 54K race is departing from Tesserete, a picturesque village in close proximity of Lugano. It follows ancient paths leading to Alps where people used to breed cows and goats. A monastery dating 1535, farms, mountain huts, and small villages are completing the picture.
The main peculiarity of this panoramic trail is the fact that the vast majority of it is following the grassy ridges of the natural amphitheater represented by the beautiful mountains surrounding the area. During the run one can always see the completed part and the part to go.
It is amazing how the view changes from the north part, looking towards Locarno and Bellinzona, mainly mountainous and with sharp contours and the south part, characterized by the lakes of Lugano and Como and sweet woody hills.
Many runners have identified the Scenic Trail as the most beautiful trail of the circuit. This means a lot for us but we would love to hear your opinion. Come and run with us in one of the most magnificent Switzerland’s corner while enjoying the warm southern hospitality.
The 54K trail must be accomplished under the partial self-support principle. This means that in between the checkpoints the competitor must be able to care for himself and carry all the supplies such as food, drink and the mandatory gear as stated in the race regulations.
The 24K race has born on demand of many runners who are about to embrace Trail Running but are not yet ready for a longer competition. Nevertheless we didn’t want to make their life too easy and we decided to follow the established Scenic Trail path but to stop basically halfway down the track. The runners will experience several steep ascents, up to Monte Bar (1,816m) and then to Gazzirola (2,116m), the highest point along the trail, before descending towards San Lucio (1,542m) where the finish line is awaiting them. Due to the nature of the trails we expect a very fast run and we look forward to see who is able to finish it under 3h.
Both races are departing at 7 o’clock in the morning so that family members, friends, race mates or team colleagues taking part at one or the other race, can be together at least for the first 24Km and in a synergic way, increase the rhythm of this great event! Like the 54K trail, also the 24K trail must be accomplished under the partial self-support principle.
How many runners do you expect on Saturday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
For this second edition we expect between 350 and 450 runners. We have basically runners starting the summer season, looking for a good-shape-confirmation but also the beginner who wants to start running on trails but still scares longer competitions. What we had last year are groups of friends challenging themselves for the best result. A very nice and relaxed atmosphere!
Do you organize other races during the Weekend? If so, on what distances?
The main race is the 54 Km but we offer a 24 Km as well for those who are about to face this beautiful sport. In addition we will organize a kids race around the town to grow up the interest in this event.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
Southern Switzerland was known to be the sunny corner of the Confederation. In the past year we lost this peculiarity, following long periods of rain and wind. June is still a good month wherever evening thunderstorms are possible. In the past edition we had a perfect weather, with chilling winds on the ridges, making the run never too hot or too cool. We hope of course to be lucky enough to get approximately the same conditions.
Have you planned festivities around the race?
The race event starts on Friday 12th of June with bibs distribution in the afternoon, expositors, music, and last but not least, at 19:00 Mister Marco Olmo will held a conference talking about his trail running experience. We hope so to create interest around the event and get more people wanting to face the challenge. Saturday, our main sponsors, like Dynafit, Tamborini (a wine producer), and others, inclusive stands with local products, will complete the picture. Kitchen will be open for runners and visitors all day long.
The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Tesserete before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
Tesserete is a simple but well-known place: small town with its traditions, breathtaking views of the surrounding region, excellent hotels and restaurant (I can suggest Restaurant and Hotel Stazione, or Restaurant Storni). In the past we had world bicycle and mountain bike championships due to the beauty of the place but also to the vast net of trails, sport structure and much more. Runners will find in their race packets also a free entrance to the local outdoor swimming center to recover after the race.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Scenic Trail?
Probably the nicest Trail in Europe! Come and see with your eyes!
Aaron proposed this race to Fabio two years ago, after having run for years in the region and after being sure they could get support from the local authorities and from the people. Fabio is a great runner and did participate to many official races. Aaron prefers to run alone, discovering new paths.
Together they also organize a very hard August run called Ultra race 2015 (www.ultrarace.ch).
