The following article features results from Giir di Mont, held Sunday, July 28 in Premana, Italy. The text was written by Hector Rubio for the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) with the photos courtesy Marco Gulberti, WMRA.
Returning to Premana for the Giir di Mont felt like coming home. The Valsir Mountain Running World Cup made its highly anticipated return to this picturesque locale after its last visit in 2022, marking the 30th anniversary of this iconic race. With temperatures soaring from 22°C at 7:45 AM in the Piazza della Chiesa to over 28°C at the finish line, athletes faced tough conditions that only added to the race’s intensity and excitement. Spectators were treated to a thrilling showcase of pure mountain running.
Premana’s passion for mountain running is unparalleled, with 500 local volunteers and numerous supporters drawing athletes to these mountains year after year. For three decades, the community has been the heart and soul of this remarkable event.
The course at Giir di Mont
Initially designed as a challenging route connecting 12 alpine pastures in the Premana region, the Giir di Mont—meaning “tour of the alpine pastures” in the local dialect—has evolved into a premier event in the mountain running calendar. Today, it attracts over a thousand participants, including elite international competitors.
The race kicks off with the first of three climbs after crossing the Varrone stream, reaching Alpe Chiarino at 1558 metres after 5 km. Following a brief section to Alpe Vegessa and the first checkpoint, the course ascends an old military road for 4 km, leading to the steepest climb up to Bocchetta di Larecc at 2063 metres, with an 800-metre elevation gain over just 3 km.
Runners then tackle a challenging descent to Alpe Fraina, followed by gentler slopes to Alpe Caprecolo and Alpe Rasga (km 19), where the final and longest climb begins. This ascent winds through several alpine huts and checkpoints, culminating in a technical descent towards the finish in the piazza of Premana.
The 30th edition of the Giir di Mont has once again proven to be an extraordinary display of endurance, skill, and community spirit.
Men’s race at Giir di Mont: triumph against the heat
In the men’s race, run2gether runner Michael Saoli (KEN) seized the lead from the very first metre, maintaining his position at the front of the pack. However, the final kilometer saw a dramatic challenge from Italian Daniel Pattis (Brooks), who nearly closed the gap. Saoli’s resilience ensured his victory, with Pattis finishing a close second just after 7 seconds!
The Spanish athlete from the Asics Team, Antonio Martínez, showcased remarkable descending skills. Starting the downhill on 5th position and maintaining his form through the majority of the intermediate passages, Martínez surged to a 3rd place finish. His descent in the final stretch allowed him to gain approximately five minutes on the leaders by the time he arrived to Premana.
Robert Kuenzle (USA), a specialist in Fastest Known Times (FKT), recently attempted to set the Mont Blanc record. The veterans Zait Air Malek and Tofol Castaner also impressed, securing top 20 positions in the grueling Premana race.
The top five men’s finishers were:
1. Michael Saoli (run2gether) KEN 3.21:02
2. Daniel Pattis (Brooks) ITA 3.21:09
3. Antonio Martínez (Asics) ESP 3.21.30
4. Luca del Pero (Scarpa) ITA 3.24.19
5. Robert (Jack) Kuenzle USA 3.25:17
13. Michael Cade (The Trail Team) USA 3.44:07
76. Sadio Fenner (The Trail Team) USA 4.50:13
Full results here.
Women’s race: great victory
In the women’s race, Romanian Madalina Amairei also dominated from the start, methodically securing her title with strong performances on every climb and descent. Despite a valiant effort by Ikram Rhasarlla, who was in pursuit throughout the race, Amairei’s lead at Brochetta di Larec (highest point of the race with 2063 m) was sufficient to crown her as the women’s category winner.
Sarah Willhoit fought tenaciously from behind, securing another exceptional result in her career with a 3rd place finish. Martina Cumerlato and Elisa Pressa completed the top five, finishing in 4th and 5th positions respectively.
The 30th Giir di Mont has once again proven to be a showcase of endurance, skill, and sheer determination, with athletes delivering outstanding performances in one of the most challenging mountain running races in the world.
The top five women’s finishers were:
1. Ioana Madalina Amairei (Pegarun) ROU 4.09.20
2. Ikram Rhasarlla (Millet) ESP 4.14:03
3. Sara Willhoit (Scarpa) GBR 4.19:57
4. Martina Curmelato ITA 4.24:02
5. Elisa Presa (Pegarun) ITA 4.37:49
Full results here.
Next up in the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup
Saturday, August 10, brings the iconic Sierre-Zinal race, renowned for its demanding Swiss trails. Elite athletes like Sophia Laukli (Salomon), Monica Madalina Florea (Salomon), Philemon Kiriago (Run2gether), Patrick Kipngeno (Run2gether), and Kilian Jornet (Nnormal) will vie for the prestigious title of “Queen and King of the Mountain.”
