Alpe della Luna Trail.
The Short Trail is the shortest course at the Alpe della Luna Trail, but not a gentle introduction: nearly half its climbing sits in one ramp at mid-loop that gains around 300 metres in little more than a kilometre. Hike that efficiently and run the long descent after it with control, and the rest of the race follows.
Alpe della Luna Trail 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The loop starts and finishes in Badia Tedalda; bibs are collected at the village sports hall and the awards take place in Piazza dei Tedaldi. From the start the course first drops a little over 100 metres. A short kick at km 1.4 leads into the first real climb, which rises for just over a kilometre from km 2.5 and touches 20 percent more than once.
The core of the race begins at km 4.3. Over 1.2 km the course gains around 300 metres there, averaging a quarter in gradient and considerably more in its steepest pitches. The top, just under 1,100 metres, is the high point of the loop, and from there the trail runs downhill almost without a break for three and a half kilometres to around 690 metres.
From km 9 the last climb follows, a kilometre and a half at a moderate grade, before the loop returns to Badia Tedalda on a gentler descent. Very little of these 13 km is flat: steep sections up and down together make up more than half the distance. With 150 places the field stays small.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 1.4 | 0.4 km | 12.6 % | 20 % | +50 m | — |
| km 2.5 | 1.4 km | 11.2 % | 20.8 % | +151 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 4.3 | 1.2 km | 25.6 % | 37.9 % | +307 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 9.1 | 1.5 km | 8 % | 16 % | +122 m | Cat. 4 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Alpe della Luna Trail.
Start under control
The first four kilometres are a run-up, not the race. The descent from the start and the two climbs after it tempt you to go out too fast with the crowd; take the 20 percent pitches from km 2.5 with short steps or at a hike, because the real work comes later.
Hold your rhythm
The Short Trail is decided on the ramp from km 4.3. At an average above 25 percent, a brisk hike with hands on thighs is faster than running for most people. Keep your heart rate even there rather than fighting your way up, and you will reach the top with legs left for what comes next.
Spend what is left
The trap sits right behind it: the long way down from the high point invites you to win back the time the climb cost. Tired quads, though, lose more on the final climb from km 9 than a hard descent gains. Run down loose and controlled, and save the last push for the closing kilometres.
Training plan for Alpe della Luna Trail: 12-week build
Build the base
For most recreational runners the Short Trail takes between an hour and a half and two and a half hours. It is not a steady run but an alternation of short, very steep climbs and equally steep descents, with hardly a flat stretch on which to settle into a rhythm. It still stays aerobic as long as you keep the ramps out of the red.
Train race pace
The race-deciding phase is the steep ramp at mid-loop. Train power hiking specifically, meaning fast walking with short steps and an upright hip, on the steepest slopes you can find near home. Repeats of five to ten minutes at an even effort do more than short sprints, because above 25 percent technique counts for more than your running pace.
Rehearse the course
Downhill running on tired legs matters just as much. Put descents deliberately at the end of your runs so your quads get used to the eccentric load, and back that up with lunges and step-downs in the gym. A short climb straight after a longer descent mirrors the end of the loop well.
Arrive fresh
Because the race is held in April, most of the preparation falls in winter. Plan the steep sessions so you can fit them in regularly despite short daylight, and move the last weeks before the start onto trails as far as possible, so sure footing is not first tested on race day.
Courses
Download the Alpe della Luna Trail course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Alpe della Luna Trail dynamically
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Everything about Alpe della Luna Trail.
How long is Alpe della Luna Trail?
Alpe della Luna Trail is 13 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Alpe della Luna Trail have?
Alpe della Luna Trail has around 683 m of elevation gain over 13 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Alpe della Luna Trail?
Alpe della Luna Trail is classified as Mountainous, averaging 54.3 vertical metres per kilometre. 5% of the route is flat, 17% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 26% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Alpe della Luna Trail have?
The hardest climb of Alpe della Luna Trail starts at kilometre 4.3, runs for 1.2 km at an average of 25.6% and gains 307 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 3. 4 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Alpe della Luna Trail a loop course?
Yes, Alpe della Luna Trail is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Alpe della Luna Trail course?
Yes. The Alpe della Luna Trail course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Alpe della Luna Trail?
Preparation for Alpe della Luna Trail should account for 13 km, 683 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Alpe della Luna Trail?
The pacing strategy for Alpe della Luna Trail should reflect 13 km, 683 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Alpe della Luna Trail take place?
Alpe della Luna Trail takes place on April 11, 2027.
Where does Alpe della Luna Trail take place?
Alpe della Luna Trail takes place in Badia Tedalda, Italy.
Which distances does Alpe della Luna Trail offer?
Alpe della Luna Trail offers 3 distances — Short Trail: 13 km; Trail: 27 km; Ultra Trail: 52 km.
How do I register for Alpe della Luna Trail?
Registration runs through the organiser: alpedellalunatrail.it. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
