Restonica Trail by UTMB.
The Ultra-Trail di Corsica is the longest course of the Restonica Trail by UTMB: a night-start loop from Corte through the wild high country at the heart of Corsica, over passes close to Monte Cintu and past the glacial lakes Capitellu and Melu. It asks for sure footing on rock as much as the endurance to stay on your feet for the better part of two days.
Restonica Trail by UTMB 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The start is at night on the Cours Paoli in Corte. Just over a kilometre in, the climb above the Tavignanu valley begins: nearly four kilometres averaging about 25 percent, then further up to roughly 1,750 metres. Via the Padule and Cogna sheepfolds, Aleri and Pinadellu the course drops to Calacuccia in the Niolu, the low point of the first half. From there comes the long climb to Bocca Crucetta at over 2,400 metres, the highest pass of the race below Monte Cintu.
The second half stays high: Ballone, the steep climb to Ciottulu di i Mori from kilometre 49, Ciattarinu, Inzecche and the pastures around Lac de Ninu. From kilometre 77 the route climbs to Bocca a Soglia above 2,000 metres, drops to the E Grotelle and Tragone aid stations and climbs a last 600 metres or so to Alzu. After that, a good twelve kilometres of descent lead back to Corte.
Underfoot it is Corsican high mountain almost all the way: boulder fields, scree, rock steps, the pozzines around the lakes and open pine forest in the valleys. Parts follow the GR20. The organiser pitches the race explicitly at experienced trail runners, and in July that means heat in the valleys as well as a risk of afternoon storms at altitude.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 1.1 | 3.8 km | 25.4 % | 51.2 % | +973 m | HC |
| km 5.1 | 1.6 km | 17.9 % | 43.2 % | +282 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 32.3 | 6.5 km | 13 % | 26.1 % | +844 m | HC |
| km 39.6 | 2.6 km | 23.9 % | 48.5 % | +620 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 48.7 | 2.3 km | 28 % | 46.7 % | +630 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 64.2 | 4.1 km | 11.7 % | 32.9 % | +476 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 77 | 3.4 km | 18.9 % | 50.4 % | +638 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 91 | 4 km | 16.1 % | 40.3 % | +635 m | Cat. 2 |
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 Restonica Trail by UTMB.
Start under control
The first climb is the most dangerous section for your race plan: fresh legs, a head torch, a crowded field and close to 1,000 metres of gain in four kilometres. Climbing there above your all-day effort is paid back in the second night. Hike the ramps deliberately and pace off your own climbing rhythm, not the runners around you.
Hold your rhythm
The race is decided between Calacuccia and Ciottulu di i Mori. The climb to Bocca Crucetta and the steep pull to Ballone fall into the heat of the day and into altitude, followed by technical descents. Eat and drink ahead of need there, even when appetite fades.
Spend what is left
The trap sits at the end: after Bocca a Soglia the race feels nearly done, yet Tragone is low and the climb to Alzu comes on tired legs. Keep something in your quads for the last twenty kilometres, because the long descent to Corte is steep and rocky.
Training plan for Restonica Trail by UTMB: 12-week build
Build the base
For most age-group runners the Ultra-Trail di Corsica means 30 to more than 40 hours on the move, with at least one and often two nights. The effort is mainly aerobic but irregular: long, very steep hiking sections alternate with technical descents where speed is hard to come by.
Train race pace
The four big passes and the descents between them decide the race. Train steep uphill hiking with poles on climbs of 600 to 1,000 metres at a time and build eccentric strength in your quads. Long mountain days of 2,000 to 3,000 metres of gain, ideally back to back, prepare you for the cumulative fatigue.
Rehearse the course
The terrain demands sure footing on boulder fields and scree, so seek out stony alpine ground rather than forest roads. Practise switching between hiking and running on uneven ground and moving by head torch through technical terrain.
Arrive fresh
In July the Corsican valleys are hot, while a storm up high can drop the temperature fast. Heat acclimatisation, a fuelling plan tested for more than a day and training with the full mandatory kit belong in your preparation.
Courses
Download the Restonica Trail by UTMB course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
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Everything about Restonica Trail by UTMB.
How long is Restonica Trail by UTMB?
Restonica Trail by UTMB is 110 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 Restonica Trail by UTMB have?
Restonica Trail by UTMB has around 7,038 m of elevation gain over 110 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Restonica Trail by UTMB?
Restonica Trail by UTMB is classified as Mountainous, averaging 65 vertical metres per kilometre. 6% of the route is flat, 16% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 29% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Restonica Trail by UTMB have?
The hardest climb of Restonica Trail by UTMB starts at kilometre 1.1, runs for 3.8 km at an average of 25.4% and gains 973 metres. Cycling-convention rating: HC. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Restonica Trail by UTMB a loop course?
Yes, Restonica Trail by UTMB is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Restonica Trail by UTMB course?
Yes. The Restonica Trail by UTMB 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 Restonica Trail by UTMB?
Preparation for Restonica Trail by UTMB should account for 110 km, 7,038 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 Restonica Trail by UTMB?
The pacing strategy for Restonica Trail by UTMB should reflect 110 km, 7,038 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 Restonica Trail by UTMB take place?
Restonica Trail by UTMB takes place on July 7, 2027.
Where does Restonica Trail by UTMB take place?
Restonica Trail by UTMB takes place in Corte, France.
Which distances does Restonica Trail by UTMB offer?
Restonica Trail by UTMB offers 5 distances — Ultra-Trail di Corsica - 100M: 110 km; Restonica Trail - 100K: 69 km; Pianu Maiò - 50K: 52 km; Tavignanu Trail - 50K: 33 km; Giru di Tumbone - 20K: 17 km.
How do I register for Restonica Trail by UTMB?
Registration runs through the organiser: restonica.utmb.world. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
