Skyrunner World Series (biennial; 2026 edition confirmed)
Trofeo Kima
San Martino, Val Masino
Race guide
Updated 19 July 2026
Trofeo Kima is one of the most technically demanding races in the Skyrunner World Series, held on a biennial basis in the granite heartland of Val Masino, Italy — with the 2026 edition confirmed. Covering 52 km with 3,309 m of climbing and a high point of 2,911 m, the route forms a sweeping loop through a constellation of mountain rifugios that sit above the treeline in some of the Alps' most exposed and rugged terrain. Starting and finishing in San Martino at 856 m, the course takes runners deep into the Masino-Bregaglia-Disgrazia wilderness, linking six staffed checkpoints across a single long day. This is not a race where smooth trails dominate — expect loose rock, boulder fields, fixed-rope sections and sustained high-altitude exposure that demand both fitness and technical mountain competence.
Course & Terrain
The route leaves San Martino (856 m) and climbs immediately into the Val Masino granite landscape, reaching Rifugio Omio at 1,573 m by km 8 before the real altitude push begins. The climb to Rifugio Gianetti at 2,747 m — reached by km 15 — is the most sustained ascent on the course, gaining roughly 1,200 m from Omio and passing through increasingly technical terrain where sure footing matters more than running pace. From Gianetti the route traverses across to Rifugio Allievi (2,527 m, km 25) at roughly the halfway point, then continues to Rifugio Ponti (2,485 m, km 35) and Preda Rossa (2,190 m, km 41) before the long descent back to San Martino (880 m, km 52). The majority of the middle section of the race — roughly km 15 to km 35 — is conducted above 2,400 m, making this a genuinely high-altitude sky race rather than simply a mountain marathon with some elevation.
Decisive Climbs & Where the Race Is Won
The climb from Rifugio Omio to Rifugio Gianetti is the defining section of Trofeo Kima. It represents the most concentrated vertical gain on the course — approximately 1,174 m in just 7 km — and arrives early enough that runners who go out too hard from San Martino will crack badly before the halfway mark. The cut-off at Gianetti (Sat 11:30) leaves almost no margin for error: runners must leave San Martino at race start and hold a disciplined pace through Omio (cut-off 09:45) to give themselves any buffer. The traverse between Allievi and Ponti at sustained altitude, combined with accumulated fatigue, is a secondary crux where technical footing can cost significant time. The final descent from Preda Rossa (2,190 m) to San Martino (880 m) drops over 1,300 m in the last 11 km — legs that are trashed from the high-terrain traverses will feel it sharply here, and the final cut-off at 19:00 demands runners leave Preda Rossa no later than around 16:30 with enough reserve to descend safely.
Pacing & Fuelling Strategy
With a 19:00 finish cut-off and a start early on Saturday morning, most runners will be on course for 8–12 hours. The cut-offs are structured around roughly 90-minute to 2-hour windows between checkpoints and leave limited slack — missing Rifugio Omio at 09:45 effectively ends your race before the hardest climbing even begins. Run conservatively to Omio, hike efficiently up to Gianetti, and save your legs for the long second half. All six checkpoints are staffed rifugios offering food and water, which means you can run with a lighter pack than at many ultras of this length — but always carry enough fluid and calories to cover the longest gap between checkpoints (the Allievi–Ponti leg at 10 km). Electrolyte management matters at sustained altitude; do not rely solely on water at the rifugios. Energy intake should start immediately and repeat every 45 minutes — the technical terrain makes it easy to forget to eat, and bonking above 2,500 m in remote terrain is serious.
Conditions to Expect
Val Masino sits in the Rhaetian Alps, and the terrain above 2,500 m is fully alpine in character. Even in summer, temperatures at the high point of 2,911 m can be significantly colder than at the valley start, and the exposed granite ridgelines offer no shelter from wind. Afternoon thunderstorms are a genuine risk in this region during the summer racing window, and race organisers have historically been prepared to modify or stop the event in serious weather — carry the mandatory kit and treat it seriously. The descent from Gianetti back towards altitude crossings can involve residual snow or icy patches early in the season; check race briefing notes for the specific edition. Rocky technical sections throughout the high route mean trail shoes with firm, grippy lugs and adequate rock protection are the correct choice over soft-ground mudders.
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Checkpoints & cut-offs
⚠ Auto-researched from public sources — aid stations and cut-offs may be incomplete. Confirm against the official roadbook before race day.
0 km · 856 m · —
6 km · 1358 m · —
9 km · 1841 m · —
14 km · 2521 m · —
16 km · 2741 m · Sat 09:45
17 km · 2589 m · —
18 km · 2669 m · —
21 km · 2810 m · —
24 km · 2548 m · Sat 12:30
26 km · 2421 m · —
28 km · 2463 m · —
30 km · 2606 m · —
33 km · 2713 m · Sat 14:30
35 km · 2485 m · —
39 km · 2432 m · —
45 km · 1246 m · —
49 km · 942 m · —
52 km · 880 m · Sat 17:30
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Course data researched from public sources — verify against the official roadbook.