CASTIGLIONE D'ORCIA (SI) 
16/17 April 2027

It's never over. We return.
 

​An ultra-marathon through the hills of the Val d’Orcia in spring: a dream come true

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Running an ultra-marathon through the hills of the Val d’Orcia in the height of spring – gentle and undulating in a way that only Tuscany can be – truly feels like a dream for those experiencing it for the first time.

 

Launched in 2013 as a trail running event, the Tuscany Crossing is now one of Italy’s most captivating endurance experiences: a journey through extraordinary landscapes, paths that climb the hills, dirt tracks that stretch into the distance, fields of wheat still green and vineyards coming to life after winter.

 

The route passes through the heart of the Val d’Orcia, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the exceptional harmony between man and nature. Medieval villages, thousand-year-old abbeys, Romanesque parish churches and iconic views accompany every kilometre, transforming the effort into discovery and wonder.

 

April is when this region reveals its most vivid side. The meadows are filled with poppies and wildflowers, the hills take on a brilliant green hue that lasts just a few weeks, and the air still retains the freshness of winter nights. It is a season of rebirth, in which nature seems to accompany the participants’ every step.

 

At dawn, the magic becomes reality. The mist slowly dissipates through the valleys, the sky glows with shades of pink and orange, and the rows of cypress trees emerge like silent sentinels. In those moments, nature ceases to be a backdrop and becomes the true star of the journey.

 

The route is as varied as it is challenging: dirt tracks, woodland paths, flower-filled meadows, fords, scenic climbs and long stretches immersed in the silence of the Tuscan countryside. The route starts in Castiglione d’Orcia and passes through the areas of Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza, amongst villages that have preserved the charm of the Middle Ages intact.

 

The rivers Orcia, Vivo and Asso flow along the route, whilst the thermal springs of Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo serve as a reminder of the deep connection between this region and water. The steam rising from the large thermal pool at Bagno Vignoni and the spectacular ‘Balena Bianca’ on the slopes of Monte Amiata are images that remain etched in the memory just as much as the finish line.

 

But the Tuscany Crossing is not just about the landscape. It is also about culture, hospitality and tradition. At the refreshment stops and meeting points, you’ll find the authentic flavours of Tuscany: Tuscan bread, pecorino cheeses, cured meats, traditional desserts, wine, extra virgin olive oil and local produce that tell a story of hard work, passion and identity.

 

The local people make this experience even more special. Volunteers, local organisations and residents welcome participants with enthusiasm, transforming every refreshment stop into a moment of sharing and every stage of the journey into a genuine encounter.

 

Whether you choose the 53 km, the 103 km or the 100 Miglia, every finish line at the Tuscany Crossing represents much more than just a distance covered. It is a journey through one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes, a challenge that tests the body and enriches the spirit.

 

And when it’s all over, when the exertion gives way to memories, what will remain etched in your mind are the sunrises, the cypress trees, the villages, the smiles and the unmistakable light of the Val d’Orcia.

 

Because the Tuscany Crossing is not just a race.

 

It’s a place you return to.

 

It doesn’t end. You come back.