How was Tuscany Crossing born?

The idea for Tuscany Crossing was conceived in 2012 by two trail running organisers and enthusiasts, a discipline that was virtually unknown in Tuscany. Aurelio Michelangeli suggested to Roberto Amaddii, who had started organising events in the area, that they organise the first 100 km race in Tuscany, and what better place than Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. So the great challenge began. Roberto, who knew the area well, having been born and lived there, began to explore and map out the routes. The location was chosen as Castiglione d'Orcia, the central town of the Val d'Orcia, whose fortress would become the symbol of the race.

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Our aim was to create an event for the area

Right from the start, there was a clear desire in Castiglione d'Orcia to create an important event. The organisation was almost family-based, but there was no lack of determination and passion.

The main objective is to create a sense of pride and belonging in the local community, promote awareness of local traditions and encourage a form of responsible sports tourism. An event that not only celebrates sport and trail running but also the unique cultural heritage of the area, and which can contribute to the growth of the local economy through the promotion of businesses and tourism.

It is an event that demonstrates how the passion of the people who live in an area can be transformed into an opportunity to share through sport and local culture, promoting the sustainable development of the area.

Roberto Amaddii's task has always been to find and coordinate people, groups and associations with a common goal: the desire to promote the Valdorcia, the area and local traditions through long-distance running.

Trail running offers the opportunity to explore beautiful natural environments, such as woods, mountains, hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes, and in Valdorcia, in the heart of Tuscany, it is easy to discover how rewarding it is to run in these settings.

Year after year, the organising committee has grown with enthusiasm and passion, and the core group formed by the community of Castiglione d'Orcia has expanded to include associations from neighbouring villages. Four municipalities are now involved and 14 villages are crossed, contributing with refreshments to the success of an event that has grown over time.

During these editions, the ideas have not stopped, new proposals from Roberto Amaddii have been endorsed by the whole area and new challenges have emerged, contributing to the growth of interest and participants.