Walking Rules

The “Tuscany Crossing/Il Cammino della Valdorcia” is a non-competitive recreational walking event, with no rankings or timekeeping for competitive purposes, covering distances of 103, 53 and 15 km. Organised in collaboration with voluntary and public welfare organisations in the Val d’Orcia.

The event falls within the scope of recreational physical activity, as set out in Regional Law No. 35 of 9 July 2003, paragraphs 4 and 5.

The event is organised by ASD SIENARUNNERS, an amateur sports association. The “TC” takes place in southern Tuscany, within the Val d’Orcia Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• The 103 km walk begins at midnight on Friday 16 April 2027, starting from Castiglione d’Orcia. Participants must reach the finish line within 27 hours to be eligible for a finisher’s prize.  

• The 53 km walk begins at midnight on Friday 16 April 2027, starting from Castiglione d’Orcia. Participants must reach the finish line within 16 hours to be eligible for a finisher’s prize.

• The 15 km walk begins at 09:20 on Saturday 17 April 2027, starting from Castiglione d’Orcia. Participants must reach the finish line within 6 hours to be eligible for a finisher’s prize.  

All participants must strictly adhere to the rules and the pre-event  briefing to remain eligible for the prize.  

The event route will mostly pass through typical Tuscan countryside, with the majority of the   consisting of dirt tracks, footpaths   and tarmac,   with the latter accounting for less than   20 per cent, passing through the most beautiful parts of the Valdorcia.  

 MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

​

 103 km Walk

​Sporting activity involving particularly high cardiovascular exertion

Certification for sporting activities involving particularly high cardiovascular exertion is governed by the Ministerial Decree of 24 April 2013.

This certification applies to ‘non-registered’ participants taking part in non-competitive or recreational sporting events, such as running events longer than 20 km, long-distance cycling, swimming, cross-country skiing or other similar events, organised under the auspices of Sports Federations, Associated Sports Disciplines and Sports Promotion Bodies.

Certificates may be issued by specialist doctors   in sports medicine, by   general practitioners and by paediatricians of the patient’s choice, limited to their own patients, using a specific predefined form   which cannot be altered, as set out in Annex D of the aforementioned Ministerial Decree   of 24 April 2013.

The examination protocol

The medical examination must necessarily include: measurement of

blood pressure; a baseline electrocardiogram, step test or ergometric test with cardiac activity monitoring;

any other tests deemed useful and appropriate in the doctor’s judgement;

and all relevant documentation must be retained  for at least  1 year.  

Furthermore, medical certificates for competitive athletics are valid.

  All participants must hold a valid medical certificate, which must be uploaded to the members’ area on the website, sent by email or handed in in person when collecting their race number.  Failure to do so will result in  the cancellation of the registration without any  right to a refund of the entry fee paid.

Registration is open to adults only, and participants must be aware that this is a self-sufficient event, although there will be refreshment points along the route.

Participants must acknowledge the length and specific characteristics of the event, which differs substantially from other walks, and must be

aware that their participation requires a high level of physical fitness necessary to overcome situations demanding great physical and psychological resilience, because the seemingly gentle Tuscan hills, whilst beautiful, are relentless in their challenge and unforgiving to those who are ill-prepared.

Furthermore, medical certificates for competitive athletics are valid.

53 km walk

 It is compulsory for every participant to hold a certificate of fitness for non-competitive sport or higher; this must be uploaded to the members’ area on the website, sent by email or handed in directly when collecting their race number.  Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the registration without any entitlement to a refund of the entry fee

​

•   15 km walk

 Participants must be in perfect   health and physical and mental fitness to tackle the length of the route; any specific medical conditions must be formally notified, by email, to the organisers at the time of registration.

 Registration for a  minor may be carried out by  an adult with   parental authority or someone temporarily delegated such authority. Upon registration, this adult assumes responsibility for the minor’s supervision and must subsequently accompany the minor throughout the event, acting as a point of contact for the organisers regarding any matters concerning the minor.

 

Registration for the walks

 From 1 July 2026, it will be possible to register online until all available places are filled.

The age limit is set at 12 years of age (or over) when accompanied by parents for the 14 km route

and 18 years for the 103 and 53 km routes

​

 

The entry fee includes:

race number

support and refreshments along the route and at the finish line

race pack or commemorative technical T-shirt

Finisher’s prize

pasta party voucher for the 53 and 103 km routes

​REGISTRATION CLOSING DATE

Online registration and registration at advance booking points will close on 04/04/2026 or once the maximum number of 200 entrants for the 15 km, 200 for the 53 km and 200 for the 103 km has been reached.

​

Withdrawal and partial refunds

 If you are unable to take part, you must notify us of your withdrawal by email toinfo@tuscanycrossing.com .

The following refund arrangements apply:

• withdrawal notified by 31/12/2026: 70% refund of the entry fee;

• withdrawal notified by 14 March 2027: 50% refund of the entry fee;

• withdrawal notified from 15 March 2027 until the close of registrations: no refund. At the athlete’s request, a credit equal to 50% of the registration fee paid may be granted, to be used exclusively for the next edition of the Tuscany Crossing. Any credit granted is non-transferable, cannot be converted into cash and may only be used by the registered athlete for the next edition of the event.

Refunds of entry fees, net of any bank and administration charges, will be processed by 31 August 2027.

Registration may be transferred to another person by 31 March 2027, subject to payment of €15.00 in administrative fees and notification to the Organisers. The new registrant must meet the requirements set out in the regulations and complete the registration procedure by the date specified by the Organisers.

In the event of the cancellation of the event due to force majeure, natural disasters, health emergencies, directives from the relevant authorities or other circumstances beyond the Organisation’s control, no refund of the registration fee is guaranteed.

The Organisers may, at their discretion, grant a partial refund and/or a credit to be used for a future edition of the event, taking into account any expenses already incurred that cannot be recovered.

In the event of the race being suspended, interrupted, rerouted or cancelled due to weather conditions, safety concerns or any other cause beyond the Organisation’s control, no refund shall be payable to participants.                                                The Organisation’s aim will, however, be to grant, where possible and subject to expenses already incurred and which cannot be recovered, a credit to be used in the next edition of the event.

GENERAL RULES

Dogs are permitted provided they are kept on a lead at all times and remain under the participant’s full responsibility. The owner is responsible for the animal’s behaviour and for any damage caused to people, animals or property.

The Cammino della Val d’Orcia is a non-competitive recreational walking event, with no rankings or timekeeping for competitive purposes. Participants are invited to complete the route in keeping with the spirit of the event, prioritising safety, camaraderie and the discovery of the local area.

Participants must not set off before the official start time set by the Organisers. Setting off early could compromise the support, monitoring and safety services provided along the route. In the event of a breach, the Organisers reserve the right to exclude the participant from the event.

Ethics of the Walk

The route follows footpaths, dirt tracks and sections open to normal vehicular traffic.

All participants are required to comply with the Highway Code, follow the instructions of the organisers’ staff, and behave in a courteous and respectful manner towards residents, walkers, tourists, farmers, motorists and other participants.

Volunteers and staff present along the route are not authorised to stop or direct traffic. Each participant is therefore responsible for their own safety when crossing roads and on sections open to traffic.

Every participant has a moral obligation to assist anyone in difficulty and to promptly report any dangerous situations to the organisers’ staff.

Personal safety always takes precedence over completing the route.

Volunteers

The Tuscany Crossing is made possible by the invaluable contribution of over 300 volunteers who work before, during and after the event.

Volunteers are a fundamental part of the event and dedicate their time, passion and energy to ensuring participants receive assistance, a warm welcome and safety.

The organisers invite all participants to cooperate with the staff present along the route and to treat them with respect and gratitude.

Without their contribution, events such as the Tuscany Crossing could not take place.

Compulsory equipment for the 103/53 km

• 1 litre of water.

• Hydration pack or two water bottles.

• Personal drinking cup

• Energy bars or equivalent food.

• Waterproof windproof jacket

• Emergency blanket

• ​Whistle

• Head torch with spare battery

• Fully charged mobile phone

The following items are strongly recommended:

• Hat or bandana and gloves

• Trail running shoes

• Spare head torch

• Trekking poles are permitted

Compulsory equipment for the 14 km route

• Half a litre of spare water.

• Hydration rucksack or water bottle.

• Energy bars or equivalent food items.

• Fully charged mobile phone

The following items are strongly recommended:

• Hat or bandana and gloves

• Trail running shoes

RACE NUMBER COLLECTION

From Friday 17 April at 10.00 am in Castiglione d’Orcia

Liability

 

The participant releases the organisers from any liability for medical issues that  may arise before, during  and   after  the   race,  as   they have been informed of any medical contraindications that  apply to them.

 Should it become necessary to call the emergency services (118), including the possible use of a helicopter, any costs arising from the intervention of organisations other than the event organisers, whether before, during or after the event, shall not be borne by the organisers.

 The competitor takes part in the event at their own risk, thereby releasing the organising company from any liability for damage caused to or suffered by persons, animals or property, before, during and after the event.

 Familiarisation:

Knowing the route offers physical and mental benefits during the race; make sure you study the difficult sections carefully. Particular attention should be paid to those sections you expect to run in the dark, when your mental and physical energy may be low.

 Night-time events: in races where a significant part of the course takes place at night, in addition to the compulsory light, it is advisable to carry a second light and spare batteries. If your lights fail, wait for another participant with a light.

 Weather: as temperatures during the event can range from 0° to 30°, participants must be prepared for both extremes. Weather conditions are unpredictable and can change rapidly.

 Crossing rivers and streams

There may be crossings of rivers, streams or other watercourses along the route.

These crossings must be tackled with the utmost caution and in accordance with the instructions of the organisers’ staff.

At the most challenging points, safety ropes or other assistance systems may be provided to help participants cross.

Designated staff will be on hand to provide support and guidance during the crossing.

Should conditions be deemed unsafe, the organisers reserve the right to alter the route, identify alternative passages or close the affected section.

The safety of participants always takes precedence over the continuity of the original route

 Signposting: Route markings will consist of marker tape; arrows and other signs will be communicated at   prior to the   start. Furthermore, reflective markers   will be positioned along the route for use in the dark. The staff will do their best to provide an adequately signposted route, but participants must remain constantly alert.  Occasionally, people not associated with the event may alter or remove the signs.

A working knowledge of the route, the road book and the GPS track will be of immense help to participants.

Change bags (103 km): The event organisers will provide transport for change bags to the locations specified on the map.  This service is  provided to  assist participants. Those with adequate support are asked not to overburden our volunteers with unnecessary bags. Bags must be securely tied, clearly labelled with the participant’s number and deposited at the appropriate collection point designated for each checkpoint before departure. Change bags must fit through a 40 cm opening. You are limited to one bag per aid station, which will be located at the 60th and 114th km. Please do not use paper bags, shoe boxes or anything made from paper-like materials. These can easily get wet. It is imperative that participants do not leave perishable items in their bags. DO NOT put glass bottles in the change bags.

 The bags will be returned to the TUSCANY centre as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of each runner to collect their own bags. If you are unable to collect your bags, ask someone else to do so on your behalf. Collection bags must be collected by 10:00 on Sunday. Any bags remaining after the event may be disposed of.   DO NOT leave valuables in your bags. The Organising Committee is not responsible for lost or damaged collection bags or their contents.

 Withdrawal: if you need to withdraw from the event at a point where medical assistance is not available, we will make every reasonable effort to take you to the finish line or the nearest main checkpoint still in operation, particularly if you require medical attention. In non-emergency situations, you may have to wait several hours before being evacuated. Participants who need to leave the event will be taken to the finish line. Our primary responsibility is to organise the event, not to provide a shuttle service for non-finishers; therefore, please be patient in such cases. First-aid stations will close when the broom van arrives.

 Insurance; Third-party liability: The organisers take out third-party liability insurance for the entire duration of the event. The organisers advise all participants to take out their own personal insurance covering participation in events such as Tuscany Crossing, including accident, travel and evacuation costs.

 

DATA PROCESSING REGULATIONS

Pursuant to Article 13 of European Regulation 2016/679 on the protection of

(“GDPR”), we hereby inform you: A) that the data contained in the registration form is required

for registration purposes, to prepare the list of participants, any rankings, the historical archive,

to provide the services set out in the regulations, and to send information material from the

Organising Committee; B) that the consequences of failing to provide the data or the

information referred to above will result in non-admission to the event; C) At any

time, the data subject may access, amend or delete their data free of charge

by writing to the data controller, the Organising Committee

(info@tuscanycrossing.com

 

Image rights; By registering for the TC, the participant expressly authorises the organisers, together with their partners, to acquire, free of charge, the right to use any still or moving images in which they may appear, taken during their participation in the event, on all visual media as well as in promotional and/or advertising materials, produced and distributed worldwide and for the maximum period provided for by the laws, regulations and treaties in force, including any extension that may be made to the specified period.

for the maximum period provided for   by the laws, regulations,   and treaties in force, including any extension that may be made to the specified period.

 Acceptance: By registering and paying the relevant fee, the participant accepts these regulations without reservation.

 

TC Rules

 

The purpose of these rules is to ensure the smooth running of the event and individual performances, whilst providing a level playing field for all. The guiding principles of the rules are simple: to walk and run fairly, safely and with respect for the environment.

The official race number must be worn visibly on the front of the body and must be clearly visible at all times.

 Participants must follow the marked route at all times.

 Each participant must complete the entire route without external assistance. No physical or mechanical aids are permitted; the use of trekking poles is allowed.

 No assistance may be provided outside the designated points (refreshment areas) except in the event of medical assistance

 Participants must comply with the event regulations, as set out by the Event Director in the event-specific emails and at the pre-event briefing on Friday afternoon or at   ; failure to do so will result in exclusion from the event. Every runner must be registered or checked at all checkpoints.

 All time limits will be strictly enforced both on entry to and exit from refreshment points, which will operate according to specific timetables (to be announced later). Participants must have left the checkpoint   before the time limit. Participants who return to the checkpoint after the time limit will be disqualified from the event.

 

At the discretion of the medical staff, further monitoring of individual participants may be required.

   Refusal by the   participant to    cooperate fully    may result in immediate exclusion. Every runner must fully disclose   to the medical staff at the event  check-in any   changes to existing medical conditions and all prescribed medication.

 Medical staff may, at their sole discretion, suspend a participant from the event by invalidating their race number. Rescue personnel are authorised to evacuate participants deemed to be in danger by any means they deem appropriate. The use of anti-inflammatory injections by the medical staff on duty is not permitted. Should the use of anti-inflammatory injections prove necessary, the competitor will be stopped and transported to a medical station for a medical check-up. Participants must refrain from any unsportsmanlike behaviour.

 Smoking is not permitted at any of the checkpoints or along the route.

 Any participant who is unable to complete the event must personally inform the nearest aid station or checkpoint of their decision to withdraw. The participant must hand in their GPS tracker and race number at that time. This serves as official notification of withdrawal from the race. Participants who leave the course without handing in their GPS tracker and/or race number will be classified as ‘missing’, thereby potentially triggering the search and rescue team. The time spent searching for such a runner may be charged to the participant

 

Time limits and finisher status

Only participants who complete the course within the specified time limits and in accordance with these regulations will be considered official finishers.

Participants who cross the finish line after the set time limit will not be included in the official list of finishers.

Safeguarding safety and the spirit of the event

The Cammino della Val d’Orcia is a non-competitive recreational walking event based on the principles of responsible participation, personal safety and mutual respect.

The Organisers reserve the right to exclude from the event any participant who behaves in a manner contrary to these regulations, who puts their own safety or that of other participants at risk, or who displays behaviour incompatible with the spirit of the event.

 In the event of adverse weather conditions, weather warnings or for safety reasons, the organisers reserve the right to suspend the event whilst it is in progress, to amend the time limits or to divert the route onto tarmac roads.

 GPS tracker

 Each participant in the   and the 103 km races will be issued with a GPS tracker   from   , which must be returned at the end of the event.

 Please note

 

The GPS tracker will be handed out when you collect your race number

When collecting your race number and the GPS tracker, please check that the numbers on both match

With regard to the use of the GPS, please follow the instructions and information provided in the packaging carefully.

The GPS is strictly personal and cannot be exchanged

 

The GPS must be returned to the designated collection points in the finish area to the staff on duty, even for athletes who have withdrawn or did not start. Failure to return the device will result in a charge of €100 to the athlete.