Race: La Thuile Ultra – 70km, 4000m ascent
Runner: Coach Lauren Irwin
Race Date: 07/25/2026
Location: La Thuile, Italy
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- The views – Monte Bianco and glaciers
- The variety of terrain: high alpine pastures, lakes, river crossings, forest, steep rock climbs, mountain crests – you really have it all!
- The dawn start – the colours in the mountains are amazing
- The other competitors – it’s a friendly and mixed group!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Training paid off – legs were strong on the ascents and descents!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
- Make sure you stock up very well on water when available – I would suggest bringing water purification tablets to be able to use rivers as water sources.
- Hiking poles are worth having for the later stages; if it has rained some parts can get extra muddy and these can help on the climbs.
- Do bring some warm and waterproof layers – the weather went from warm and sunny to 3 hours of thunderstorms and hail – you need to be prepared for everything!
- Lots of athletes will set off at a run uphill at the start – run your own race at a pace that works for you, there is plenty of time to overtake later!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
- Bringing some solid snacks and protein as well as gels.
- You need to be fairly auto-sufficient in terms of nutrition.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
- There are relatively few water points (7) given the time it takes and 4 aid stations with food (dried fruit, bread, crackers, bananas, cheese).
- The race goes to 2800m at the highest points so having experience at altitude is important.
- There are a couple of areas over snow patches or exposed rock faces that have ropes to help you cross. Volunteers are present.
- If it has rained a lot or it’s muddy, the course markings are not always the easiest to find in the wooded areas if you are going towards dusk.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Absolutely, one of the best!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
For the ratio of ascent / distance yes, however there are few parts that are truly ‘technical’.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well organized both before and during the race. There are a good number of volunteers to help along the course.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s very varied, you have elite international athletes and also athletes working to beat the cut-offs.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Luckily you can still register without a lottery of specific entry requirements! However the field is small (200 athletes) so book several months ahead. There is lots of accommodation in La Thuile town – this means you can walk to the start in the morning which I would recommend.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Fairly limited (given the inaccessibility of the aid stations this also makes sense). If you have specific needs make sure you are self-sufficient.
Weather and typical race conditions
Varied – I have done this race in 35 degrees heat and also under a hailstorm!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Obligatory equipment: Vest, at least 1 litre of water, head-torch, trail shoes made for rocky terrain / mixed terrain, rain-jacket with hood, long sleeves, thermal emergency cover, telephone.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Not really, there are only a few points you can hike to. Friends can enjoy a beer at the end while they wait!
How’s the Swag?
Hmm, could be better. A t-shirt but no medal… personally I love a medal!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
Full stars!