Photo: Regentivi Anthony / Tuscany Crossing (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Castiglione d'Orcia
Tuscany Crossing
Friday, 16 April 2027
Your checklist for Tuscany Crossing
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Fénix 8 AMOLED 47 mm
Onboard topo maps with round-trip routing
Downside: Very high price
Gear
Powerful head torch and spare battery: the 100-mile night is long
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
Carry your own solid food for the long stretches: not every aid station has the same
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Compact car: Val d'Orcia roads are narrow and winding
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
4 modalities
100 Millas
- Distance
- 161 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 5720m
- Max Time
- -
TC100K
- Distance
- 103 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 3240m
- Max Time
- -
TC53K
- Distance
- 53 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1480m
- Max Time
- -
TC15K
- Distance
- 15 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 490m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Millas | 161 km | D+ 5720m | - |
| TC100K | 103 km | D+ 3240m | - |
| TC53K | 53 km | D+ 1480m | - |
| TC15K | 15 km | D+ 490m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~37 h of Tuscany Crossing?Worked out for the longest course (161 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Tuscany Crossing
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
8°C – 17°C
Average 12°C
Rain
37%
2.5 mm avg
Wind
17 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
11h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (37% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Bring thermal layers (low of 8°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Thermal tubular Buff with Primaloft technology. Traps body heat, ultralight and versatile: hat, neck gaiter, headband. Ideal for high mountain.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Thermal Neck Gaiter
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Long-sleeve thermal base layer made from recycled fabric with anti-odour treatment. Active thermal regulation, ideal as a base layer in the mountains.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Women's Longsleeve
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Thermal Windproof Balaclava
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock (Men's)
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Forecast for 16 April
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Tuscany Crossing: 161 km through the Val d’Orcia
Tuscany Crossing was born in 2012 from a simple, ambitious idea: create Tuscany’s first 100-mile race in Italy’s most recognisable landscape. The base is Castiglione d’Orcia, a village in the province of Siena overlooked by the Rocca di Tentennano, and the route passes some of the country’s most photographed places: the cypress trees of Val d’Orcia, Montalcino, the abbey of Sant’Antimo, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza.
Four distances and a walk
The flagship is the 100 miles (161 km and 5,720 m of climb), starting Friday at 17:00 so that sunset, night and dawn all fit into one effort. Then come the 103 km with 3,240 m (Saturday at 05:00), the 53 km with 1,480 m (Saturday at 06:00) and a 15 km walk starting at 09:15. The Camino della Val d’Orcia, a night march, rounds off the weekend from midnight.
A course in three acts
The organisers split the route into three parts: the Val d’Orcia of wine, climbing to Montalcino and returning to Castiglione; classic Val d’Orcia, through San Quirico and Pienza and back after 53 km; and mountain Val d’Orcia, touching 1,100 m before dropping to the finish. The surface is mostly dirt track with river fords and a few technical stretches, but the climbing adds up without mercy.
A village race
Tuscany Crossing is organised by ASD Siena Runners, an amateur association from Siena that also runs Le Mura di Siena and Pasqua Ecotrail. The atmosphere is family-like, with a base camp aid station at km 60 and volunteers from valley villages. It is not part of the UTMB circuit, so the elite field is smaller, but the physical demand of 100 miles is the same as any benchmark ultra.
Entry and logistics
Registration runs through the official website and Italy usually requires a sports medical certificate. Castiglione d’Orcia is 50 km from Siena, 130 km from Florence and 170 km from Pisa: a hire car is the practical way to move between villages, aid stations and bib collection. April is unpredictable, with rain and cold nights, while midday warms the valley.
If you want more options in the country, check the races in Italy and plan the trip with the planner.
360Complete Pack
Tuscany Crossing entry
RegistrationA capped race outside the UTMB circuit: entry goes through the official website and the 100 miles fills first.
Tips
- •Register on the official site and keep the confirmation email for bib collection
- •An Italian sports medical certificate is usually required: sort it weeks in advance
- •If you race at night, flag it at registration so mandatory kit is assigned correctly
Where to stay in Val d'Orcia
AccommodationCastiglione d'Orcia is the official base, but San Quirico, Pienza and Bagno Vignoni offer better agriturismo options.
Tips
- •For the 100 miles, sleep in Castiglione d'Orcia: the start is at 17:00 and you finish at night
- •Valley agriturismi often require a two-night minimum in April: book early
- •Bagno Vignoni and San Quirico are 15 minutes away with more choice and restaurants
Kit for Tuscany Crossing
GearFarm tracks, dirt roads and river fords: a cushioned shoe with good drainage, plus a windproof for the night.
Tips
- •Powerful head torch and spare battery: the 100-mile night is long
- •April can bring rain and under 5 °C: waterproof shell and gloves
- •Light poles for the Montalcino climbs and the 1,100 m section at the end
Which shoes for Tuscany Crossing?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Tuscany Crossing?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
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Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
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Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Nutrition for 161 km
NutritionThere is a base camp aid station at km 60 plus intermediate points: you need to eat well by night and by day.
Tips
- •Carry your own solid food for the long stretches: not every aid station has the same
- •Plan 300-400 kcal per hour and alternate sweet with savoury
- •Salts and electrolytes: Tuscan spring can swing from 5 to 22 °C in a day
Getting to Castiglione d'Orcia
TransportWithout a car Val d'Orcia is tricky: villages are close but poorly served by public transport.
Tips
- •Hire a car in Florence or Pisa and take the A1 to Chiusi or Siena
- •Siena is 50 km away with direct trains from Florence and Rome
- •Park on the edge of Castiglione: the old town closes on race weekend
Car hire in Tuscany
Car RentalTuscany Crossing is a valley race: without a car you lose the aid-station and bib-collection logistics.
Tips
- •Compact car: Val d'Orcia roads are narrow and winding
- •Book with return at the same airport to avoid one-way fees
- •Watch the restricted traffic zones of Pienza and San Quirico
Sports insurance for Tuscany
InsuranceCover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.
Tips
- •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
- •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains
Sun protection for Tuscany
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Body care for Tuscany
Body CareKilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
- •Blister patches in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Tuscany Crossing 2027?
- Friday 16 and Saturday 17 April 2027. The 100 miles start on Friday at 17:00, the 103 km on Saturday at 05:00, the 53 km at 06:00 and the 15 km walk at 09:15.
- Which distances are there?
- Four: 100 miles (161 km and 5,720 m of climb), 103 km with 3,240 m, 53 km with 1,480 m and a 15 km walk with 490 m.
- Where does it start?
- Every start is in Castiglione d'Orcia, in the province of Siena, with the Rocca di Tentennano fortress as the race symbol.
- How many ITRA points does it award?
- The 103 km carries 4 ITRA points and the 53 km adds points on the current table; the 100 miles is the toughest distance of the event.
- How do you get to Val d'Orcia?
- The practical airports are Florence (130 km) and Pisa (170 km). Siena is 50 km away and a hire car is advisable: valley villages are linked by country roads.
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