Name: CORTINA 56-26: the legacy trail
Start: 2026-07-24T22:00:00.000000Z
End: 2026-07-24T22:00:00.000000Z
Location: Cortina d'Ampezzo

The Ampezzo Dolomites, the setting of two historic Winter Olympic Games, provide the backdrop for the first edition of CORTINA 56-26, the new trail running event combining sport, history and nature in a unique experience taking place on July 25th.

A symbolic route between 1956 and 2026, two dates that have shaped and will continue to shape the history of Cortina d’Ampezzo and world sport. An exciting journey through the most iconic places of Ampezzo sports, along trails, forests, panoramic ridges and spectacular UNESCO World Heritage landscapes.

The event, organized in collaboration with Karpos Outdoor, was created to celebrate the legacy of the 1956 Winter Olympics and the excitement of Milano Cortina 2026, leaving a tangible mark of this extraordinary double Olympic experience.

Participants can choose between three formats:

56 km
26 km
Relay race

From the center of Cortina to the famous Olympic Ski Jump, every step will be an immersion into the sporting memory of a community that lives through mountains, passion and major events.

CORTINA 56-26 is not just a trail running race, but an experience that allows runners to cross the places that made winter sports history, becoming protagonists of an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Dolomites.

Don’t just run a trail.
Run through the heart of the Olympic legend.

56 km Route

The 56Km race covers approximately 56.5 km with 2,800 meters of positive elevation gain and 2,890 meters of descent. The race starts in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo and finishes in Zuel at the Olympic Ski Jump.

The route connects several Olympic venues including Faloria (Vitelli slope – “Ilio Colli”), Col Drusciè (Slope A), the Tofane slopes (Olympia and Canalone), the Campo cross-country ski track (passing by Lake Pianozes) and the Zuel Ski Jump (“Italia” jump).

The maximum race time is 11 hours. Refreshment points will be available at Tondi di Faloria (12 km), Passo Tre Croci (18 km – time gate 4h), Fiames (28 km), Piè Tofana (37 km – time gate 7h30), Rifugio Pomedes (40 km) and Lago d’Ajal (49 km).

26 km Route

The 26Km race covers approximately 25.3 km with 1,310 meters of positive elevation gain and 1,400 meters of descent. The race starts in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo and finishes in Zuel at the Olympic Ski Jump.

The route crosses several major Olympic venues including the Olympic Ice Stadium, the Eugenio Monti bobsleigh track, Col Drusciè, the Tofana slopes (Olympia and Canalone), the Campo cross-country ski track (passing by Lake Pianozes) and the Zuel Ski Jump.

The maximum race time is 7 hours. Refreshment points will be available at Piè Tofana (6 km), Rifugio Pomedes (9.5 km) and Lago d’Ajal (18 km).

Relay Race

Both races can also be competed in relay format with teams of two athletes. Teams may compete in men’s, women’s or mixed categories.

The route will be divided into two sections with a mandatory changeover area designated by the organization.

For the Cortina 56K, the relay exchange zone will be located at the refreshment point in Fiames (after 28 km and 1,500 m elevation gain).

For the Cortina 26K, the relay exchange zone will be located near Duca d’Aosta (after 10 km and 1,180 m elevation gain) along the descent from Rifugio Pomedes.

The exchange must take place through physical contact between the two runners inside the designated area. Failure to comply may result in penalties or disqualification.

Mandatory equipment for relay runners remains the same as for the individual races according to the race distance and must be carried by both athletes.