Gran Sasso Ultramarathon 2023
30 July 2023: Raffaele Giusti runs the 50 km of the Gran Sasso Ultramarathon, 900 metres of climbing from Santo Stefano di Sessanio to Campo Imperatore and back. The second Strongers challenge, for lung cancer research.
50 km of pure determination
On 30 July 2023 Raffaele took on the 50 km of the Gran Sasso Ultramarathon: a race entirely on the road but with the feel of a trail, in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.
To prepare, he ran 38 km long runs on Roman weekends, with temperatures above 30 degrees from early morning: the race profile, with long and treacherous climbs, leaves no room for improvisation.
It was the second Strongers challenge, after the swim across the Strait of Messina: every kilometre became a fundraiser for lung cancer research.
From Santo Stefano to Campo Imperatore and back
The start was at 8:30 in the square of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Then Calascio, beneath its castle, and the streets of Castel del Monte, where history and nature meet.
At the Capo la Serra pass came the turning point: the road opens onto the Campo Imperatore plateau, kilometres of highland without shade, before the descent towards Lake Racollo and the village.
Raffaele finished in 5 hours, 30 minutes and 1 second, 189th out of 511 finishers: a test of courage and tenacity, the qualities of a Stronger.
A 50 km loop in the heart of the Gran Sasso
Start and finish in the town square of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. The fully paved road runs through Calascio and Castel del Monte, crosses the Capo la Serra pass, cuts across the Campo Imperatore plateau and returns to the village by Lake Racollo: 900 metres of elevation gain and an 8-hour time limit.
- km 0 · Santo Stefano di Sessanio (start)
- km 7 · Calascio
- km 16 · Castel del Monte
- km 22 · Valico di Capo la Serra
- km 30 · Campo Imperatore (Campo Imperatore plateau)
- km 37 · Lago Racollo
- km 50 · Santo Stefano di Sessanio (finish in the square)
Photos from the race
Race photos carry the official photographer's watermark
Oncologist and ultramarathon runner
Raffaele Giusti is an oncologist and a member of the Strongers Scientific Committee. He trains for long distances between hospital shifts: his races were among the first Strongers challenges, sporting feats that become fundraisers for lung cancer research.
Now do yours
In 2023 Raffaele's challenge raised 720 euros for lung cancer research. A donation today keeps his run going.