18 OCT 2009: CHIANTI ECOMARATHON, ITALY

Tuscany and the Chianti region need little introduction and what better way to discover this ancient and splendid landscape than on the 3rd Salomon Ecomarathon del Chianti where the route will take you on trails through some of the most important and historical towns and impressive landscapes of this corner of Tuscany in and around Siena.

The race starts from the main square of the town of Castelnouvo Berandenga and through the Senese Crete, when will arrive at the memorial stone of Monteaperti (10th km) a reminder of an historical battle between the Senesi and Florentines in 1260. You will continue towards the Chianti area to arrive at Montegiachi , a beautiful fortified castle (300 m above sea); and then on to the wine estates of Poggiobonelli, Calcinaia and Pagliarese and finally arrive at Villa a Sesta. Here the hardest climb awaits - 1.5km of stones leading to the fortress of Sestaccia. From there it is on to the highest point, Campi (646 m) which is followed by a long descent brings you to San Gusmè, a beautiful medieval village completely restored that offers a wonderful view on the Chianti hills then undulating on small dirt roads until the estate of Arceno where there is a beautiful panorama with cypresses along the trail for one kilometre. From here it is onward to the finish back in the pretty square at Castelnouvo.  

Location map

Time limit 8 hours.

Run this event for charity.

2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks

Travel Itinerary

Fri 16 Oct:       Early morning BA flight from London Gatwick to Pisa, departing 08.10 and arriving 11.20. Collect the included hire car for the drive through the Chianti countryside to the Siena region. Check in to your 4-star hotel in the small Chianti town of Montiparti near Castelnuovo Berardenga where the race begins (15km from Siena - 12km fromCastelnouvo) on bed breakfast basis.

Sat 17 Oct:      Free day to discover the beautiful city of Siena including a 2hr guided walk of the city with a local guide. Visit Castelnuovo and pasta party this evening (race entry fee is included in the package).

Sun 18 Oct: Drive to the race start at Castelnuovo Beradenga (12km away) in time for 9am race start.

Mon 19 Oct: Drive through the Chianti region and visit such impressive towns as Rada in Chianti and then on to San Gimignano on the way back to Pisa for the late afternoon BA flight to Pisa Gatwick.

Add-on to Florence

The Renaissance city of Florence is only an hours drive away from Siena and you can add a few days stay at this open air museum with its magnificent statues, the famous Domo and the Ponta Vecchio. The add-on price includes overnight in a 4-star hotel on bed and breakfast basis and additional days car hire.  

Run this event for charity.

2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks

We will be based at the modern 4-star Hotel Montiperti located midway between Siena and the race start and finish town of Castelnouvo. The hotel has easy access into Siena (15km away) and Castelnouvo (12km) and has splendid views across fields and vineyards to the Chianti hills.

The hotel has a fine restaurant and the bar in the lobby serves an excellent selection of fine Chianti wines. All rooms have bathrooms en suite, hairdryers, air conditioning, colour TV and mini bar. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and sauna.  

Run this event for charity.

2:09 Events Travel Essentials - Large Duffel Bag, Document Belt, 2:09 Training Technical T-Shirt, 2:09 CoolMax Running Socks

PRICES

Run this event for Charity

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