B!KE & RUN Uphill Duathlon Tscherms-Vigiljoch

An uphill duathlon at the foot of Monte San Vigilio

The B!KE & RUN Uphill Duathlon Tscherms-Vigiljoch is one of the most iconic endurance races in South Tyrol. It takes place in the municipality of Cermes/Tscherms, in the province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige), starting from the Festplatz (the village festival square) and climbing all the way to the Vigiljoch (Monte San Vigilio) at an altitude of 1,495 meters. The format is a classic uphill duathlon: participants start on mountain bikes and finish on foot, with the route constantly ascending.

The route: 1,205 meters of elevation gain

The race is designed for those who love the mountains and aren't afraid of a challenge. The course consists of two consecutive stages, both strictly uphill:

• Mountain bike: 5.2 km with a 523-meter elevation gain, on an asphalt mountain road;
• Mountain run: 3.9 km with a 682-meter elevation gain, along trails leading to the top station of the Vigiljoch cable car;
• Total elevation gain: 1,205 meters, from the Cermes valley floor to the 1,495-meter peak of Monte San Vigilio.

The race is open to both individual athletes and teams (men's, women's, and mixed), and is accompanied by a more accessible 'hobby' category, allowing non-competitive participants to experience the thrill of the climb.

Organization and tradition

The event is organized by the Skiclub Tscherms (ASV Tscherms Raika Sektion Ski), a sports organization deeply rooted in the local community. Held annually since 2012, it has become a staple late-summer appointment for duathlon and mountain sports enthusiasts from across the Burgraviato region. Recent editions have featured top-tier local athletes capable of completing the climb in just over 57 minutes.

More than just a race: the village festival

The B!KE & RUN is more than just a sporting competition. After the race, the Cermes Festplatz comes alive with a village festival, live music, and the awards ceremony, creating a convivial atmosphere that brings together athletes, families, and spectators. It is the perfect opportunity to discover Cermes, a small agricultural town at the gates of Merano, and Monte San Vigilio, one of the most beloved hiking areas in South Tyrol, accessible by cable car from Lana.