Manuel Falmenta Memorial
A vertical climb to the Falispa Bivouac, blending sport and remembrance in Valsesia
About Falmenta Memorial
A race born from memory
The Manuel Falmenta Memorial is a sporting and commemorative event held in Vocca, a small village in the Upper Valsesia region of the Province of Vercelli, Piedmont. It was established to honor Manuel Falmenta, nicknamed Falispa ("spark" in the local Valsesian dialect), a 22-year-old who tragically passed away in a road accident in November 2022. A dedicated volunteer deeply connected to his roots, Manuel loved the mountains of Valsesia above all else. The Falispa Bivouac, created by restoring an abandoned building at Alpe Grossa above the village at 1,458 meters, is dedicated to his memory.
The climb to the Falispa Bivouac
The heart of the day is a vertical race accompanied by a non-competitive hike, open to both serious runners and those who prefer to take their time and enjoy the scenery. The route starts from the Isola di Vocca hamlet and follows the trail leading to the bivouac, covering approximately 1,000 meters of elevation gain. It is a challenging yet breathtaking path, immersed in the woods and alpine landscapes of Upper Valsesia. The climb requires effort and well-trained legs, but rewards participants with an arrival at one of the valley's most evocative spots.
Sport, remembrance, and celebration
The Memorial is more than just a race; it is, above all, a community moment. At the end of the climb, a Holy Mass is celebrated at the bivouac in Manuel's honor, followed by a convivial feast featuring traditional Valsesian flavors: polenta, miacce, mountain cheeses, and a toast for everyone. It is an opportunity to gather, make friends, and share memories in the warm, familiar atmosphere typical of small mountain villages.
Organizers
The event is promoted by the Associazione Amici di Manuel - ETS, founded and chaired by Roberto Falmenta, the young man's father, with the patronage of the Municipality of Vocca. The event is part of the Falispa Bivouac Festival and involves volunteers, residents, and mountain running enthusiasts from across the Valsesia and Vercelli areas.
Why participate
- An authentic vertical race in the heart of Upper Valsesia.
- The choice between a competitive race or a leisurely hike.
- The arrival at the Falispa Bivouac, at 1,458 meters, with views of the Valsesian mountains.
- A village festival with local specialties and a strong community spirit.
Falmenta Memorial — edition 2026
2nd Manuel Falmenta Memorial - August 22, 2026
The second edition of the Manuel Falmenta Memorial will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Vocca, Upper Valsesia. The event is confirmed by the Municipality with the format of a vertical race combined with a non-competitive hike, starting from the Isola di Vocca hamlet and finishing at the Falispa Bivouac at 1,458 meters.
As with the first edition, the day is expected to conclude with a Holy Mass in memory of Manuel and a convivial feast at the bivouac, featuring polenta, miacce, and Valsesian cheeses. The detailed program, including start times, registration methods, and fees, will be published by the Associazione Amici di Manuel - ETS and the Municipality of Vocca in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Falmenta Memorial 2026
The detailed program for the 2nd edition (start times, meeting point, registration procedures, final route, and bivouac celebration) will be published by the Associazione Amici di Manuel - ETS and the Municipality of Vocca in the weeks leading up to the event. Based on the 2025 edition, the day will include the start of the climb from the Isola di Vocca hamlet towards the Falispa Bivouac, Holy Mass at the bivouac, and a convivial feast with Valsesian specialties.
Highlights Falmenta Memorial 2026
Vertical climb and non-competitive hike to the Falispa Bivouac (1,458 m), Holy Mass in memory of Manuel, and a village festival with polenta, miacce, and Valsesian cheeses.
Prices Falmenta Memorial 2026
Practical information — Falmenta Memorial
Location
The start is at the Isola di Vocca hamlet (Municipality of Vocca, Province of Vercelli, Postal Code 13020), with the finish at the Falispa Bivouac at an altitude of 1,458 meters.
How to get there
By car from Vercelli or Novara, reach the Valsesia valley by taking the state road towards Varallo, then continue to Vocca. The reference train station is Varallo Sesia. Arriving by car is recommended, parking near the starting point.
Tips
The route is demanding, with about 1,000 meters of elevation gain: wear appropriate trail or mountain shoes, bring water, and pack a light jacket for the higher altitudes. Those not racing can tackle the non-competitive hike at their own pace.
Information
For details on registration, schedules, and fees, please contact the Municipality of Vocca (tel. +39 0163 294451) or the Associazione Amici di Manuel - ETS.
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Where does it take place — Falmenta Memorial
Frazione Isola di Vocca - Bivacco Falispa