Vertical K1 Roceja
The record-breaking climb from Borgone Susa to Prarotto: 1,000 meters of elevation gain over 5 kilometers
About Vertical K1 Roceja
A record-breaking climb in the heart of the Susa Valley
The Vertical K1 Roceja is one of the most intense and evocative mountain races in the lower Susa Valley. Held in Borgone Susa, a small town in the Province of Turin, Piedmont, it follows a simple yet punishing formula: five kilometers of racing with 1,000 meters of positive elevation gain. Known in mountain running circles as a "vertical," this specialty rewards uphill power and the ability to manage effort on steep, demanding gradients.
The course: from Piazza Montabone to Prarotto
The race starts in Piazza Montabone, in the center of Borgone Susa, at an altitude of approximately 430 meters. From there, athletes face a continuous climb along mule tracks and trails that wind through oak and beech woods, reaching the village of Prarotto in the neighboring municipality of Condove, at about 1,430 meters above sea level. This concentrated elevation gain makes the Roceja a selective test, where every meter counts and the top finishers consistently push toward the course record.
A local event
The race is organized by Atletica Giò 22 Rivera in collaboration with the Associazione Pulizia Sentieri Roceja O.D.V., the volunteer group that maintains the trails used for the race. The event is supported by the municipalities of Borgone Susa and Condove, as well as the local Pro Loco. The Vertical K1 Roceja is part of the "Cuore da Sportivo" Vertical Valsusa and Val Cenischia Circuit, which brings together the valley's premier vertical races.
The spirit of Susa Valley mountain running
More than just a media event, the Roceja is a community sports celebration: a few hundred meters of elevation and plenty of enthusiasm, with volunteers manning the course and local residents cheering on the athletes along the climb. It is a perfect opportunity to discover the paths connecting the valley floor to the high mountain hamlets of the Susa Valley—a hiking heritage that local associations keep alive all year round.
Who is it for?
- Trail runners and vertical specialists looking for a pure, technical climb.
- Mountain running athletes following the "Cuore da Sportivo" circuit.
- Mountain enthusiasts who want to spend a day of sport in the woods of the lower Susa Valley.
Vertical K1 Roceja — edition 2026
The fourth edition of the Vertical K1 Roceja took place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Borgone Susa, Susa Valley. The race, valid as the third stage of the "Cuore da Sportivo" Vertical Valsusa and Val Cenischia Circuit, featured the usual 5 km course with 1,000 meters of positive elevation gain, from Piazza Montabone to the village of Prarotto.
In the men's category, Stefano Vota (Atl. Susa Adriano Aschieris) dominated, crossing the finish line in 39'36", ahead of Andrea Pelissero (42'57") and Gabriele Vergano (44'52"). In the women's field, Francesca Ghelfi (Podistica Valle Varaita) won in 42'53", the second-best overall time of the day, followed by Erica Ghelfi (46'04") and Chiara Giovando (49'23").
Programme Vertical K1 Roceja 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026
- 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM — Athlete meeting and bib collection in Piazza Montabone (Borgone Susa)
- 9:00 AM — Mass start of the vertical race (5 km, 1,000m D+)
- Following — Arrival at Prarotto and category awards ceremony
Course on mule tracks and trails through oak and beech woods, from approx. 430m altitude (Piazza Montabone) to approx. 1,430m (Prarotto). Classifications were drawn up for men's, women's, and over-60 categories.
Highlights Vertical K1 Roceja 2026
- Stefano Vota overall men's winner in 39'36"
- Francesca Ghelfi women's winner in 42'53", second overall time
- Third stage of the "Cuore da Sportivo" Vertical Valsusa and Val Cenischia Circuit
Prices Vertical K1 Roceja 2026
Practical information — Vertical K1 Roceja
Getting there
Borgone Susa is located in the lower Susa Valley, about 35 km from Turin. By car, it can be reached via the A32 Turin-Bardonecchia motorway (Borgone exit) or along the SS25 del Moncenisio road. By train, the Borgone-San Didero station is on the Turin-Modane line.
Meeting point and start
Athletes meet at Piazza Montabone, with bib collection from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM; the race starts at 9:00 AM.
Tips
As this is a vertical race on mule tracks and trails, trail running shoes with good grip are recommended. We advise participants to carry water and to respect the natural environment and the trails maintained by the volunteers.
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Where does it take place — Vertical K1 Roceja
Piazza Montabone
Piazza Montabone, 10050 Borgone Susa