Vertical of Lake Como

A vertical race that starts from the lake

The Vertical of Lake Como (VLC) is one of those races that are talked about for their toughness and the beauty of their setting. The start is in the village of Carate Urio, in the province of Como, right on the shores of the lake; the finish, after a fierce climb, is at the summit of Monte Colmegnone. A race that climbs from water level to the mountains overlooking the Como branch of Lake Lario.

5.2 km and 1,150 meters of elevation gain

The competitive course measures 5.2 km with 1,150 meters of positive elevation gain: numbers that speak for themselves and make it a technical and demanding test, capable of challenging even the specialists of skyrunning. It is a race where every meter must be earned, from the first steps in the village to the final steep sections towards the summit.

First stage of the CRAZY Vertical Italy Cup

The VLC is organized by MissulTeam Como ASD and has been chosen as the first official stage of the CRAZY Vertical Italy Cup circuit, under the aegis of FISKY, with the aim of promoting the discipline and selecting athletes for the national skyrunning teams. An important showcase, which brings hundreds of athletes to Carate Urio and inaugurates a calendar of some of the toughest vertical races in Italy.

Something new for everyone

From 2026, the race opens to a wider audience with the introduction, for the first time, of a non-competitive version: a shorter course of 2.2 km with 500 meters of elevation gain, which leads participants from Carate Urio to the panoramic Monti di Carate. A way to let even those who don't compete experience the thrill of the climb, enhancing the territory and the bond between the Larian village and the mountain.