Running uphill is tough even for experienced runners. So how does running up 4,261 steps with a 90 percent gradient sound to you? No wonder Stairways to Heaven is considered to be the toughest vertical race in Europe. It's a real challenge that requires more endurance and stamina than your average race.
Stairways to Heaven is a 0.7-mi (1.2-km) long race with 2,591 ft (790 m) of elevation. The race starts on the stairs of the Piotta-Ritom funicular in the Alpine village of Piotta. The stairway, known as one of the steepest in Europe, follows funicular rails all the way up to the Piora mountain station. Water is available for runners only at the top. The current record for men finishers is 25:48 min., and for women 30:03 min.
How to Join the Race
Only 100 bibs are available for the public to participate in the race, so it's important to register early. Registration for the race, which takes place every May, usually runs from February 1 until all available spots are filled. The public can watch the race from the road in Piotta or from Piora Mountain Station.
Race Day Schedule
On the race day, participants gather in the race village from 7 to 9 am to get their bibs. Bibs are not available in advance and have to be received in person on the day of the race. At 9 am, runners’ backpacks are taken to the finish line area. All runners are briefed about the course and its challenges. The race begins at 10 am. Each runner is followed by the next after a 45-second interval. The race ends at 2 pm, and runners gather once again for an awards ceremony at 3 pm.
Loaction
The race takes place 1.9 mi (3 km) from the beautiful town of Quinto in the Italian-speaking Ticino canton. Piotta village is located in the picturesque Leventina Valley, below the Lepontine Alps. It can be reached via Ambrì-Piotta railway station on the Gotthard railway.
Firefighter Challenge (May 12, 2024)
A special race for firefighters, which usually takes place on the day after the general race, is even more challenging because participants have to run uphill fully equipped with their firefighter gear. Firefighters from any country can sign up and test their stamina, resilience, and speed. Participants of the race are not supposed to get on the track at any time of the year, except as part of the race. Violators will be disqualified from the competition.
