The Fanes-Senes-Braies Ultramarathon in Dobbiaco (Toblach), Italy, challenges runners and hikers with an unyielding mountain course that stretches nearly 80 kilometers through the rugged heart of the Dolomites. This ultramarathon folds elevation gains of over 4,500 meters into a route that winds through dense conifer forests, open alpine meadows, and sheer cliff edges. Here, trails do not simply guide you; they dare you forward, pushing each step against the raw, commanding landscapes of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.

Starting in Dobbiaco, the path immediately demands respect. Early sections carve up through forested slopes where pine and larch trees whisper warnings to unprepared legs. The air sharpens and thins as runners gain altitude toward the Fanes plateau, where the terrain shifts to rocky trails and scree fields. This part of the course exposes participants to the Dolomites’ fierce personality: wide-open spaces meeting sudden steep ascents and descents that test endurance and technical ability.

The route threads through the Fanes-Senes Nature Park, where turquoise mountain lakes act like mirrors to the quickly changing sky. The Braies valley, part of the finishing stretch, unfurls as a serene counterpoint—still wild but gentler, with flowing streams daring you to keep pace and snowmelt steam rising from mossy stones.

Preparation is critical. Hydration points are spaced strategically, but participants should carry lightweight hydration gear to meet the demanding elevation and unpredictable mountain weather. Footwear with precise grip and solid ankle support is a must, as trails alternate between packed dirt, loose rock, and patches of snow depending on the season.

Timing also influences the experience. The best window to attempt or watch the ultramarathon is mid to late July when the weather is most stable and daytime temperatures favorable. Still, sudden afternoon storms in the Dolomites are common, demanding quick adaptation and suitable rain gear.

Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or an avid hiker intrigued by the trail’s blend of endurance and engagement, the Fanes-Senes-Braies course offers both spectacle and challenge, demanding respect but rewarding with views that stay etched long after the finish line.