We interviewed the fantastic Giorgia Whitea true running and mountain enthusiast, who told us about her experience. We want to share with you her words, her advice, and her great passion for the sport.
The Corsa della Bora was born with the 57-kilometre race: a race with mountain passages but on the seashore, in the middle of winter. The great satisfaction is to be told by those who have run it: "I did not expect such a challenging terrain". The 42-kilometre La Corsa della Bora, the S1 Ecomarathon, is exactly the opposite. Two races that are not only characterised by different mileage, but by a completely different spirit. Two worlds with the same panorama, over the Gulf of Trieste.
The Ecomarathon starts from the picturesque Piazza Unità d'Italia, located in the heart of Trieste, the largest square in Europe overlooking the sea. Famous for its impressive architecture, the square is surrounded by numerous historical buildings, including the Town Hall, the elegant Palazzo Modello, and the majestic Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino. The square boasts a long past that reflects Trieste's complex history: first part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, then capital of the autonomous Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Italy. The square has played a central role in the historical events of the city, and has been the stage for celebrations, protests and historical moments. In addition to its architecture and history, Piazza Unità d'Italia has also been a focal point for intellectuals. Writers, poets and thinkers, such as Italo Svevo and Umberto Saba, frequented its historic cafés, contributing to the special literary atmosphere that still characterises the city of Trieste today.
From here, one climbs along the alleys of the old city to the San Giusto hill, a place that has marked the history of the entire Upper Adriatic and where in 1356. During the war between Trieste and Venice, the Austrian Prince Leopold III ordered an assault on the city. The Austrians set up an encampment on San Giusto hill, from where they shelled the city for months. The event culminated in Leopold III's victorious entry into the city, an event that changed the course of Trieste's history and marked the beginning of a long period of Austrian rule.
From here, the route descends along the Cottur Cycle Track, the old railway line that connected Trieste to Poreč, a railway line that has now been decommissioned and converted into a cycle and pedestrian path. Along the track, you can admire fascinating views of the city, the sea and the surrounding hills, as well as historical remains of the old railway, including the picturesque Val Rosandra, where the competitors of the 57 will tackle technical scree, and the old Prosecco station.
This brings us to the tenth kilometre of the race, on a course that has exhausted the 80% of the race height difference on an extremely homogenous surface: asphalt, concrete, fine gravel.
From here we follow path 1, overlooking the Trieste ridge with continuous breathtaking views of the Gulf. Here you run on an undulating path, never steep but certainly less even than the terrain encountered previously.
At the 21 km mark, we take the Napoleonicaa gently sloping path with even terrain, created during the Napoleonic occupation in the 19th century. It stretches along the Trieste Karst, offering breathtaking views of the city, the gulf and the Istrian coastline. The route, popular with walkers, runners and cyclists, winds through typical Karst vegetation dotted with maritime pines and broom. The Napoleonica is the destination of Triestines' winter walks, where they stretch their legs every Sunday after their lunches in the Karst on this incredible view of the sea with the snow-capped mountains in the background. The beauty of the Napoleonic Road is further enhanced by the presence of the cliffs, which spectacularly overlook the sea. These rock walls, popular with rock climbers, stand out against the blue sea, creating a striking contrast. The combination of these cliffs with the breathtaking panorama of the Gulf of Trieste makes the Strada Napoleonica one of the most fascinating and evocative places in the city.
At the end of the Napoleon road, we pass through the town of Prosecco which gives the wine its name. Prosecco wine, one of the best known and most appreciated in the world, has deep roots in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region and, in particular, in the Trieste area. The first documented traces of the cultivation of the Glera vine, from which Prosecco originates, date back to the 18th century, but it is likely that its presence in this territory is much older. Over the centuries, Prosecco production has developed and perfected, becoming one of the distinctive elements of Trieste's wine culture. The Trieste area, with its gentle hills overlooking the sea and its mild but windy climate, offers ideal conditions for growing this vine. Space is very limited and the race goes on through the few vineyards where the vine is still cultivated, which is why industrial and mass production over time has migrated as far as the Veneto region.
Between vineyards and a soft-bottomed pine forest, we reach the Vedetta Slataper, which overlooks the gulf and where we cannot miss the classic photo with the Miramare Castle in the background: a must for La Corsa della Bora and an evocative panorama even on gloomy days like in 2023. The last stretch continues along the Sentiero della Salvia (Sage Path), a fascinating and evocative nature trail. It runs along the Costa dei Barbari, between the towns of Sistiana and Duino, offering spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. This approximately 2 km long path is named after the numerous sage plants that grow spontaneously along the route, releasing their intoxicating scent into the air. The trail offers breathtaking views, with cliffs plunging into the sea, Mediterranean maquis and, in spring, an explosion of flowers. It is an ideal place for lovers of trekking, nature and photography. During the race, the snow-capped mountains silhouetted against the deep blue sea, often rippled by the bora wind, are the stars.
The last km sees a fork in the road: For running purists, like the first runners in the race and all those who are challenging the stopwatch, it is downhill on asphalt to the PortoPiccolo pier, to cross the finish line on a red carpet by the sea. Those who instead participate to enjoy the views and want a little extra spice, can take the 21 km and 57 km route. The difference in altitude and the distance are the same, but you will pass on the beach, among the rocks of the Costa dei Barbari, facing a greater challenge and lengthening the time, but crossing a wild and evocative beach, before touching the red carpet of the finish line.
In 2023, we ran the 42 km with Giorgia Bianco, class of 1989, A.S.D. PODISTICA VALLE VARAITA, who came to Trieste from the province of Cuneo and the snowy Alps. Indeed, there are many high-mountain lovers who come to Trieste in January to get away from winter, change terrain a few hours from home.
Giorgia, what attracted you most about La Corsa della Bora?
I'm always looking for races that give me that something extra, nice route, special and beautiful landscapes, the Bora 42 km had all that, I had already been to Trieste and it had remained in my heart, so all these factors led me to sign up.
What were the feelings during the race?
The sensations during the race I must say were excellent, the weather that day was just as I liked it 😀 ( a bit of luck I would say 😉 ) I was able to run practically the whole race, I had prepared this race to the best of my ability thanks to the advice of Giulio, the coach of my team, the Podistica della Valle Varaita and in fact I finished it really satisfied and super happy!!!
What would you recommend eating during a long winter race?
You ask a good question, let's start with the assumption that I am Celiac and therefore for me every race I do involves my autonomy as I never know what to expect from the refreshments. I tend to prefer Noberasco bars, which are all with 100% dried fruit, and Ethicsport gels, all gluten free of course 😉
How do you train during the winter?
I have the good fortune to be in a very active running team, for me the season makes no difference, I live in the mountains, the cold has never stopped me, in fact I love running in the cooler weather much more than in the heat. I always train on a regular basis, twice a week with my team and other training to build up stamina, but also fundamental elasticity to be able to complete these races to the best of my ability, and every now and then I also get to step on some snow!!!!
You have run a 42 km, a race completely on its own, would you try a 58 that is more mountainous and less runnable or a 29 that is shorter but with a less regular course, while remaining in the technical terrain?
The reality of the races in Piedmont is very varied, in my area we have the 100 Miglia del Monviso and I always participate in the 26 km Trail - 1900 D+ I have a lot of fun it has beautiful technical parts, but compensates with quite runnable parts, so I would definitely not back out of your 29 km, but in the last year I have been trying to lengthen the distances, in fact before your 42 I had participated in the Valle Varaita Trail 36 km with 2200 D+ and there are technical trails, challenging descents and nice runnable false flats, so I would approach your 58 for sure, I was already tempted last year...why not we could see each other in 2024.
And so, as the sun sets, tinting the sky in shades of pink and orange, the silhouettes of the participants continue to glide across the red carpet of the finish line. Tired but happy gazes stare at the horizon where the deep blue sea mingles with the celestial vault, framed by snow-capped peaks. The echo of laughter, applause and race stories mingle with the rustle of the Bora, the inexhaustible and unpredictable protagonist of this event. And just like the Bora, the S1 Ecomarathon is not just a race, but an experience, a journey. A journey that leads to the discovery of breathtaking views, history, culture, effort and satisfaction. A journey that each participant takes in his or her own way, running or walking, alone or in company, to win or for the simple pleasure of being part of an adventure. The Bora - S1 Ecomarathon is over. The winter cold may have made the route challenging, but the experience was warmed by smiles, mutual support and the incomparable beauty of nature. And that is what makes the S1 Ecomarathon unique: a challenge with oneself in a setting of rare beauty, between the blue waters of the sea and snow-capped peaks, in the absence of vegetation, waiting for spring. The S1 Ecomarathon is waiting for you.