Endless Peaks: running the Alps with Francesco Tomè
Just hearing "2,500 km" and "165,000 m of elevation gain" is enough to give you chills: yet that is exactly what Francesco Tomè will face starting June 20th, running along the Alpine arc from Vrata (Croatia) to Colle di Cadibona (Switzerland-Italy), in a 60-day journey that will become the documentary “Endless Peaks,” supported by the CAI. We at Ortles Run are with him, ready to provide our five-toe socks to turn every kilometer into a caress for his feet.
(source: Francesco Tomè Instagram)
A young man, a passion that knows no limits
Francesco is 25, from Florence, studies film in Milan, and carries in his heart the love for the mountains that his father, a CAI member for four decades, passed on to him since he was a young boy. Back in 2020, he chronicled his hike across the Apuan Alps in a documentary, and a year later, he cycled from Florence to Mont Blanc—experiences that ignited his desire to constantly surpass himself.
(source: Francesco Tomè Instagram)
Why run where the world ends
This is not a timed race, but an endurance trail: 40 km and 3,000 m of elevation gain per day on average, running almost entirely on the Sentiero Italia, without giving up the idea of stopping to breathe in every view. Francesco aims to experience it “stage by stage” rather than chasing a time: the true victory is feeling his body as “a perfectly functioning machine” and telling people what it means to get lost and find yourself in the mountains.
Technical support from Ortles Run
For an undertaking like this, every detail counts: our five-toe socks ensure a perfect fit, reduce friction between the toes, and manage moisture and breathability at their best, even after hours of continuous running. And thanks to the advice of alternating between two pairs to let the fibers “rest,” Francesco will be able to count on feet that are always protected and ready for action.
Mental and logistical preparation
The true giants of this story are not just the mountains, but the mind: “the first two weeks will be a wall,” admits Francesco, who chose to break the grand goal into manageable stages and to train with long endurance runs, also thanks to the support of Mugello Outdoor. A 20L backpack with the essentials, supplies organized by a team of 25 people, and sleeping between mountain huts and campsites are the operational heart of the endeavor.
(source: Francesco Tomè Instagram)
A project that goes beyond sport
Beyond running, Francesco has just directed the documentary film “La Restanza” and published the book of the same name, stories of those who choose to stay in the villages of Tuscany and Emilia. This spirit of “restanza”—resisting by staying—is also reflected in his ability to face endless challenges, and now you can be a part of it simply by following the story on our channels.
Follow the adventure of Francesco on social media, discover the behind-the-scenes of the documentary, and support the “Endless Peaks” project with a like or a share. And if you are planning your next trek, remember: with Ortles Run on your feet, every summit becomes closer.
Happy running!
