FAQ – Maira Occitan Trail 2026

FAQ – Maira Occitan Trail 2026

 REGISTRATION & GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. What are the requirements to participate in the Maira Occitan Trail?

To take part in the race, you must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • hold a valid competitive medical certificate for athletics
  • be registered with a sports federation (FIDAL/EPS) or have a RunCard
  1. Can I participate without being a member of a running club?

Yes. You can participate by purchasing a RunCard, which allows non-club athletes to compete in official races in Italy.

  1. What is a RunCard and how much does it cost?

The RunCard is a membership issued by the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) that allows participation without club affiliation.

For foreign athletes, the cost is approximately €15 per year.

🌍 INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES

  1. I am a foreign athlete: can I join the Maira Occitan Trail?

Yes, international athletes are very welcome!
However, you must comply with Italian regulations:

  • valid medical certificate
  • federation membership or RunCard
  1. Is my medical certificate from my country valid?

It depends.

Your certificate must comply with Italian law for competitive sports (DM 18/02/1982) and explicitly state fitness for competitive athletics.

If it does not meet these requirements, it will not be accepted.

  1. What can I do if my certificate is not valid?

You have two options:

  • obtain a compliant certificate in your home country
  • or get a new one in Italy
  1. Can I get the medical certificate in Italy before the race?

Yes, and this is a very common solution.

Many international athletes:

  • arrive 1–2 days before the race
  • complete the medical exam locally
  • receive a valid certificate

This fully complies with Italian regulations.

  1. Where can I get the medical exam locally?

You can take the exam at certified sports medical centers in:

  • Maira Valley
  • Dronero
  • Caraglio

👉 Advance booking is strongly recommended.

  1. What does the medical exam include?

The competitive sports medical exam usually includes:

  • ECG at rest and under stress
  • lung function test (spirometry)
  • general medical check

This is mandatory by Italian law.

  1. How much does the medical exam cost in Italy?

Typically between €60 and €100, depending on the medical center.

  1. Should I get the medical certificate before or after the RunCard?

Recommended order:

  1. Get the medical certificate
  2. Obtain the certificate
  3. Purchase the RunCard
  4. Complete your race registration
  1. Can I register without a medical certificate?

No.
A valid competitive medical certificate is mandatory by law in Italy.

  1. Is there a non-competitive race option?

Depending on the edition:

  • non-competitive events may not require a certificate
  • but they do not have an official ranking

📌 PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  1. When do I need to submit my medical certificate?

The certificate must:

  • be valid on race day
  • be uploaded or presented within the deadlines set by the organization

Failure to provide it will result in disqualification.

  1. Practical tips for international athletes
  • Plan your arrival at least 2 days in advance
  • Book your medical exam early
  • Double-check certificate validity
  • Bring both digital and printed copies

💡 Important note

Italian regulations on sports medical certification are stricter than in many other countries.

Without a compliant medical certificate, you will not be allowed to participate in the competitive race, regardless of your nationality.

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