Morcote Scal

On Saturday, May 1, 2027, Morcote will come alive with the fifth edition of the exhilarating Morcote Scal. Organized by the Municipality of Morcote and the Carnival Association, this unique race promises to captivate runners from all over as they navigate through the historic town's narrow streets and ascend its iconic monumental staircase.
The event is limited to just 100 adult participants who will face a challenging course that tests both strength and endurance. The centerpiece of the Morcote Scal is the ascent up the 420 steps leading from Piazza Granda to the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
In addition to the main race for adults, this year's event will feature a special KidScal for children aged between 9 and 12. This inclusive initiative ensures that young runners can experience the thrill of racing up Morcote’s famous staircase in a separate but equally exciting competition.
The heats are carefully structured with 4 or 5 participants competing against each other at once, creating an intense knockout format where only the top two from each heat advance to the next round. The bottom three competitors will have another chance through repechage heats, ensuring that everyone gets to race and compete a minimum of twice.
The Morcote Scal was conceived by Pierre Derrien, who has called Morcote home for over ten years. Inspired by his regular training runs up the monumental staircase and drawing from Olympic disciplines, he envisioned an event where runners directly challenge each other in this spectacular setting. The result is not just a race but an experience that immerses participants in the rich history and stunning beauty of Morcote’s “Monumental Climb.”
The day promises to be filled with energy as competitors push their limits, all while enjoying the unique atmosphere and picturesque surroundings of this charming Swiss town.