The Alta Via 1 delle Dolomiti appealed to me for a non-stop solo FKT attempt. Largely runnable trails, a good distance for missing not more than one night's sleep, and a stunning landscape.
Because of predicted violent thunderstorms I decided last minute to start a day earlier, leaving from the Pragser Wildsee at 1 pm. The weather was extremely hot. Even at 2000 meters elevation temperatures touched 30'C and I was struggling to manage pacing / heart rate, hydration and food. When I reached the first saddle (aptly named Ofenscharte), the panorama over the entire central Dolomites opened up beautifully before me. From here, it was mostly wide runnable trails with large gravel underfoot.
After enjoying amazing views of the Averau and Tofanas in the golden hour, I descended to Passo Falzarego and prepared for night-time running. The next part was the only section of the AV1 that I was familiar with, which came in use because I would find out soon that navigation in the dark can be cumbersome.
The stretch from Passo Giau to Citta di Fiumi was truly magical. The full moon rising above Monte Pelmo ahead, with shooting stars next to it, the wall of La Rocheta in dramatic moonlight next to me, and then two glowing eyes staring at me from a bit up the trail, a wolf as it turned out as it slowly passed me when I was just meters away.
From here the Alta Via became a bit harder with often narrow paths that leave no space for poles and large block fields with sparse waymarks. I lost a lot of time compared to my pacing plan in the second half because of this terrain, the heat that came back in the morning and overall exhaustion.
When the weather apps predicted a time window of a few hours of clear weather to reach the Cima the Zita pass, which requires a ridge walk, I decided to give it a small push. I made it to the top just an hour before the hail and later thunderstorms started. By that time I was in safe wooded terrain but still got wet to the bone. I had to hike most of the last miles, even though this was mostly excellent tracks for running.
Because I was on a tight time schedule to stay ahead of the bad weather, I decided to skip the huts for provisions or rest and bring enough food in my 15l trail vest, mostly winegums for sugars and wheat tortillas for starches, and plenty of salt tabs.
Water I resupplied from public fountains and streams (there were more streams than I expected but still more rare than elsewhere in the Alps). I brought a water filter for emergencies. Because not all fountains that I planned were in working order and I had to revert to valley streams (usually contaminated), this turned out to be a life saver.
There is no cell phone reception for most of the distance. I brought an InReach Messenger for emergency tracking and sos.
I had no sleep stops and tried to keep my rest stops short and efficient.
I made sure to get the free Alta Via 1 pin the next day from the friendly Belluno Tourist Office.
A non-stop Alta Via 1 was an amazing experience for me, even if I was struggling quite a bit. Highly recommended if anyone wants to give it a try!