The city in the south of Switzerland is known for its mediterranean climate. Surrounded by mountains and the lake that shares its name, Lugano is a great place for sports – and for recuperation.

Ultramarathons are one of the hardest things you can do. And they’re even tougher when you run them in the extreme heat of the desert. Filippo Rossi from Lugano has made them his speciality, successfully completing the “4 Desert Grand Slam” – a series of four 250-kilometre races. 

The Ticino-born runner and reporter is always on the move: his travels take him to far-flung corners of the earth. But he always comes back to his hometown of Lugano.

Filippo Rossi prepares for his extreme challenges in the mediterranean climate of Lugano and its surrounding area. The mountains and forests close to the city are among his favourite places to train. And he also works on his fitness in the city itself, for instance, by running up the steep steps alongside the funicular, leading from the old part of the city up to the station.

The Parco Ciani is another favourite haunt. There is exercise equipment you can use to work out on under the trees in this park, which is right by the lake.

Lugano is also a place of relaxation for the 29-year-old athlete, somewhere he can recharge his batteries. And he says that Foce del Cassarate, where the river flows into the lake, is the perfect spot to start the day with a yoga session.

High above Lugano is the Parco del Tassino, where Filippo Rossi comes to do his stretching. He enjoys the tranquillity here, along with the breathtaking view of the city, lake and mountains.

One of his favourite spots is the Lido Riva Caccia. And after a swim, he likes to sip on one of the local beers.

There’s another reason why Lugano is the perfect base for this athlete. As a war reporter, Filippo Rossi needs to be able to move fast, so the flight and train connections are important to him. “Nowhere’s too far to reach from here.”