An endurance trail race in the Montagna Grande Reserve in Misilmeri
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
The 6-Hour Menzel Winter Trail is an endurance trail running race held during the winter months inside the Montagna Grande Oriented Nature Reserve, located just outside Misilmeri, a town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily. The format is as simple as it is grueling: for six consecutive hours, athletes complete as many laps as possible on a timed circuit. The winner is the person who has covered the greatest distance when the six hours expire.
The loop circuit measures approximately 6 kilometers with about 485 meters of elevation gain per lap. The track consists of roughly 80% technical single tracks and 20% drivable dirt roads within the Montagna Grande woodland complex. It is a course that alternates between challenging climbs, fast sections, and panoramic viewpoints: from the heights, the gaze embraces the gulfs of Palermo and Cefalรน and, on clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Madonie mountains.
The race can be tackled in individual mode or as a relay (teams of two or three members), a format that makes it accessible to both ultra-distance specialists and enthusiasts looking to test themselves in good company. There is also a walk category covering the 6 km distance, designed for walkers and hikers. The track is marked with red and white ribbons, and the organization provides refreshment stations along the route.
Organized by A.S.D. Marathon Misilmeri with the patronage of the Municipality of Misilmeri and the collaboration of the Sicilian Regional Forestry Corps, which provides the reserve's area and facilities, the Menzel Winter Trail is much more than just a competition: it is a day dedicated to healthy sport and discovering the natural heritage of the Palermo hinterland. The convivial atmosphere, featuring hot meals and a warm welcome for athletes, makes it a highly anticipated event for the Sicilian trail running community, drawing participants from across the island.
At the moment, the dates for the 2026 edition of the 6-Hour Menzel Winter Trail have not yet been announced. In recent years, the race has taken place in early January within the Montagna Grande Nature Reserve in Misilmeri, in the province of Palermo, using the six-hour circuit format. Official information regarding the date, course, fees, and registration methods will be published by the organization, A.S.D. Marathon Misilmeri, on their social media channels and the SmartCrono platform.
The Montagna Grande Nature Reserve is located near Misilmeri (PA). By car from Palermo, it can be reached in about 30 minutes via the SS121; the reference motorway exit is on the A19 Palermo-Catania. The nearest airport is Palermo Falcone-Borsellino in Punta Raisi.
Registrations are handled online via the SmartCrono platform. There is a limited number of participants, and discounted rates are available for early bird entries. It is recommended to check deadlines and updated fees on the organization's official channels.
As this is a winter mountain race, technical layered clothing, trail shoes, and the mandatory equipment required by the regulations are essential.
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Riserva Naturale Montagna Grande