The timed ultramarathon race in Tavagnasco, at the gateway to the Aosta Valley
The 8 Hours of Canavese is one of the most distinctive ultramarathon races in Piedmont: a "timed" event where the goal isn't to cross a finish line first, but to cover the greatest distance possible within eight hours. It takes place in Tavagnasco, a small town in the Province of Turin nestled at the entrance to the Aosta Valley, on a 1,500-meter city circuit completely closed to traffic, which athletes lap repeatedly without changing direction.
The race starts at 10:00 AM from the square in front of the Tavagnasco Tensostructure (the "Pala Tenda" on Via Quassolo), the event's logistical hub. A refreshment station is set up at every lap, and from 1:00 PM onwards, hot food is served to the athletesโa crucial detail for a race that tests both stamina and mental resolve. The venue also offers the possibility of staying overnight, turning the event into a small gathering for ultra-distance enthusiasts.
The 8 Hours of Canavese is part of the IUTA National Calendar for ultramarathons and is valid for the IUTA Grand Prix and the Northern Zone Regional Criterium, attracting specialists from across Northern Italy. In the 2024 edition, the fourth in the series, 40 athletes took to the start: Gianluca Allioli won the men's race with 72.654 km, while Astrid Gagliardi won the women's race (and was the overall winner) with 72.675 km.
The 8 Hours serves as the prelude to a weekend entirely dedicated to running. On Sunday, the Ultradora takes place, a marathon of about 43 km laid out along the banks of the Dora River. On Saturday night, however, the party takes over: live music, a Brazilian atmosphere with dancers, great food, and a fireworks display transform Tavagnasco into a warm and convivial meeting point where sport blends with local tradition.
The 8 Hours of Canavese 2026 will take place on Saturday, September 12, on the traditional Tavagnasco circuit. The formula remains the established one: an eight-hour timed race on a city loop of approximately 1,500 meters closed to traffic, starting from the square in front of the tensostructure, with refreshments at every lap.
The event maintains its validity for the IUTA Grand Prix and the regional circuits of Northern Italy. As every year, the 8 Hours is part of a running weekend that also includes the Ultradora marathon along the Dora River and an evening party.
The detailed program, final times, and registration procedures will be published by the Club Super Marathon Italia in the weeks leading up to the event.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Club Super Marathon Italia in the weeks leading up to the race. Based on past editions, the usual weekend structure is as follows:
Tavagnasco is located in the Province of Turin, at the entrance to the Aosta Valley. By car, it can be reached via the A5 Turin-Aosta motorway (Quincinetto or Pont-Saint-Martin exit). By train, it is served by the Chivasso-Ivrea-Aosta line, with a station near the town center.
Registration is handled through the Club Super Marathon Italia and dedicated timing platforms. The entry fee is around 35 euros, with discounted rates for IUTA members and Club Super Marathon members. Check the official organization website for amounts and deadlines.
As this is an 8-hour event, it is advisable to organize spare clothing, supplements, and your own base camp along the circuit in advance. The tensostructure allows for on-site overnight stays for those traveling from afar.
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Tensostruttura (Pala Tenda) di Tavagnasco
Via Quassolo, 10010 Tavagnasco