A sky-high race along the silhouette of the Sleeping Beauty
The Belladormiente Sky Race and K16Trail is one of the most anticipated events on the Canavese running calendar. It takes place in Castelnuovo Nigra, a small town in the Province of Turin, Piedmont, at the foot of the mountain that gives the event its name: the Bella Dormiente. Seen from the village, its profile resembles the silhouette of a sleeping woman, formed by the Quinzeina Sud, Quinzeina Nord, and Verzel peaks.
The race offers two loop courses starting and finishing in the central Piazza Martiri, which is closed to traffic for the occasion. The Sky Race, spanning 29 km with 2,100 m of positive elevation gain, is a true test of skyrunning, featuring exposed, technical rock sections that reach Punta Verzel at an altitude of 2,406 m. The K16Trail, covering 16 km with 950 m of elevation gain, is designed for those seeking a gentler introduction to mountain running, following paths through Ponte Romano, Vallossera, and Alpe Frera.
The central section of the Sky Race unfolds along a stunning, airy ridge—a true panoramic balcony. On one side, the valleys of Gran Paradiso open up, while on the other, the view stretches from Monviso to Milan, passing through Turin. Less than 2 km of the route is on asphalt; the rest winds along mountain paths, mule tracks, and high-altitude trails.
Beyond the competition, the day is a festival for Castelnuovo Nigra and the neighboring towns of Colleretto Castelnuovo and Cintano, which collaborate on the organization alongside ASD Belladormiente, FISKY, the Piedmont Alpine and Speleological Rescue, and Wedosport. Registration includes a high-quality lunch with vegetarian options, aid stations along the route, massage services, a race pack, a technical t-shirt, and a finisher's gift. It is an event that combines sport, hospitality, and the promotion of the Canavese mountain territory.
The Belladormiente Sky Race and K16Trail 2026 returns on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Castelnuovo Nigra, in the Canavese region (Province of Turin). The two loop tracks starting and finishing in Piazza Martiri are confirmed: the Sky Race (29 km, 2,100 m D+) and the K16Trail (16 km, 950 m D+). Registration opens on January 17, 2026, closing online on June 18 and in person on June 19. The event is organized by ASD Belladormiente with the support of the Valle Sacra municipalities, FISKY, and the Piedmont Alpine Rescue.
Bib collection at Bar Morgana (Piazza Martiri 5). A competitive sports medical certificate is mandatory for collection.
Followed by the awards ceremony and a high-quality lunch with vegetarian menus for all participants. Aid stations are set up along the routes, with massage services at the finish line and assistance from the Alpine Rescue and mountain guides on technical sections.
The airy ridge of the Sky Race is the highlight: a panoramic balcony between the Quinzeina and Verzel peaks, with views of Gran Paradiso on one side and from Monviso to Milan on the other. The final lunch with vegetarian menus and the finisher's gift complete the experience.
Castelnuovo Nigra can be reached by car via the A5 Turin-Aosta motorway (Ivrea exit), continuing towards the Valle Sacra. The journey from Turin takes about an hour. The start and finish are in Piazza Martiri, which is closed to traffic during the race.
Register online via the Wedosport platform or in person at Bar Morgana, Piazza Martiri 5. A competitive sports medical certificate is mandatory for bib collection.
This is a high-mountain route with exposed and technical sections: good training and appropriate technical clothing are required. Overnight accommodation is available in the area (see the 'Organizing' section on the official website).
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Piazza Martiri
Piazza Martiri 5, 10080 Castelnuovo Nigra