Brutal Trail Ghemme

Brutal Trail Ghemme: running through the vineyards of Upper Piedmont

The Brutal Trail Ghemme is one of the most anticipated events in the Piedmontese winter trail running calendar. The race takes place in Ghemme, a small wine-producing village in the province of Novara, nestled at the foot of the hills that produce the prestigious Ghemme DOCG wine. Organized by the sports association A.S.D. Brutal Project with the support of the Municipality of Ghemme, the event attracts hundreds of runners from across Piedmont and neighboring regions every year.

A unique course among the vines

What makes the Brutal Trail truly special is its route: the paths wind largely through the vineyard rows of the Torraccia del Piantavigna estate, alternating steep climbs with stretches of dirt roads in the countryside and woods around Ghemme. The distances are named after the number of rows to be tackled, in a crescendo of difficulty that tests even the most seasoned athletes. It is no coincidence that the term "brutal" perfectly describes the challenging spirit of the race, with significant elevation gain packed into just a few kilometers.

The race program

The event features five competitive races and three non-competitive fun runs, suitable for everyone:

• Brutal Xtreme 50 filari – 21 km with 2,100 m elevation gain (competitive)
• Brutal 40 filari – 17 km with 1,700 m D+ (competitive)
• Hard 30 filari – 13 km with 1,300 m D+ (competitive)
• Strong 20 filari – 9 km with 1,000 m D+ (competitive)
• Wild 10 filari – 5 km with 500 m D+ (competitive)
• Soft 10 filari – 5 km with 500 m D+ (non-competitive)
• Fast Trail 8k – 8 km with 100 m D+ (non-competitive)
• Walk & Wine 4k – 4 km with 100 m D+ (non-competitive walk)

Sport, nature, and wine culture

More than just a running race, the Brutal Trail Ghemme is a festival that blends sport, nature, and winemaking tradition. The meeting point and awards ceremony are held in the center of Ghemme at CasaFrancoli, while participants in the fun runs can enjoy refreshments at a local winery: a perfect opportunity to discover the Ghemme territory, one of the most important wine appellations in northern Piedmont. The race is run in semi-self-sufficiency, with aid stations and checkpoints along the routes and assistance provided by the association's staff.

An event for the whole community

Thanks to a format that combines competitive races with walks open to families and enthusiasts, the Brutal Trail Ghemme has become a hallmark event for the town of Ghemme and the entire hilly area of the Novara region, showcasing the beauty of the Upper Piedmont vineyards even in the heart of winter.