Carpinus Trail
Night trail running through the woods of Magnano, on the hills of Carpaneto Piacentino
About Carpinus Trail
A night run through the woods of Val d'Arda
The Carpinus Trail is one of the most evocative trail running races of the Piacenza summer. It takes place in Magnano, a small hilly hamlet in the Municipality of Carpaneto Piacentino, in the Province of Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna). Its unique feature is the night format: the start is set for 7:00 PM, so runners tackle the trails as daylight gives way to the first evening shadows, with mandatory headlamps for the final stretch.
The courses
The event offers three routes designed to welcome both the fittest athletes and those who simply want to enjoy a walk in nature:
- Competitive Trail — 23 km with approximately 1,000 m of positive elevation gain, on paths and through woods, with a maximum time of 5 hours.
- Non-competitive Walk — 8 km with 290 m of elevation gain, open to all.
- Non-competitive Walk — 5 km with 175 m of elevation gain, also suitable for families.
The number of participants in the competitive race is limited to a maximum of 150, a choice that keeps the event human-scale and well-managed along the trails.
Sport, hills, and tradition
The meeting point is the square of the Church of San Michele in Magnano, the heart of the small community that frames the race. The name refers to the hornbeam tree (in Latin carpinus), a typical tree of the woods that runners cross along the route. In recent years, the event has been enhanced by an evening convivial moment, with refreshments and a party at the end of the race, transforming the sporting event into an occasion for the entire Val d'Arda area to come together.
An event for the territory
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Carpinus Trail is an opportunity to discover the hills of Carpaneto Piacentino, a corner of Emilia-Romagna less frequented by mass tourism but rich in landscapes, trails, and typical products. Running or walking through these woods at sunset is an authentic way to experience the Piacenza countryside.
Carpinus Trail — edition 2026
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the Carpinus Trail returns to Magnano, on the hills of Carpaneto Piacentino. The 23 km competitive race starts at 7:00 PM from the square of the Church of San Michele in Magnano, with a maximum time of 5 hours to complete the course. Alongside the competition, two non-competitive walks of 5 km and 8 km allow everyone to participate. Registrations for the competitive race are limited to 150.
Timing is managed with NFC chips by Wedosport, and awards are given to the first 5 men and the first 5 women in the general classification.
Programme Carpinus Trail 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026
- 10:00 AM — 12:30 PM — Bib collection at the Up & Down shop, Via Manfredi 92/A, Piacenza.
- 5:00 PM — 6:30 PM — Bib collection at the square of the church in Magnano.
- 7:00 PM — Start of the 23 km competitive trail (1,000 m D+, maximum time 5 hours) and the 5 km and 8 km non-competitive walks.
- Following — Refreshments, awards ceremony, and convivial party.
Awards for the first 5 men and the first 5 women in the general classification.
Highlights Carpinus Trail 2026
The spectacular evening start at 7:00 PM from the square of the Church of San Michele, the 23 km competitive course with 1,000 m of elevation gain through the woods of Magnano, and the convivial party at the end of the race.
Prices Carpinus Trail 2026
Practical information — Carpinus Trail
Where it takes place
Start and finish at the square of the Church of San Michele in Magnano, a hamlet of Carpaneto Piacentino (PC), 29013.
Registration
Registration is done online on the Wedosport platform. Limited spots to 150 for the competitive race. A medical certificate for competitive sports activity is mandatory for the competitive race, and participants must be at least 18 years old.
Bib collection
On the day of the race: from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Up & Down shop in Via Manfredi 92/A in Piacenza, and from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the square of the church in Magnano.
Contacts
Phone: Elena 339 4297667, Sabrina 333 5734307, Filippo 334 6765082. Email: [email protected].
Advice
As this is a night race, it is recommended to bring a headlamp and clothing suitable for hilly trails.
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Where does it take place — Carpinus Trail
Chiesa di San Michele in Magnano
Piazzale della Chiesa di San Michele, Magnano, 29013 Carpaneto Piacentino