Castiglione di Garfagnana – San Pellegrino in Alpe Climb

A vertical challenge in the heart of the Garfagnana

The Castiglione di Garfagnana – San Pellegrino in Alpe Climb is one of the most beloved and feared uphill races in the Apennines. Organized by G.P. Parco Alpi Apuane, it takes place in the municipality of Castiglione di Garfagnana, in the province of Lucca, in the heart of the Tuscan Garfagnana. The route connects the main square of Castiglione to the village of San Pellegrino in Alpe, located at an altitude of approximately 1,525 meters. It is one of the highest inhabited centers in the entire Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, straddling the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

The route

This is a true challenge against the mountain: 11.8 kilometers of near-continuous ascent with an elevation gain of about 1,100 meters. The first section follows the historic Via Vandelli up to the hamlet of Chiozza, before tackling the most selective climb toward San Pellegrino in Alpe. It is a course that tests both legs and lungs, set against a landscape of forests and panoramic views that open up as you gain altitude, leading to the sanctuary that dominates the valley.

A race dedicated to memory

The event is held in honor of two important figures for the local running community: the Giuseppe Tagliasacchi Memorial and the Dr. Gabriello Angelini Memorial, the latter sponsored by the Lions Club of Garfagnana and awarded to the team with the highest participation. The awards ceremony is traditionally held near the sanctuary of San Pellegrino in Alpe, with the collaboration of the Lions Club Garfagnana and the municipal administration.

Beyond competition

Alongside the competitive race reserved for registered athletes, a non-competitive fun run/walk is organized, open to everyone and starting earlier. It is designed for those who want to experience the climb to the Alpe at their own pace while immersed in the nature of the Garfagnana. The event is supported by the Municipality of Castiglione di Garfagnana, the Alpi Apuane Park Authority, the Lions Club of Garfagnana, and the UISP.

A consolidated tradition

Born in the early 2000s, the Climb to the Alpe has become a staple of the Tuscan and Apennine running calendar. The race records highlight the difficulty of the course: the men's record is 52'52" (Marco Gaiardo, 2008), and the women's record is 1h04'00" (Romina Sedoni, 2005)—times that measure the commitment required by this climb. Each edition confirms the deep bond between the race, the Garfagnana territory, and the community of Castiglione di Garfagnana, a village recognized as one of the most beautiful in Tuscany.