City of Gold Walk – 2nd Arianna Alpi Trophy

A race in the heart of the jewelry city

The City of Gold Walk is one of the most cherished running events in Valenza, the famous town in the province of Alessandria known worldwide for its long-standing goldsmithing tradition. This heritage inspires the event's name, linking sport to the identity of a city where the art of jewelry is at home. The race follows a 5.4-kilometer city loop, which is mostly flat and paved, passing through the historic center and iconic streets and squares of Valenza.

A route through the city center

The course begins on Corso Garibaldi and concludes in Piazza Gramsci, under the arcades of Viale Oliva. Along the way, participants traverse numerous city streets—including Via Po, Via San Massimo, Viale Padova, Viale Cellini, Via XX Settembre, Viale Oliva, Via Mazzini, and Via Cavour—on a circuit described by athletes as "fairly lively, but without major difficulties." The race takes place in the evening, starting after sunset, giving Valenza a particularly evocative atmosphere.

Sport for everyone: competitive runners and walkers

The event has a dual nature: it is a recognized competitive race, but it is also open to casual walkers and families who can complete the loop in a non-competitive capacity. Every registrant receives an exclusive race pack, and rich prizes are awarded to the top overall and category finishers. The event is organized by ASD Atletica Alessandria in collaboration with the Municipality of Valenza.

A stage of the Dodecarun circuit

The City of Gold Walk is part of the Dodecarun calendar, the Piedmontese running circuit created by Giorgio Goggi that features numerous seasonal stages across road, cross-country, and track events. The circuit is known for its prestigious jewelry prizes awarded to the top finishers in the general classification—a tribute that perfectly matches Valenza's goldsmithing vocation. The organizers aim to eventually have the walk certified as a 5-kilometer FIDAL race.

The Trophy dedicated to Arianna Alpi

The women's race is held in memory of Arianna Alpi, daughter of former Italian middle-distance runner Marina Cavalli, who passed away prematurely at just 21 years old due to leukemia. Marina Cavalli, winner of the first historic edition of the walk in 1981, remains a constant and heartfelt presence at the event, which combines a passion for running with remembrance and the value of solidarity. In its simplicity, the event tells the story of an entire community in the heart of Piedmont.