Colle San Marco Winter Trail
The winter trail on the Colle San Marco plateau, above Ascoli Piceno
About Winter Trail Colle San Marco
The Winter Trail on the Rooftop of Ascoli Piceno
The Colle San Marco Winter Trail is the event that every January draws hundreds of mountain running enthusiasts to the plateau of Colle San Marco, a hamlet of the Municipality of Ascoli Piceno, in the province of the same name in the Marche region. It is one of the historic winter races on the Piceno running calendar: born from several editions and now part of the Adriatic Series Running circuit, it reached its sixteenth edition in 2026.
The Colle San Marco plateau is located at about 700 meters above sea level, on a natural terrace at the foot of the Montagna dei Fiori, overlooking the Tronto valley. It is an area very dear to the people of Ascoli: a destination for outings, hikes, and walks, dotted with trails, pine woods, and ancient rock hermitages. In winter, when snow falls at higher altitudes, the landscape becomes particularly evocative and gives the race an almost alpine atmosphere just a few minutes from the historic center of Ascoli.
Two Courses for All Paces
The event offers two routes. The competitive race measures about 15 km with 900 meters of positive elevation gain, on dirt tracks and single trails that climb and descend through the woods of the plateau. Alongside the competition, there is the non-competitive event of about 8 km with 300 meters of elevation gain, designed for those who want to experience the winter mountains without the pressure of the clock. The start and finish are set near the Church of San Martino di Lisciano, in the hamlet of Colle San Marco.
A Mountain Running Celebration
Organized by AVIS Ascoli Marathon together with other local running groups, the Winter Trail combines sport, solidarity, and promotion of the Monti Gemelli area. Along the route, there are refreshment points and, at the finish line, the traditional pasta party that concludes the race morning. It is an event that opens the trail season in the Marche region and which, thanks to the charm of the snowy trails of Colle San Marco, has become a small classic for runners from all over Central Italy.
Winter Trail Colle San Marco — edition 2026
2026 Edition — The Sixteenth
The 16th edition of the Colle San Marco Winter Trail took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, organized by AVIS Ascoli Marathon as part of the Adriatic Series circuit. The snow that fell overnight at the higher altitudes of the Colle San Marco plateau provided a spectacular winter scene, with about 200 athletes at the start of the 15 km competitive course.
The start and finish were set near the Church of San Martino di Lisciano, with assembly at 8:00 AM and the race starting at 9:30 AM. Alongside the competitive race, the usual 8 km non-competitive event was also held.
Programme Winter Trail Colle San Marco 2026
Sunday, January 11, 2026
- 8:00 AM — Assembly of officials and competitors at the Church of San Martino di Lisciano (Colle San Marco hamlet)
- Bib collection until 30 minutes before the start
- 9:30 AM — Start of the competitive race (15 km, 900 m D+) and the non-competitive event (8 km, 300 m D+)
- Maximum finish time: 180 minutes
- Liquid refreshment points along the route (water, electrolytes, tea) and final refreshment at the finish area
- Final pasta party for participants
Highlights Winter Trail Colle San Marco 2026
Men's victory went to Sina Ghorbanalirad (Soc. Prima A.S.D.) in 1h22'04", ahead of Giorgio Lampa (A.S.D. Space Running) and Francesco Paupini (Osteria dei Podisti). Among women, Chiara Benedetti (Atletica Abruzzo L'Aquila) won in 1h40'59", followed by Sara D'Angelo (Amatori Avis Castelfidardo) and Elisa Volpini (A.S.D. Space Running). The snow at the higher altitudes made this edition particularly evocative.
Prices Winter Trail Colle San Marco 2026
Practical information — Winter Trail Colle San Marco
Where it Takes Place
Start and finish at the Church of San Martino di Lisciano, hamlet of Colle San Marco, Municipality of Ascoli Piceno (CAP 63100), Province of Ascoli Piceno, Marche. The plateau can be reached by car from Ascoli Piceno heading towards Colle San Marco.
Timetable
Meeting of officials and competitors at 8:00 AM, bib collection up to 30 minutes before the start, competitive race starts at 9:30 AM. Maximum finish time: 180 minutes.
Registration
The competitive race is limited (maximum 300 athletes). Registration is online via the Adriatic Series portal. Membership for the current year with UISP, CSEN, FIDAL, or another sports promotion body recognized by CONI is required; the non-competitive event is open to all.
Advice
As this is a winter trail at altitude, dress in layers and wear trail shoes suitable for wet or snowy terrain.
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Where does it take place — Winter Trail Colle San Marco
Chiesa di San Martino di Lisciano, frazione Colle San Marco