Coursa d'Castlus

The Coursa d'Castlus, a classic of Pinerolo mountain running

The Coursa d'Castlus is a historic fixture in the Pinerolo running calendar, hosted by the municipality of Torre Pellice, in Val Pellice (Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont). Established in the 1970s, it is one of the longest-running and most popular mountain races in the region: a short but grueling test capable of challenging even the most experienced athletes.

A technical route towards Monte Castlus

The classic course measures approximately 12 kilometers with 1,000 meters of elevation gain, with the start and finish line in the hamlet of Santa Margherita. The race takes its name from Monte Castlus (or Castellus, 1,434 m), the peak that dominates the town and serves as the backdrop for the entire event. Featuring woodland trails, rocky paths, and scenic stretches overlooking the Waldensian Valleys, the route is renowned for its technicality in both ascent and descent; for this reason, it is often compared to a modern sky race, despite its modest distance.

A stage of the Trofeo delle Valli

The Coursa d'Castlus is part of the Trofeo delle Valli circuit, serving as one of its key events and attracting runners from all over Piedmont. Over the years, the race has seen top-tier mountain running specialists at the starting line, confirming the prestige this event has earned in the regional running scene.

Organization and the spirit of the valley

The event is organized by G.A.S.M. Torre Pellice (Gruppo Atletico e Sport Montagna), a sports organization deeply rooted in the valley community. The Coursa d'Castlus is more than just a competition: it is a local festival that combines sport, mountains, and tradition in a corner of the Province of Turin where a passion for running is second nature. For those who love running at altitude and soaking up the authentic atmosphere of the Waldensian Valleys, this is an unmissable event at the end of May.