Drago Vaia Trail

The Drago Vaia Trail: Running between memory and rebirth

The Drago Vaia Trail is a UISP-certified mountain running event held on the Alpe Cimbra, with start and finish in the village of Gionghi in Lavarone, in the Autonomous Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige. Every year, the event attracts hundreds of athletes and enthusiasts, drawn as much by the beauty of the routes as by the powerful symbolism behind them.

A name that tells a story

The trail takes its name from the famous Drago di Vaia (Vaia Dragon), the monumental wooden sculpture created by artist Marco Martalar using the roots and trunks of trees felled by the Vaia storm—the exceptional weather event that devastated Trentino's forests in October 2018 with wind gusts exceeding 200 km/h. From that wound, a work of art was born, becoming a symbol of rebirth and resilience, and with it, a race that leads participants to immerse themselves in the scarred yet regenerating mountain landscape.

The routes

The event offers three options to suit athletes and walkers of all levels:

• 20 km with approximately 725 meters of elevation gain, the most challenging competitive route;
• 12 km with approximately 450 meters of elevation gain, available in both competitive and non-competitive versions;
• 5 km walk (approximately 190 meters of elevation gain), designed for families and walking enthusiasts.

The tracks mainly follow dirt roads, trails, and mule tracks, crossing the woods and panoramas of the Lavarone plateau.

A day of celebration

The race is part of a day dedicated to sport and conviviality: after picking up race bibs in the morning and a single start for all routes, the event continues with the traditional Pasta Party and the awards ceremony for the top finishers and category winners. The event is organized by UISP Vicenza and Trento, in collaboration with the Municipality of Lavarone, the Alpe Cimbra Tourist Board, and local associations.

Why participate

The Drago Vaia Trail is more than just a race: it is a way to rediscover the Trentino mountains through movement, to pay tribute to a territory that has managed to rise again, and to enjoy a day dedicated to nature, friendship, and sport. It is an autumn appointment now eagerly awaited by runners and families from across the North-East.