The extreme triathlon of the Gran Sasso, from Lake Campotosto to Campo Imperatore
The EagleXman Extreme Triathlon is much more than a race: it is a test of personal limits held between the town of Campotosto, in the province of L'Aquila, and the peaks of the Gran Sasso. A staple in the calendar of major Italian endurance events, it takes place every July within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, one of Abruzzo's most captivating landscapes.
The full-distance race begins at the first light of day in the chilly waters of Lake Campotosto, at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters. Athletes face the following stages:
The total elevation gain is around 6,000 meters, placing the EagleXman among the most demanding triathlons on the international circuit. Alongside the full distance, the organizers offer more accessible formats, such as the 113 (1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, 21 km run) and the x-olympic (1.5 km swim, 48.5 km bike, 6.3 km run), designed to introduce a wider audience to the challenge.
Each edition attracts over 300 athletes from around the world, with participants hailing from France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, and beyond. The number of entries is capped to ensure safety and support along the entire route. The event's philosophy is clear: anyone who crosses the finish line is a winner, regardless of their placement.
The EagleXman also serves as a showcase for inland Abruzzo and its natural heritage. The event is held in compliance with the National Park's environmental standards, promoting sustainable sports tourism and highlighting the mountain villages of the L'Aquila province. For outdoor enthusiasts and spectators alike, race day is a unique opportunity to experience the Abruzzo mountains up close and admire the breathtaking vistas of the Gran Sasso and Campo Imperatore.
The 2026 edition, presented alongside the Gran Sasso Bike Marathon, takes place from July 17th to 19th, 2026, between the town of Campotosto and the peaks of the Gran Sasso, in the province of L'Aquila. The full distance includes a 3.8 km swim in Lake Campotosto, approximately 180 km of road cycling, and a 42 km run finishing at Campo Imperatore, totaling about 6,000 meters of elevation gain.
Approximately 300 athletes from around the world are expected, with a maximum limit set at 350 participants to ensure safety and support along the entire course. In addition to the full race, the 113 and x-olympic formats remain available to introduce a wider audience to the challenge within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.
The start of the full distance is scheduled for dawn at Lake Campotosto. The race weekend, from July 17th to 19th, 2026, includes accreditation and briefings, the full, 113, and x-olympic distance races, and the awards ceremony. The detailed program with times and categories will be published by the organization on the official website eaglexman.com in the weeks leading up to the event.
Campotosto can be reached by car via the A24 motorway (exit L'Aquila Ovest or Assergi), continuing towards Lake Campotosto. The nearest train station is L'Aquila, which is connected by bus services.
Registrations are managed via the official website eaglexman.com; for inquiries, please email [email protected]. The number of participants is limited for safety reasons.
We recommend booking accommodation in the local villages (Campotosto, Fonte Cerreto, L'Aquila) well in advance and checking high-mountain weather conditions, even in mid-summer.
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Lago di Campotosto