Giro del Falco (Falcon Trail)

The Giro del Falco: Running through the Alta Murgia woods

The Giro del Falco, also known as the Trail del Falco, is one of the longest-running and most beloved nature races in Puglia. Every year, towards the end of May, it draws hundreds of runners from across Southern Italy to Gravina in Puglia, in the province of Bari, all eager to test themselves on the trails and dirt roads of the Bosco Difesa Grande, one of the most important green lungs of the Alta Murgia.

A route through the Murgia trails

The event offers two main options. The competitive race, approximately 15 kilometers long, is a national FIDAL-certified trail that winds through the heart of the forest, featuring flat stretches, rolling hills, and technical sections with panoramic views of the Murgia countryside. Alongside it, a 6-kilometer non-competitive walk allows families, enthusiasts, and curious visitors to experience the event's atmosphere while immersed in nature. The race starts at the Cantine Colli della Murgia, a landmark that perfectly blends sport, landscape, and the region's winemaking culture.

The Bosco Difesa Grande and the Alta Murgia

The Bosco Difesa Grande is one of the largest wooded areas in Puglia, dominated by oaks, downy oaks, and Hungarian oaks—a natural habitat for birds of prey like the falcon that gives the race its name. Running or walking through this environment means traversing a landscape of great natural value, just a stone's throw from the Alta Murgia National Park and the historic center of Gravina, famous for the deep ravine that gave the city its name and for its rock-hewn heritage.

Sport, community, and gastronomic tradition

The Giro del Falco is organized by the Polisportiva Dorando Pietri of Gravina, a historic local sports club, and has been a staple in the Puglian running calendar for years. Beyond the competitive aspect, the event is a true community celebration: at the end of the race, athletes and their supporters gather for traditional pasta and chickpeas, grilled meat, and dairy products provided by local producers, in a convivial atmosphere that reflects the hospitality of the Murgia.

An event that grows year after year

Now reaching its most recent editions, the Giro del Falco continues to grow in both participant numbers and prestige within the regional trail calendar. The combination of a challenging course, a unique natural setting, and the warm welcome of Gravina makes it an unmissable stop for anyone who loves running in the nature of Southern Italy.