Gran Trail della Brigantessa

The Gran Trail della Brigantessa in Sante Marie

The Gran Trail della Brigantessa is a trail running race that brings the village of Sante Marie to life, a small mountain town in the Marsica region, in the province of L'Aquila, in the heart of Abruzzo. Organized by ASD Parks Trail La Brigantessa in collaboration with the Municipality of Sante Marie, the event offers a competitive course that blends sporting challenge with the discovery of a territory rich in nature and historical memory.

A route through chestnut groves and brigand trails

The track spans approximately 21 kilometers with 630 meters of elevation gain, crossing the chestnut groves surrounding the town and the paths of the famous Cammino dei Briganti, the hiking route that has made Sante Marie a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. The race partially follows the Corradino path, linked to the historic 1268 Battle of Tagliacozzo between Conradin of Swabia and Charles I of Anjou, and evokes the era of post-unification brigandage that deeply marked these mountains.

Start and race logistics

The start is set in Piazza Aldo Moro, in the center of the village, with athletes gathering in the early morning. The route is supported by refreshment stations along the track and a final refreshment point, accompanied by the traditional pasta party. Participants are provided with shower facilities, washing areas, medical assistance, and awards for the top finishers and age categories, from youth to veterans.

An event of the Corri Marsica circuit

The Gran Trail della Brigantessa is included in the national UISP calendar and is part of the Corri Marsica UISP circuit, a series of road and trail races that traverse the towns of the Marsica throughout the season. Its position in the calendar makes it a highly anticipated event for mountain running enthusiasts across the entire region.

Sante Marie, village of the brigands

Nestled among the woods of western Marsica, Sante Marie is known as the starting point of the Cammino dei Briganti and for its connection to the history of 19th-century brigandage. The event serves as an opportunity to promote this heritage, combining sport, culture, and slow tourism in an authentic and still off-the-beaten-path territory of Abruzzo.