Lauretana-Mombarone

A classic of Biellese mountain running

The Lauretana-Mombarone is a competitive mountain race covering 9 kilometers that takes place every summer in Graglia, in the province of Biella, in the heart of the alpine Piedmont. Established in 1978 and long known as the Santuario di Graglia-Rifugio Mombarone, it is one of the most demanding events on the regional running calendar: in just 9 km, athletes must overcome over 1,400 meters of elevation gain, starting from the Fonte Lauretana at an altitude of about 850 meters and finishing at the summit of Rifugio Mombarone, at 2,312 meters.

The route to Mombarone

The trail winds along paths and mule tracks that climb from the Sanctuary of Graglia toward the ridge of Mombarone, one of the iconic peaks separating the Biella area from the Aosta Valley and the Serra di Ivrea. The start is located near the Fonte Lauretana, from which the race takes its name, while the finish line is set high up at the mountain hut, where, on clear days, the view sweeps across the Po Valley and the western Alps. It is a continuous, tough, and technical climb that tests even the most trained athletes: this is why the Lauretana-Mombarone is considered a benchmark event for those who practice mountain running and skyrunning in Northwest Italy.

A local tradition

The race is organized by the Pro Loco Santuario di Graglia in collaboration with Pietro Micca Biella Running, the Rifugio Mombarone, and the Gruppo Sportivo Alpini di Graglia, under the patronage of the Municipality of Graglia. Approved by FIDAL Piedmont, it is open to registered athletes and Runcard holders, with categories ranging from Juniors to Masters. Alongside the competitive race, a non-competitive walk is also offered on the same route, designed for hikers and enthusiasts who wish to reach the summit at their own pace.

Sport, mountains, and tradition

More than just a race, the Lauretana-Mombarone is a celebration of the Biellese mountains: the gathering at the foot of the Sanctuary of Graglia, the warm welcome from the Pro Loco volunteers, and the refreshments and final lunch at the mountain hut are part of a tradition that has been renewed for decades. The setting is that of the Santuario di Graglia, one of the most important places of devotion in Piedmont, and the mountains that rise from Graglia toward Mombarone. For the inhabitants of the province of Biella and runners from across Piedmont, the last Sunday of July on Mombarone has become an unmissable classic of the sporting summer.