Le Porte di Pietra
The great Val Borbera trail running event in Cantalupo Ligure
About Le Porte di Pietra
Le Porte di Pietra, the heart of trail running in Val Borbera
Every year in mid-May, the small town of Cantalupo Ligure, in the province of Alessandria, becomes the nerve center for trail running in south-eastern Piedmont. Le Porte di Pietra is a sporting event that attracts hundreds of athletes from all over Italy and beyond, ready to test themselves on the rugged and spectacular trails of the Borbera, Spinti, and Curone valleys, in the wild heart of the Apennines on the border between Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy, and Emilia.
Three races for every level
The event offers three competitive routes designed for every level of preparation, all starting and finishing in the center of Cantalupo Ligure:
- Le Porte di Pietra — the flagship race: 72 km with over 4,000 meters of elevation gain, a grueling ultra-trail crossing the most remote ridges of the territory.
- Le Finestre di Pietra — the middle distance: 37 km and over 2,000 meters of elevation gain, ideal for those seeking an intense but more contained challenge.
- Castello di Pietra — the short race: 17 km and 700 meters of elevation gain, also available in a non-competitive version, perfect for those new to trail running.
Completing the program is the Kinder Trail, a free race dedicated to primary and middle school children, highlighting the family-friendly and popular spirit of the event.
More than just a race: a village festival
Le Porte di Pietra is much more than a sporting event. Around the village set up in Cantalupo Ligure, a true festival comes to life, with music and entertainment curated by Disco-nnect, street food, beverages, sports equipment stands, and stalls featuring local products. The musical entertainment on Saturday night continues late into the night as athletes return from the illuminated valley trails.
A territory to rediscover
Organized by the A.S.D. Gli Orsi association, the event is supported by the Regional Council of Piedmont, the Province of Alessandria, and the Municipality of Cantalupo Ligure, and stems from a collaboration with local Pro Loco associations. Beyond the competitive aspect, Le Porte di Pietra is an opportunity to promote and rediscover Val Borbera, a corner of the Piedmontese Apennines filled with ancient villages like Borgo Adorno with its castle, beech forests, mule tracks, and views that stretch to the Ligurian Sea on the clearest days.
Le Porte di Pietra — edition 2026
The 21st edition of Le Porte di Pietra confirmed Cantalupo Ligure as the capital of trail running in the Val Borbera. Three days of sport and celebration, from Friday until the arrival of the last athlete on Sunday night, with a lively village and hundreds of runners on the trails of the Alessandria Apennines.
Programme Le Porte di Pietra 2026
Friday, May 15
- 2:00 PM — Opening of the Village in Cantalupo Ligure
- 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM — Bib collection
- 6:00 PM — Official athlete briefing
Saturday, May 16
- 8:00 AM — Start of Le Porte di Pietra (72 km, 4000 m D+) and Le Finestre di Pietra (37 km, 2000 m D+)
- 11:00 AM — First arrivals of Le Finestre di Pietra
- 2:00 PM — Awards ceremony for Le Finestre di Pietra
- 2:45 PM — First arrivals of Le Porte di Pietra
- 7:00 PM — Awards ceremony for Le Porte di Pietra
- From 11:00 PM — Musical entertainment at the village
Sunday, May 17
- 2:00 AM — Closing of the gates for Le Porte di Pietra
- 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM — Bib collection for Castello di Pietra
- 9:30 AM — Start of Castello di Pietra (17 km, 700 m D+), also non-competitive
- 10:00 AM — Start of the Kinder Trail (free, for primary and middle school children)
- 12:00 PM — Final awards ceremony
The Castello di Pietra route starts from the center of Cantalupo Ligure, climbs towards Prato and Campana up to Borgo Adorno, where one can admire the castle that gives the race its name, before returning along the fast trails of Semega.
Highlights Le Porte di Pietra 2026
Highlights: the 72 km ultra-trail with 4,000 meters of elevation gain, the Saturday evening awards ceremony, and the party with music until late at night, entertainment by Disco-nnect, street food, and local products. The Sunday Kinder Trail involves families and children.
Prices Le Porte di Pietra 2026
Practical information — Le Porte di Pietra
How to get there
Cantalupo Ligure is located in Val Borbera, in the province of Alessandria. From the A7 Milan-Genoa motorway, take the Vignole-Borbera exit and head up the valley. A car is recommended due to the town's Apennine location.
When
The event takes place in mid-May over three days (Friday-Saturday-Sunday). The long races start on Saturday morning at 8:00 AM, while the short races and the Kinder Trail are held on Sunday morning.
Registration and info
Registration is done online; regulations, GPS tracks, and the full program can be downloaded from the official website portedipietra.it. For information: [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Le Porte di Pietra
Centro di Cantalupo Ligure