Montanaro Trail
Mountain running in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, between San Marcello Pistoiese and Gavinana
About Montanaro Trail
The Montanaro Trail: Running the Apennines
Every spring, the Pistoia Mountains transform into a vast racecourse for the Montanaro Trail, a trail running event that brings hundreds of mountain running enthusiasts to San Marcello Pistoiese. Now in its thirteenth year, the event is organized by the San Marcello Pistoiese section of ASCD Silvano Fedi in collaboration with UISP, and has firmly established itself on the calendar of ultra and trail races in the central-northern Apennines.
Three routes for every level
The heart of the Montanaro Trail lies in its variety of tracks, designed to accommodate both seasoned athletes and those looking for a scenic nature walk:
- The 50 - The most demanding route: approximately 50 km running almost entirely along the Apennine ridge, with a positive elevation gain of 3,550 meters. A true endurance test for ultra-trailers.
- The 25 - Approximately 26 km that partially follows the 50 km track, featuring 1,700 meters of positive elevation gain and an ITRA-recognized point. Expect forests, ridges, and panoramic views of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
- The 12 - An accessible and scenic Nordic Walking route: from Piazza Matteotti in San Marcello, the path winds through nature trails to Gavinana before returning to the start.
A land of forests and history
The Montanaro Trail is more than just a race: it is a way to discover the Pistoia Mountains, their beech forests, mule tracks, and historic villages like Gavinana. The races start and finish in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, in the center of San Marcello Pistoiese, a village in the municipality of San Marcello Piteglio, Pistoia, Tuscany. The event involves the entire town and serves as a major tourist and sporting showcase for the whole mountain region.
A spring tradition
With its three tracks and the festive atmosphere that defines race day, the Montanaro Trail has become a classic of the Tuscan trail season. Athletes from across Italy and abroad gather in San Marcello Pistoiese to test themselves on the Apennine trails, supported by the warm welcome of the local community and numerous volunteers.
Montanaro Trail — edition 2026
2026 Edition - Rain and Mud
The thirteenth edition of the Montanaro Trail, held on Sunday, May 10, 2026, will be remembered for its challenging weather conditions: relentless rain and muddy terrain tested the athletes and forced the organizers to modify certain sections of the routes to ensure competitor safety.
In the 50 km race, victory went to Edoardo Gabrielli (Feel Like Unicorn) with a time of 5:04:23, ahead of Riccardo Del Grande (Love Run Atletica Terni, 5:23:23) and Fausto Di Giuseppe (ASD Silvano Fedi, 5:31:51). Among the women, Monica Cava (Team Mud & Snow, 5:41:30) took the win. The 25 km race was won by Morgan Petrucci. The program was completed by the 12 km Nordic Walking event.
Programme Montanaro Trail 2026
Race Program - Sunday, May 10, 2026
- Saturday, May 9, 15:00-20:00 - Bib collection for the 50 km and 25 km
- Sunday, May 10, 5:30-7:15 - Bib collection for the 50 km and 25 km in Piazza Matteotti
- 08:00 - Start of the 50 km (approx. 50 km, +3,550 m) and 25 km (approx. 26 km, +1,700 m) from Piazza Giacomo Matteotti
- 08:00-09:00 - On-site registration for the 12 km Nordic Walking
- 09:00 - Start of the 12 km Nordic Walking from Piazza Matteotti towards Gavinana
The 50 km and 25 km races run along the Apennine ridge with shared sections; the 25 km race awards 1 ITRA point with a 6-hour time limit.
Highlights Montanaro Trail 2026
Prices Montanaro Trail 2026
Practical information — Montanaro Trail
Location
Start and finish in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, San Marcello Pistoiese (San Marcello Piteglio, Province of Pistoia), in the Pistoia Mountains.
How to get there
San Marcello Pistoiese is accessible by car via the SS66 Abetone-Brennero road, about 30 km from Pistoia. The nearest train station is Pistoia, which connects to the Pistoia Mountains via local bus lines.
Registration and bib collection
Registration is available online at the official website (montanarotrail.it/iscriviti). Bib collection for the 50 km and 25 km races takes place on Saturday afternoon (15:00-20:00) and Sunday morning (5:30-7:15). For the 12 km Nordic Walking, registration is also possible on the morning of the event from 8:00 to 9:00 in Piazza Matteotti.
Contact
Email: [email protected] - Phone: Moreno +39 348 9058300 - Website: www.montanarotrail.it
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Where does it take place — Montanaro Trail
Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, San Marcello Pistoiese
Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 51028 San Marcello Piteglio