Monte Mars Marathon

A new challenge in the Biella mountains

The Monte Mars Marathon is a brand-new mountain race debuting in 2026 in the municipality of Sordevolo, in the Province of Biella, in the heart of Piedmont. It is the first sky marathon ever organized in the Biella area: an event designed to attract regional and national trail runners and to showcase the alpine landscapes that stretch between the Biella mountains and the neighboring Aosta Valley. The event is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The course: 43 km and 3,000 meters of elevation gain

The route features 43 kilometers with approximately 3,000 meters of positive elevation gain, a challenge reserved for well-trained athletes who love high-altitude terrain. The start and finish lines are located in Sordevolo, at the Giovanni Paolo II Amphitheatre, in the Pratovalle area. The course winds through some of the most iconic spots in the Biella mountains:

• Rifugio Coda, a historic mountain hut on the ridge separating the Biella area from the Aosta Valley
• Lago Vargno and the Colle della Barma
• Monte Camino, one of the most beloved panoramic peaks for hikers
• the Sanctuary of Oropa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and spiritual destination of the Biella region
• Poggio Frassati, before returning towards Sordevolo

Event schedule

The organizational machine starts moving the day before the race.

• Saturday, July 4: Race office opens for bib collection from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Giovanni Paolo II Amphitheatre.
• Sunday, July 5: Athlete meeting at 5:45 AM, mandatory gear check at 6:15 AM, start at 7:00 AM. The first finishers are expected around noon, while the awards ceremony begins at 3:00 PM, and the final cut-off time is set for 6:00 PM.

In conjunction with the Sordevolo-Coda

The Monte Mars Marathon is held in conjunction with the traditional Sordevolo-Coda, the historic skyrunning race that climbs from Sordevolo to Rifugio Coda and represents one of the most deep-rooted competitions in the Biella running calendar. The two races share the same spirit and part of the organizing team, including Alberto Monticone and Luigi Nicoletto, historic figures of trail running in the Biella area.

An event tied to the territory

The event is part of the Trail Turismo CSEN circuit and is organized with the involvement of CSEN Biella. Beyond the competitive aspect, the Monte Mars Marathon aims to be an opportunity for tourism promotion for Sordevolo and the entire Valle Elvo area, highlighting the trails, mountain huts, and panoramas that characterize this part of the Piedmontese Alps.