Nico Caiati Bitrail
The trail running race in the woods of Bitonto, between nature and the Alta Murgia
About Bitrail
Running through the woods of Bitonto
The Nico Caiati Bitrail is a national trail running race held in the territory of Bitonto, in the province of Bari, in the heart of Puglia. The race unfolds entirely along the trails and dirt roads of the Municipal Woods of Bitonto and the evocative Bosco del Ceraso, on the edge of the Alta Murgia National Park, amidst oaks, downy oaks, and ancient olive trees. It is a fixed appointment on Palm Sunday, bringing hundreds of athletes every year to test themselves on a varied, technical, yet always runnable course.
An event born from passion
The event is organized by the A.S.D. Polisportiva Amici di Marco, under the patronage of the Municipality of Bitonto and the aegis of FIDAL, and is part of the regional Puglia Trail circuit. The race's name honors Nico Caiati and reflects the community spirit that drives the association: behind the sporting event lies a project that unites friendship, memory, and love for the land. The first edition took place in 2024, immediately attracting around three hundred participants.
The course
The main track winds for approximately 20 kilometers with 600 meters of positive elevation gain, crossing clearings, woods, and ancient rural paths. In various editions, the Polisportiva has also offered different distances, with shorter loops designed for enthusiasts looking to get into trail running. The start and finish are located in the wooded area between Bitonto and the hamlet of Mariotto, in a natural setting that offers suggestive glimpses of the Murgia plateau.
Sport, nature, and territory
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Bitrail is a celebration of outdoor sports: at the finish line, athletes find live music, refreshments with typical Apulian products, and a convivial atmosphere that highlights the local hospitality. The event is also an opportunity to rediscover the environmental heritage of the Bitonto woods, a little-known but beautiful green lung in the hinterland of the Bari metropolitan area.
Why participate
- A naturalistic course in the Municipal Woods of Bitonto and the Bosco del Ceraso
- Main distance of approximately 20 km with 600 m of positive elevation gain
- Stage of the Puglia Trail circuit, with FIDAL ranking
- Convivial environment with music and Apulian gastronomy at the finish line
Bitrail — edition 2026
Bitrail 2026: the third edition
The third edition of the Nico Caiati Bitrail took place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, on Palm Sunday, confirming the appointment in the Municipal Woods of Bitonto and the Bosco del Ceraso. The race, organized by the Polisportiva Amici di Marco and part of the Puglia Trail circuit, offered a loop of approximately 20 km with 600 meters of positive elevation gain.
The event was presented on March 21, 2026, at Finoliva, with the participation of the president of the sports club Gaetano Giampalmo and guests from the Bitonto cultural scene, in a moment that united sport, art, and territory.
The winners
Among the men, Olivier Irabaruta (Bitonto Runners) won with a time of 1:21:08, while in the women's field, Silvana Iania triumphed with 1:40:28. At the finish line, as per tradition, live music and refreshments with typical Apulian products welcomed the athletes.
Programme Bitrail 2026
Single course of approximately 20 km with 600 m of positive elevation gain in the Municipal Woods of Bitonto and the Bosco del Ceraso. Start and finish in the wooded area between Bitonto and Mariotto.
2026 Winners: Olivier Irabaruta (Bitonto Runners) 1:21:08 among men; Silvana Iania 1:40:28 among women. Live music and refreshments with typical products at the finish line.
Highlights Bitrail 2026
- 20 km course with 600 m D+ through the Alta Murgia woods
- Stage of the Puglia Trail circuit with FIDAL ranking
- Victories of Olivier Irabaruta and Silvana Iania
- Live music and Apulian gastronomy at the finish line
Prices Bitrail 2026
Practical information — Bitrail
How to get there
Bitonto is located a few kilometers from Bari, easily accessible from Bari-Palese airport and the SS16 and SS96 junctions. The Municipal Woods extend to the north-west of the town, towards the hamlet of Mariotto: a car is recommended to reach the starting area.
Registration
Participation in the race requires a fee, with registration handled through the Polisportiva Amici di Marco and the Puglia Trail circuit. Fees and logistical details are published on the event's official channels in the weeks leading up to the race.
Tips
Bring trail shoes suitable for dirt and technical terrain, a water supply, and layered clothing: on Palm Sunday, the Murgia climate can be variable.
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Where does it take place — Bitrail
Bosco Comunale di Bitonto