Passaggio a Nord Ovest
Hill trail running through the villages of the Alessandria area
About Passaggio a Nord Ovest
A race in the heart of the Alessandria hills
Passaggio a Nord Ovest is a trail running race held in Pietra Marazzi, a small town in the Province of Alessandria, in the Lower Monferrato area of Piedmont. The event features a 14 km course with 350 meters of elevation gain, designed for those who love running immersed in the hilly landscape and vineyards that define this corner of Piedmont. The event is organized by the sports club 0131 Run Of Made, which is active throughout the Alessandria region.
The Course
The route follows an "up & down" structure repeated four times, consisting of approximately 20% asphalt and the remainder on dirt tracks and hilly trails. The loop crosses the territories of Pietra Marazzi, Montecastello, Pecetto di Valenza, and Bassignana, offering panoramic views of the Monferrato hills and the Alessandria plains. The start is set in Piazza Umberto I, about one kilometer from the meeting point, while the race headquarters and finish line are located at the Pavone Sports Field in Pietra Marazzi.
History and Tradition
The race carries on a long local running tradition: it succeeds the historic "Un mercoledì da leoni" race, once organized in the same area by Gianni Lonardo and no longer held today. The name "Passaggio a Nord Ovest" (Northwest Passage) pays homage to those very trials that made the hilly terrain of Pietra Marazzi famous among trail runners since its earliest editions.
Atmosphere and Participation
Passaggio a Nord Ovest is a competitive race with a strong convivial spirit, attracting numerous running clubs from Piedmont and neighboring regions. Awards are presented to various male and female categories, as well as the largest teams, celebrating both individual podium finishers and group participation. The event is part of the road and trail running calendar in the Alessandria area, helping to showcase the natural and landscape heritage of this part of Piedmont.
Why participate
- A short but technical trail, suitable for both trained runners and curious amateurs
- A scenic route through the hills, vineyards, and villages of Monferrato
- Well-established organization by 0131 Run Of Made
- An opportunity to discover Pietra Marazzi and the neighboring towns in the Province of Alessandria
Passaggio a Nord Ovest — edition 2026
3rd Passaggio a Nord Ovest — March 29, 2026
The third edition of the Pietra Marazzi trail race was held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, on the 14 km course with 350 meters of elevation gain, spanning the municipalities of Pietra Marazzi, Montecastello, Pecetto di Valenza, and Bassignana.
The Winners
- Men's Overall: Alex Zulian (Brancaleone Asti), followed by Mattia Grosso (Atletica Novese) and Andrea Ermelino (Cambiaso Risso)
- Women's Overall: Francesca Contardi (Run 4 People), followed by Annalisa Fagnoni (Frecce Bianche) and Alina Roman (Atletica Varazze)
Among the largest teams, Atletica Novese, Frecce Bianche, and Bio Correndo AVIS stood out. The day, with the meeting point at the Pavone Sports Field, confirmed the success of the event organized by 0131 Run Of Made.
Programme Passaggio a Nord Ovest 2026
8:00 AM — Meeting point at the Pavone Sports Field in Pietra Marazzi.
9:30 AM — Race start from Piazza Umberto I (14 km, 350 m D+).
Following the race, finish at the Pavone Sports Field and awards ceremony for male and female categories and the largest teams.
Highlights Passaggio a Nord Ovest 2026
- 14 km course with 350 m of elevation gain
- Up & down structure repeated 4 times, approx. 20% asphalt
- Victories by Alex Zulian and Francesca Contardi
- Awards for all categories and the largest teams
Prices Passaggio a Nord Ovest 2026
Practical information — Passaggio a Nord Ovest
Getting there
Pietra Marazzi is located just a few kilometers from Alessandria and is easily accessible by car from the A21 (Alessandria exit) or the A26 motorway. The nearest train station is in Alessandria, from where you can continue by car to the town.
Meeting point and times
The meeting point is at the Pavone Sports Field in Pietra Marazzi from 8:00 AM, with the race starting at 9:30 AM from Piazza Umberto I.
Registration
Registration is handled online via the FIDAL portal (tessonline.fidal.it, online race registration section); it is generally possible to register on the morning of the race as well. All updated information is published on the 0131 Run Of Made website.
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Where does it take place — Passaggio a Nord Ovest
Campo Sportivo di Pavone di Pietra Marazzi
Piazza Umberto I, 15040 Pietra Marazzi