Race Among the Medieval Towers

A race in the medieval heart of Canavese

The Race Among the Medieval Towers is one of the most distinctive running events in the Orco and Soana valleys. It takes place in Pont Canavese, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Turin at the gateway to the Gran Paradiso valleys, and features an 8.2 km road race enriched by light trail sections. The format, which alternates between asphalt and dirt paths, makes it an event suitable for both seasoned runners and amateurs looking to challenge themselves in a picturesque setting.

Sport and history running together

The charm of this race lies in its name: the route winds between the medieval towers that still loom over the town. In the Middle Ages, Pont Canavese was a village defended by several fortified strongholds; today, the Tellaria Tower and the Ferranda Tower (both dating back to the 10th-11th centuries) remain, once owned by the San Martino and Valperga families, who were long-time rivals for control of the Pont fiefdom. Running beneath these monuments means traversing centuries of local history, woven with legends—such as that of Madama Rua, the mysterious lady of the Tellaria—and alpine landscapes.

A growing event

Reaching its sixth edition in 2026, the Race Among the Medieval Towers is organized in collaboration with UISP and is open to members of the organization, FIDAL, and Runcard holders. Over the years, participation has steadily increased, a sign of an event now deeply rooted in the Piedmontese running calendar. The race takes place in the late afternoon and evening, when the fading light gives the towers and the alleys of the historic center an even more evocative atmosphere.

Why participate

Beyond the sporting challenge, the Race Among the Medieval Towers is an opportunity to discover Pont Canavese and its historical heritage, immersed in the nature of the Orco and Soana valleys. It is one of those events that captures the soul of the Canavese territory: genuine, well-attended, and deeply connected to its own history.