Stracollina Trail

Stracollina Trail: running through the woods and ravines of Mottola

The Stracollina Trail is one of the most anticipated trail running races in the Apulian calendar. Every December, it draws hundreds of enthusiasts to the hills of Mottola, in the heart of the Province of Taranto. Established in 2022 and now in its fifth edition, the event is organized by A.S.D. Correre è Salute Mottola with the patronage of the Municipality of Mottola, serving as the final event of the regional Puglia Trail circuit, which determines the season's final rankings.

A technical course in the Murgia landscape

The track measures approximately 16 kilometers with a positive elevation gain of nearly 290 meters, unfolding almost entirely on dirt paths with some moderately challenging technical sections. The start is set at Tenuta Donna Teresa, in the Sterpina district, from where runners face an initial climb through the woods before plunging into the Bosco di Sant'Antuono, Parco Sant'Elia, and the evocative rock-hewn village of San Vito. The route alternates between scenic trails, technical descents, and crossings of the gravine (ravines) rich in caves and rocks, offering a splendid view of the Gulf of Taranto around the 10.5 km mark.

Beyond competition: territory and community

The Stracollina Trail is designed as a true "year-end embrace": alongside the competitive race, a shorter route for walkers is available, making the event accessible to families and enthusiasts of all levels. At the finish line, the refreshment area celebrates the flavors of the territory with local specialties such as caciocavallo cheese, orecchiette, and mulled wine, in a festive atmosphere that combines sport, nature, and conviviality.

Mottola, the lookout of the Ionian

Situated on one of the highest peaks of the Taranto Murgia, Mottola is known as the "lookout of the Ionian" due to its panoramic position. Its territory, dotted with rock churches, woods, and ravines, offers an ideal setting for a run immersed in the nature and history of Puglia. The Stracollina Trail highlights this landscape heritage, leading athletes to discover hidden corners of the Municipality of Mottola that are difficult to reach at other times of the year.