Tartufo Running
The skyrunning of the Parma Apennines, between the ridges and woods of Calestano
About Tartufo Running
Tartufo Running, skyrunning in the heart of the Parma Apennines
Every early October, the village of Calestano, in the province of Parma, becomes the meeting point for hundreds of mountain running enthusiasts for the Tartufo Running, one of the most technical and evocative skyrunning races in Emilia-Romagna. Organized by the Tartufo Trail Running association, the event takes runners to the ridges and woods of the Parma Apennines, in an area recognized since 2015 as a MAB UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Four routes for every level
The beauty of Tartufo Running lies in its variety: every athlete can choose the distance best suited to their abilities, from a sporting walk to a very tough mountain ultra. The 2026 routes are four:
- Tartufo Sky Expérience — 9 km, 450 m of positive elevation gain: the most accessible route, open to everyone.
- Tartufo Sky Découverte — 17 km, 1,110 m D+ (1 ITRA point).
- Tartufo Sky Monte Sporno — 28 km, 1,677 m D+ (2 ITRA points).
- Tartufo Sky Ultra — 50 km, over 3,000 m D+ (3 ITRA points): the queen race, reserved for the most trained skyrunners.
The routes cross the ridges of Monte Sporno and the woods of the upper Val Baganza, offering panoramic views stretching from the Apennines to the Po Valley. It is a tough race, with technical sections and single tracks, but also deeply connected to the landscape and identity of this corner of the Parma mountains.
A nationally significant race
Tartufo Running is no ordinary race: over the years it has become a benchmark event in the Italian skyrunning calendar. Its editions have hosted races valid as the Italian Championship of SkyMarathon and Sky Ultra, the final of the Crazy Skyrunning Italy Cup, and a qualifying stage for the UTMB circuit. The race is ITRA affiliated and the routes award points useful for accessing major international trail competitions.
Sport, nature, and truffle tradition
The event's name recalls the symbolic product of the territory: the black truffle of Fragno, a hamlet of Calestano famous for its autumn fair. Running the Tartufo Running means discovering a municipality in the Parma Apennines that uses the mountains, its woods, and its flavors as its calling card. Upon arrival, at the Baita degli Alpini, athletes are welcomed with a typical local dish, in a festive atmosphere that concludes a day of effort and beauty with conviviality.
Tartufo Running — edition 2026
Tartufo Running 2026 — 19th Edition
The nineteenth edition of Tartufo Running will be held in Calestano (Parma) between Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, 2026. Saturday is dedicated to Tartufo Running Kids, while on Sunday, the four main skyrunning races will take place in the Parma Apennines. The event confirms its nature as a technical and challenging race, with the longest route exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation gain.
The 2026 edition features the Tartufo Sky Expérience (9 km), Tartufo Sky Découverte (17 km), Tartufo Sky Monte Sporno (28 km), and Tartufo Sky Ultra (50 km) routes, with ITRA points valid for international trail running rankings.
Programme Tartufo Running 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026 — Tartufo Running Kids
- 2:00 PM — Gathering in Piazza Europa, Calestano, for free registration
- 3:00 PM — Start from Via Giuseppe Mazzini: 1.7 km (ages 5-10) and 2.4 km (ages 11-14)
- 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM — Amphitheater area, Piazza Europa: bib collection
- 6:30 PM — Technical briefing and aperitif
Sunday, October 4, 2026 — Main Races
- 6:00 AM - 7:45 AM — Bib collection and checks in Piazza Europa
- 8:00 AM — Start of the 17 km, 28 km, and 50 km routes from Piazza Europa
- 9:00 AM — Start of the 9 km route from the Baita degli Alpini
- From 12:00 PM — A typical dish will be served at the Baita degli Alpini (finish area)
The Routes
- Tartufo Sky Expérience — 9 km, +450 m
- Tartufo Sky Découverte — 17 km, +1,110 m (1 ITRA point)
- Tartufo Sky Monte Sporno — 28 km, +1,677 m (2 ITRA points)
- Tartufo Sky Ultra — 50 km, +3,042 m (3 ITRA points)
Awards
- 11:00 AM — 9 km and 17 km routes
- 12:30 PM — 28 km route
- 3:00 PM — 50 km route
It is mandatory to present all required equipment according to the regulations: participants who do not comply will be prohibited from starting.
Highlights Tartufo Running 2026
Prices Tartufo Running 2026
Practical information — Tartufo Running
How to get there
Calestano is located in the Parma Apennines, about 35 km from Parma. By car, take the Parma exit (A1 / A15) and follow signs for Val Baganza. The nearest train station is Parma, from which you can continue by car or local transport.
Bib collection
Bib collection and checks take place in Piazza Europa, in the center of Calestano, on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning from 6:00 AM to 7:45 AM.
Registration
Registration is done online on the Wedosport platform. A medical certificate for competitive sports activity and the mandatory equipment required by the regulations are required.
Advice
As these are high-altitude races with technical sections, trail running shoes, appropriate clothing, and adherence to mandatory equipment are recommended: participants who do not comply will not be allowed to start.
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Where does it take place — Tartufo Running
Piazza Europa
Piazza Europa, 43030 Calestano