Trail del Diavolo – Francesco Rubiola Memorial

A race in the heart of the Valli di Lanzo

The Trail del Diavolo – Francesco Rubiola Memorial has become a staple of the spring sports calendar in Lanzo Torinese, in the Province of Turin. Organized by ASD Endura Team VDL with the collaboration of the local CAI (Italian Alpine Club) and the patronage of the Municipality of Lanzo Torinese, the La Mandria Regional Park, the Unione Montana Valli di Lanzo, Ceronda e Casternone, and the Piedmont Region, the event combines the competitive challenge of trail running with the discovery of the natural and legendary heritage of this corner of Piedmont.

The Devil's Bridge and its legends

The event's name pays homage to the famous Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge) in Lanzo, a medieval humpbacked structure that spans the waters of the Stura river with a daring arch. According to local folklore, the bridge was built in a single night by the Devil himself in exchange for the soul of the first to cross it: the clever locals sent a dog across first, thus outsmarting the demon. The race trails pass right by this monument, now the heart of a nature reserve, and touch upon evocative spots such as Cà Bianca, the Croce di Margaula, the Sanctuary of Sant'Ignazio, and the Baita San Giacomo.

Three courses for every level

The competitive race features three tracks of increasing difficulty, all inspired by infernal imagery: the short "Belzebù" loop (10.7 km with 559m elevation gain), the medium "Mefistofele" (19.6 km with 984m elevation gain), and the long "Malebolgia" (36.7 km with a challenging 1,980m elevation gain), reserved for the most experienced trail runners. Alongside the competitive events, the program offers a nature excursion guided by park rangers from the Parchi Reali and a recreational walk through the town's most characteristic spots, designed for families and enthusiasts of all ages.

More than just a race

The Trail del Diavolo is dedicated to the memory of Francesco Rubiola and is much more than a simple competition: it is a festive day that brings sport, nature, and legend to the streets and paths of Lanzo. With a limited number of participants and a guaranteed race pack for early registrants, the event maintains a friendly, community-focused atmosphere, making it the perfect opportunity to discover the Valli di Lanzo on the run.