Trofeo Ciolo

Trofeo Ciolo, where mountain running meets the sea

The Trofeo Ciolo is one of the most fascinating and original races in the Italian mountain running scene. It takes place in Gagliano del Capo, at the extreme southern tip of the Province of Lecce, just a stone's throw from Santa Maria di Leuca, where Puglia ends and Salento plunges into the sea. Its uniqueness lies in this very contrast: while it features all the technical challenges of a mountain race—tough climbs, steep descents, and constant rhythm changes—it is run just meters from the water, with views stretching to the horizon where the Ionian and Adriatic seas converge.

A course carved into the rock

The heart of the event is the Ciolo, a spectacular inlet carved into limestone rock and crossed by a famous bridge suspended between the gorge walls. The start and finish are located right at the foot of the bridge. From here, athletes climb the cliffs along the Sentiero del Ciolo, an ancient path once used by fishermen and farmers, winding through fragrant Mediterranean scrub and along cliffs overlooking the sea. The approximately 8-kilometer course alternates technical sections, stretches of ancient stone paving (chianche), and constant ups and downs that test even the most seasoned specialists.

The 2026 edition: a weekend of international sport

The 15th edition, held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, represented an extraordinary milestone for the Salento organizers. On the same day, Gagliano del Capo hosted the 19th WMRA U18 International Mountain Running Cup and the Italian Regional Cadet Championships, bringing over 400 athletes representing 17 nations to the trails of the Ciolo. It was a top-tier international showcase for a small town in the Capo di Leuca region.

A world-class event

Originally a local race, the Trofeo Ciolo has steadily established itself as one of the most important mountain running events in Italy. In 2017, it hosted the WMRA International Youth Cup, in 2019 a stage of the WMRA World Cup, and in 2022 and 2024, it served as the venue for the Italian Mountain Running Relay Championships. The event is organized by A.S.D. Atletica Capo di Leuca, whose recognized quality has attracted the attention of the World Mountain Running Association.

Gagliano del Capo and the charm of the Ciolo

Hosting a race of this caliber at the tip of Puglia means combining sport with territorial discovery. The Ciolo canyon, with its bridge and caves, is one of the most evocative natural destinations in Salento, beloved by swimmers and cliff-diving enthusiasts. Surrounding the race, Gagliano del Capo and the nearby villages offer participants and their companions an authentic taste of Salento tradition, featuring stone-built historic centers, local cuisine, and the crystal-clear waters of Capo di Leuca.