Vertical Piamprato – Colle della Borra

A vertical challenge in the heart of Gran Paradiso

The Vertical Piamprato – Colle della Borra is one of the most beloved mountain running races in the Piedmontese Alps. It takes place in Piamprato, a charming hamlet of Valprato Soana, located in the Valle Soana (Metropolitan City of Turin) within the Gran Paradiso National Park. The competition features a classic vertical kilometer: just 4 kilometers in length with a staggering 1,027 meters of elevation gain, climbing from the square in Piamprato at 1,551 meters to the 2,578-meter peak of Colle della Borra.

The course and race format

The race is uphill-only: a continuous climb that tests the legs and lungs of athletes, rewarding power and endurance. The track starts from the village of Piamprato and winds its way up high-altitude trails to the panoramic Colle della Borra, overlooking the peaks of Gran Paradiso. Awards are presented to the top three finishers in five traditional categories, named in the local dialect: Maina and Anta for women, and Giono, Forzù, and Pelin for men.

The grand finale of the Valle Soana Trail Circus

The Vertical Piamprato is the third and final stage of the Valle Soana Trail Circus circuit, alongside the Forzo – Gran Fumà and Campiglia – San Besso races. As the concluding event, it hosts the grand final awards ceremony for the circuit, honoring the athletes with the best overall results of the season. It is an event that attracts runners, mountain enthusiasts, and fans from across the Canavese and the Lanzo Valleys.

A high-altitude village festival

Beyond the sporting competition, the day is a true celebration for the Piamprato community. After the awards ceremony, a convivial lunch is held at the food stand managed by the Amici di Piamprato (Friends of Piamprato), with reservations required upon registration. The folk traditions of the Valle Soana, mountain gastronomy, and the warm hospitality of the locals provide the backdrop for an event that blends sport, nature, and local Piedmontese identity.

Why participate

• One of the most challenging and spectacular vertical races in Piedmont.
• Unique setting in the Gran Paradiso National Park.
• Grand finale with the circuit awards ceremony for the Valle Soana Trail Circus.
• Authentic alpine festival atmosphere with a group lunch.