Vertikal Giove

A breathtaking vertical race above Lake Maggiore

The Vertikal Giove is one of the most beloved races for mountain running enthusiasts in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region. It takes place in Cannobio, a jewel of Lake Maggiore in the Province of Verbania, starting from the village of Traffiume. From there, competitors face a continuous and demanding climb to the summit cross of Monte Giove, at an altitude of 1,298 meters, where the view sweeps across the lake and the mountains of the Valle Cannobina.

The course: 4.4 km and 1,050 meters of elevation gain

This is a true vertical race: the track measures approximately 4.4 kilometers with 1,050 meters of positive elevation gain, a slope-to-distance ratio that tests the legs and lungs of even the most trained athletes. The start is set in front of the Red Cross (C.L.E.) headquarters in Traffiume, while the finish line coincides with the cross placed on the summit of Monte Giove.

The Mozzafiato Trail preview

Vertikal Giove is not an isolated race: it serves as the preview run for the Mozzafiato Trail, the benchmark event for mountain running in the Valle Cannobina, organized by the same team the following week. For many runners, the vertical climb to Giove is an ideal test ahead of the longer trail, but also an event in its own right, with its local atmosphere and final social gathering.

Organization and spirit of the event

The event is managed by the A.S.D. Mozzafiato Team in collaboration with the I Munatt association of Cannobio. Beyond the sporting challenge, Vertikal Giove is a moment of celebration for the local community: the backpack transport service and the communal lunch make the experience accessible and friendly, staying true to the spirit of mountain races in Piedmont.