Vibram Trail Mottarone
A weekend of trail running on the scenic trails of Mottarone
About VTM
A race with a view of Lake Maggiore
The Vibram Trail Mottarone is one of the most beloved trail running events in north-eastern Piedmont. It takes place every spring in the Municipality of Stresa, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (VB), and spans the mountains overlooking Lake Maggiore: the Mottarone massif, with its scenic trails suspended between the Piedmontese and Lombard lakes and, on clear days, the crown of the Alps and Monte Rosa.
Established just a few years ago, the event has grown rapidly to become a benchmark in the Northern Italy trail calendar, attracting over a thousand athletes from all over the country and various European nations. The event headquarters is the Stresa Congress Palace, located on the lakefront, which serves as the start and finish line for the main races.
Many distances, one weekend
The strength of the Vibram Trail Mottarone lies in the variety of its courses, designed to accommodate both seasoned ultra-runners and those new to mountain running. The program includes:
- the flagship race, the Lollo Max...i Trail ultra, over 60 km with significant elevation gain;
- the Gran Tour Mottarone, split into two stages over two days;
- the 25 km 2 Comuni Trail, also available as a pairs race;
- the Mottyno Run, a shorter distance of around 15 km;
- the Only Up vertical challenge, a pure uphill race to the summit of Mottarone;
- races dedicated to children, such as the Motty Kids Run.
Sport, territory, and hospitality
More than just a race, the Vibram Trail Mottarone is an opportunity to discover the Verbano area. The tracks wind through woods, alpine pastures, and villages between Stresa and Baveno, offering glimpses of the Borromean Gulf and the islands of Lake Maggiore. The races are surrounded by a weekend of festivities, including an expo village, a pasta party, and social moments that define the event's identity.
The organization is managed by the Motty Green Trail Team A.S.D., with the support of the Municipality of Stresa and the local Tourist Office. It is an event that combines a passion for nature running with the promotion of one of the most evocative landscapes in Piedmont.
VTM — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Vibram Trail Mottarone was held over the weekend of May 2nd and 3rd, with headquarters at the Stresa Congress Palace and races distributed across the Baveno and Mottarone areas. The program offered six different courses, from ultra-distances to shorter trials, confirming the formula that has made the event popular.
Among the new features was the Gran Tour Mottarone, spread over two stages across the two days of racing, with an evocative start in the early morning hours. Alongside the competitive events, there was space for families with the Motty Kids Run and the Only Up vertical challenge toward the summit. A weekend of sport and celebration amidst the landscapes of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.
Programme VTM 2026
Saturday, May 2 — Stresa
- 07:00 — Start of Vibram Lollo Max...i Trail (60 km) and Vibram Gran Tour Mottarone (1st stage, 44.5 km)
- 16:00 — Start of Vibram Mottyno Run (15 km)
- 16:15 — Start of Motty Kids Run (for children)
Sunday, May 3 — Baveno / Mottarone
- 07:00 — Start of Vibram Gran Tour Mottarone (2nd stage, 36 km)
- 09:00 — Start of Vibram Vertikal Only Up (vertical race to the summit)
- 09:30 — Start of Vibram 2 Comuni Trail (25 km), individual and pairs
Main start and finish at the Stresa Congress Palace; some events involve the Baveno area (Villa Fedora). Program provided by the organization on the official website.
Highlights VTM 2026
- The 60 km Lollo Max...i Trail ultra with about 4,100 m of positive elevation gain, the weekend's flagship race.
- The new Gran Tour Mottarone stage race, to be tackled over two days.
- The 25 km 2 Comuni Trail (approx. 1,600 m D+), also available in a pairs version.
- The Only Up vertical, a pure uphill challenge to the top of Mottarone.
Prices VTM 2026
Practical information — VTM
How to get there
Stresa is easily accessible by car via the A26 motorway (Carpugnino or Baveno exit), and by train thanks to the station on the Milan-Domodossola line, just a few minutes from the lakefront. It takes about an hour to reach from Milan Malpensa Airport.
Headquarters
Bib collection and the main starts are at the Stresa Congress Palace, in Piazza Marinai d'Italia, on the lakefront. Some races start or finish in the Baveno area (Villa Fedora).
Registration
Registrations are handled online via the Wedosport portal and the official website trailmottarone.com. Early registration is recommended for reduced rates.
Tips
Bring trail shoes with soles suitable for mountain paths, layered clothing, and the mandatory equipment required by the regulations for longer distances. Numerous accommodation facilities are available in Stresa and on Lake Maggiore.
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Where does it take place — VTM
Palazzo dei Congressi di Stresa
Palazzo dei Congressi, Piazza Marinai d'Italia, 28838 Stresa