Villa Fortunata Trail

The Villa Fortunata Trail, a sporting tradition in Capriata d'Orba

The Villa Fortunata Trail is one of the most anticipated events on the lower Piedmont running calendar. It takes place every year at the end of May in Capriata d'Orba, a small town in the Province of Alessandria nestled among the vineyards of the Orba Valley. Now in its fifteenth year, it has established itself as a benchmark for trail running in Piedmont and Liguria.

The event was born and has grown within the setting of Villa La Fortunata, located on Strada Rivarola, a residence cherished by the Cosulich family and the Fratelli Cosulich Group, a historic name in shipping and logistics that organizes the event and opens it to runners, employees, and friends. The estate, with its vast green spaces and swimming pool, becomes the beating heart of the festivities for the day.

Routes through vineyards and hills

The Villa Fortunata Trail offers two tracks that wind through the hilly landscape of the Val Lemme and the Orba Valley:

• Half-marathon of approximately 21 km, dedicated to more experienced trail runners;
• Short course of approximately 10 km, open to runners and walkers.

The route starts from Villa La Fortunata and crosses evocative local landmarks: the climb towards the Val Lemme, the Cascina Aureliana linked to the memory of Giuseppe Mazzini, the scenic Parodine road, and the hamlet of Giora, before returning to the finish line at the estate. The start is scheduled for 10:30 AM for both distances.

More than just a race: a festival for everyone

Over the years, the Villa Fortunata Trail has become much more than a running race. Alongside the run, the day offers a rich program of side activities designed to involve those who are not running:

• E-bike outings on the scenic hill trails;
• A mixed doubles tennis tournament;
• Outdoor yoga and gymnastics sessions;
• Moments of relaxation by the pool and refreshments for families.

The organization involves local entities such as the Maratoneti Capriatesi and Atletica Novese, with timing provided by Wedosport, in a collaboration that strengthens the bond between the event and the local community.

Capriata d'Orba and trail running

Thanks to this event, Capriata d'Orba has been defined as the "trail running capital" of the area. The combination of sport, hilly landscape, and hospitality makes it an ideal destination to discover an authentic corner of Piedmont, where the vineyards of the Alto Monferrato and the woods of the Val Lemme provide the backdrop for a day of running, conviviality, and tradition.