Villavis Race
A trail running event blending nature and charity along the Toce River in Villadossola
About Villavis Race
A race in the heart of the Ossola Valley
The Villavis Race has become a staple of the spring sports calendar in Villadossola, a town in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola Province, Piedmont. Established in 2024, the event is organized by Atletica AVIS Ossolana and combines two elements dear to the local area: a passion for trail running and a commitment to charity. The name itself, Villavis, merges the town's name with the acronym for AVIS, the blood donor association that founded the organizing group.
Two routes along the Toce River
The race offers two distances designed to accommodate both competitive athletes and those who simply want to run or walk while immersed in the landscape. The competitive race, covering approximately 17 kilometers, serves as the FIDAL VCO Provincial Trail Championship; the non-competitive version, about 11 kilometers, is open to everyone. Both feature a moderate elevation gain of around 80 meters, following a course that starts in the town center and runs primarily along the Toce Cycle Path, through trails and mule tracks bordering the river, with a double pass through the Collina dello Sport.
Sport and solidarity
The hallmark of the Villavis Race is its charitable spirit: part of the proceeds is donated to the Ossola Amica dell'UGI association, which supports families with children battling cancer. The competition is linked to the "City of Villadossola" Trophy and the UGI Amica dell'Ossola Trophy, reflecting an event that puts sport at the service of the community.
The post-race celebration
In keeping with local tradition, the race doesn't end at the finish line. Upon returning to Piazza della Repubblica, athletes and spectators enjoy a convivial atmosphere with the polenta party organized by the Pro Loco, followed by the awards ceremony. It is the moment when the competitive spirit gives way to a village festival, with polenta served to everyone and the atmosphere of a community gathering around its own event.
Why participate
- An accessible trail, suitable for both competitive athletes and beginners thanks to the non-competitive version.
- A scenic route along the Toce River, in the lush greenery of the Ossola Valley.
- A tangible charitable cause supporting children assisted by UGI.
- The final polenta party, a great social occasion for the whole town.
Villavis Race — edition 2026
The third edition of the Villavis Race brought Villadossola to life on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with a meeting point from 7:30 AM and starts from Piazza della Repubblica. The 17 km competitive race, valid as the FIDAL VCO Provincial Trail Championship, set off at 9:30 AM, followed at 9:35 AM by the 11 km non-competitive race. A total of 180 athletes participated, with 68 on the long course and 112 on the 11-kilometer route. The track wound along the Toce Cycle Path, through trails and mule tracks, with the 17 km race extending as far as Pallanzeno.
Thomas Floriani and Sara Locatelli (both from Sport Project VCO) dominated the long course, crowned king and queen of the day. As always, part of the proceeds went to the Ossola Amica dell'UGI association, while the post-race celebration featured the traditional Pro Loco polenta party and the awards ceremony in the square.
Programme Villavis Race 2026
Sunday, March 29, 2026
- 07:30 — Meeting point and bib collection in Piazza della Repubblica
- 09:30 — Start of the 17 km competitive Villavis Race (FIDAL VCO Provincial Trail Championship)
- 09:35 — Start of the 11 km non-competitive Villavis Race
- Following — Polenta party by the Pro Loco and awards ceremony
Route along the Toce Cycle Path, trails and mule tracks, with a double pass through the Collina dello Sport; the 17 km continues towards Pallanzeno. Elevation gain of approximately 80 meters for both distances.
Highlights Villavis Race 2026
2026 winners on the 17 km: Thomas Floriani and Sara Locatelli (Sport Project VCO). The "City of Villadossola" Trophy and the UGI Amica dell'Ossola Trophy were up for grabs. 180 athletes at the start.
Prices Villavis Race 2026
Practical information — Villavis Race
How to get there
Villadossola can be reached by car via the A26 motorway (Verbania-Gravellona Toce exit), continuing along the Sempione state road towards Domodossola. By train, the town is served by the Milan-Domodossola line, with the station located just a few minutes from the center. The meeting point and start are in Piazza della Repubblica.
Meeting point and start times
Meeting point from 7:30 AM in Piazza della Repubblica. The 17 km competitive race starts at 9:30 AM, and the 11 km non-competitive race at 9:35 AM.
Registration
Online registration is available on the Atletica AVIS Ossolana website (www.traildelcalvario.com). For information: [email protected].
Tip
After the race, stay for the Pro Loco polenta party and the awards ceremony in the square.
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Where does it take place — Villavis Race
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica 8, 28844 Villadossola