Val di Fiemme Valley Cross-Country Championship

A running tradition spanning over sixty years

The Val di Fiemme Valley Cross-Country Championship is one of the longest-running and most cherished sporting events in the entire valley. Promoted by the U.S. Stella Alpina of Carano, a district of the municipality of Ville di Fiemme (Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige), the championship hits the milestone of its 62nd edition in 2026, confirming its status as an event that has attracted enthusiasts of all ages for over six decades.

It is not just a single race, but a full circuit consisting of five events that unfold throughout the season, from late spring to late autumn. Each stage is hosted by a different village in the valley, rotating between local sports clubs and turning every meet into a small community festival.

The 2026 calendar: five stages across the Fiemme villages

The 2026 edition visits some of the most picturesque villages in Val di Fiemme, with cross-country courses laid out across meadows, fields, and paths:

• 1st race — Predazzo, May 31, 2026
• 2nd race — Castello di Fiemme, August 9, 2026
• 3rd race — Molina di Fiemme, September 13, 2026
• 4th race — Masi di Cavalese, October 11, 2026
• 5th and final race — Varena, October 18, 2026

Distances vary by category, from approximately 500 meters for the youngest runners up to 6 kilometers for adults, on the mixed terrain typical of cross-country running.

Categories and participation

The championship is designed to involve the entire community: categories, both male and female, are divided by birth year, ranging from children born in 2017/2018 up to super-veterans born in 1956 or earlier. Participation is free, but every athlete must be registered with a valley sports club and enrolled in the CSI or FIDAL (alternatively, a daily CSI pass can be requested).

The race is reserved for residents of the Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme and Capriana, including the locality of Fontanefredde in the municipality of Trodena. Athletes from the Fassa and Cembra valleys may also compete; they are eligible for prizes but do not earn points toward the final standings.

Standings and prizes

To qualify for the final individual standings, athletes must complete at least four of the five scheduled races: a mechanism that rewards continuity and participation throughout the season. At the end of each race, the top three finishers in each category are awarded prizes, and all participants receive a token of recognition upon returning their race bib.

The spirit of the event

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Valley Championship represents a moment of gathering for Val di Fiemme: families meet along the course, the youngest take their first steps in running, and veterans continue to renew a passion cultivated over decades. The U.S. Stella Alpina of Carano, a club founded in 1964 that celebrated its sixtieth anniversary in 2024, acts as the guardian of this tradition alongside other local sports associations.