Trento Half Marathon

The Festival is a whole weekend dedicated to running for people of all levels: top runners, amateurs, families and the young. The event offers the opportunity to meet and watch top athletes trying to beat their record at the half marathon. But why not run just for the fun of it and discover a city with a thousand surprises?

In Trento history is part of the action. The Giro al Sas is one of the oldest races in Europe. It was created in 1907 to honour the patron saint of the city and this year celebrates its 71st edition. It is run on Saturday evening on a 1km lap completed 10 times. Spectators get the chance to see the champions in action repeatedly — some of the best athletes in the world have come to race here, from Stefano Baldini to Paul Tergat and Kenesisa Bekele. The 2017 edition will not disappoint.

Designing a race for champions is difficult but putting one on that can fully satisfy amateurs is even more challenging. The race is designed to give runners the chance for fast times but also to enjoy the sparkling scenery of the city. Among the sights are the basilica of St Maria Maggiore, where the Third Session of the Council of Trento was held, the towers, the Buonconsiglio castle and the passage in front of the MUSE designed by Renzo Piano.

Runners finally arrive in Piazza Duomo, the “good living room” of the city, with the fountain of Neptune and the Civic Tower. The course is a single lap nestling at the bottom of the valley and is a succession of imperceptible slopes. It is ideal for training or as a test for an autumn marathon.
If the idea of taking part in the magic weekend dedicated to the race attracts you, consider the holiday packages provided by the Tourist Promotion Company, which include free admissions to the museums and castles in Trentino and the possibility of travelling for free on the local public transport. The Trento running festival is also an opportunity to enjoy a beer in the ancient hostelries of the old town, with the copper kegs in plain sight.

See: www.trentorunningfestival.it