Garda Trentino Trail is ready to celebrate its 10th edition: exactly one month from now – from May 16 to 18 – the trails of Garda Trentino and the Ledro Valley will welcome 2,000 runners from over 40 countries, who will compete across six distances, with familiar formats and exciting new additions.

On the evening of Tuesday, April 15, the organizing committee led by Matteo Paternostro presented, in the elegant setting of Palazzo dei Panni in Arco, the journey that has turned Garda Trentino Trail into a flagship event on the national outdoor running calendar and beyond. From a few hundred participants at the inaugural edition in 2016 to the expected 2,000 in May 2025, it has seen steady growth in every aspect, including the variety and distance of the races.

The evening was well attended, featuring institutional representatives from the municipalities involved in the various routes (Arco, Dro, Drena, Nago Torbole, Ronzo Chienis, Mori, Riva del Garda, Ledro, Tenno), the president of CONI Trento Paola Mora, provincial councilor Michela Calzà, and Silvio Rigatti, president of APT Garda Trentino Dolomiti.

Sporting guests included three top athletes from the Italian scene: ski mountaineering world silver medalist Davide Magnini, five-time Italian mountain running champion Cesare Maestri, and local favorite Alessia Scaini—originally from Piedmont, but who now calls Arco and Garda Trentino home, having first discovered it as a teenager during the Castle Mountain Running event.

A moment of the evening was dedicated to honoring the influence of the late Franco Travaglia, the founder and organizer of the Castle Mountain Running, which played a key role in inspiring the development of the Garda Trentino Trail. Reflections from Magnini, Maestri, and Scaini provided a chance to look back at the roots of the event while also turning an eye toward its future.

While the past tells a story of continuous growth in both Italian and international participants—with nearly 3,000 registrants between Garda Trentino Trail and the winter Garda Trentino Xmas Trail in 2024—the future promises new milestones and exciting changes.

From a purely competitive perspective, the introduction of Garda Trentino Trail Extra 100 will add a new race distance (100 km with 7,000 meters of elevation gain), expanding the ultratrail offering alongside the Extra (150 km with 10,000 meters of elevation), now in its third edition. Both Extra races will start from the Prato della Lizza, inside the Arco Castle, a landmark location that will once again be center stage on Sunday, May 18, with the renewed Garda Trentino Castle Run. This 12 km race features two passes through the castle towers and along the Olive Trail, one of the area’s most iconic paths.

Olive oil will also take the spotlight with the first edition of the Olive Oil Festival, organized in collaboration with AssoCentro—Arco’s association of local businesses. The festival will feature local producers in a tasting and exhibition space throughout the weekend. The initiative is supported by Coop Alto Garda, a new partner of the Garda Trentino Trail, which has always aimed to highlight local production. Coop president Paolo Santuliana spoke on stage alongside Enzo Zampiccoli, president of the historic partner Cassa Rurale Alto Garda – Rovereto.

Many initiatives like these are making Garda Trentino Trail more and more of a complete event—one that blends sport and local promotion, involving numerous volunteer associations across municipalities and valleys, each offering their indispensable contribution to a truly global project.

The appointment is set for May 16–18, with the six race distances of the Garda Trentino Trail.

The evening concluded with a slice of Panettone 2026, created by Trentino chef Manuel Ferrari using ingredients from all over Italy, and a toast to the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, where the region will play a key role with events in Val di Fiemme (Nordic skiing) and Anterselva (biathlon).

THEY SAID:

Matteo Paternostro, president of Garda Trentino Trail:
"In 2016, we embarked on a challenge that may have been a bit reckless, and even we couldn’t have imagined what it would become. Over the years, we’ve realized the importance of taking a holistic approach, expanding our focus to areas connected to sport and competition, to ensure greater visibility and longevity for the event. Thanks to the institutions, sponsors, and all the volunteers and local associations who help us prepare the routes, aid stations, and manage the crowds. We’ve grown significantly on the international front and plan to continue on this path."

Dario Ioppi, Sports Councillor of Arco:
"Over the years, we’ve watched the Garda Trentino Trail grow with each edition, and I must highlight the organizing committee’s outstanding work in promoting Arco and all of Garda Trentino, which thanks to this event has become a true running haven."

Silvio Rigatti, president of APT Garda Trentino:
"I can only thank Matteo Paternostro and his team: they had the vision to create an event that goes beyond sport, connecting the region and its resources to foster real tourism and promotion. I’m sure we’ll be here again in 10 years celebrating even more success."

Paola Mora, president of CONI Trento:
"I think it’s important that Garda Trentino Trail is always looking to grow and introduce new or reimagined elements each year. There has been courage in their decisions, and from that courage a real event has taken shape—one that combines sport, promotion, well-being, and social impact, all rooted in volunteerism."

Davide Magnini, ski mountaineering world vice-champion:
"In 2014, I won my first international race in Arco at the U18 mountain running world championships; two years later I was on the U20 podium at the Europeans. My career truly started here, and I plan to return soon to compete on the trails of Garda Trentino. This winter season went very well with a world medal and World Cup podiums; after the Mezzalama Trophy, I’m looking to achieve more in running."

Cesare Maestri, five-time Italian champion:
"I’ve been living in Garda Trentino for a few years now, and I’ve discovered what it means to be in a place where you can run and train on a wide range of routes all year round. You can go from 60 to 2000 meters of elevation in no time—it's a real paradise for running."

Alessia Scaini, Atletica Valchiese:
"At fifteen, I raced in Arco with the Piedmont team and instantly fell in love with the place. I chose it to be my home, and within a few years I made that dream come true. Running here is something spectacular, and I can’t wait to line up for the Garda Trentino Castle Run on May 18."