Where middle ages meets modernity

Petrarca, one of the greatest Italian poets of the era, wrote “Urgeor alpinium raptim penetrare Tridentum,” (’I have a strong desire to reach Trento in the heart of the Alps”). Such was its importance that in 1500 Trento became the site of the Council of Trent.

To this day Trento remains definitely worth a visit: whether for its beautifully maintained historic monuments, picturesque city centre, or the modern architectural transformation which has taken place in recent years. All these things are highlighted and captured in the soul of this city. What strikes you when visiting Trento is its combination of alpine culture along with its all-Italian elegance, visible in the marvellously decorated Renaissance frescoes found on the facades of historic buildings in the city. That’s not all: one can also visit the majestic Buonconsiglio Castle, the main cathedral (or Duomo) which majestically looks over the central square and Renzo Piano’s MUSE, a science museum which houses exhibits on Alpine nature and glaciers.

Trento has once again become a preferred holiday destination – short or long. It boasts a varied abundance of attractions including but not limited to those in culture, sport¸ nature and gastronomy. This is all part of the winning secret of the Trento Running Festival, which is always ready to welcome running enthusiasts to its streets and to the heart of this city nestling in the Dolomites.

The Trento Half Marathon is an integral part of the Trento Running Festival, a series of events which offers two important competitive races: the first being the ‘Giro al sas’, which has a long tradition dating back 75 years and an equally long list of internationally renowned elite athletes who have competed there. Amongst the superstars to have crossed the finish line there have been Olympic and World Champions such as Kenenisa Bekele, Paul Tergat, Stefano Baldini and Muktar Edris, to name just a few. The Trento Half Marathon is the younger sister to the Giro, but it has quickly become a prominent event on the international road racing calendar.

The race boasts strong results: the most recent winner of the men’s race is none other than 2022 World Marathon Champion, Tamirat Tola. The Half Marathon route is AIMS/WA certified and is designed to be as flat as possible. The course consists of a single loop in and around the city which includes only a few gentle slopes. The only real elevation gain is at the base of the Buonconsiglio Castle halfway through the race and lasts 300 meters with a 2% gradient. Consequently the race is particularly fast but does not prevent the runner from being immersed in the splendour of the historic city centre, which includes old fortress towers, basilicas, MUSE science museum and a finish in the very heart of the city at Piazza Duomo. Runners cross the line in this thriving square, considered one of the most exquisite in Italy, with the Neptune fountain and civic tower standing by.

The main aim of the Trento Running Festival is to create an experience that will become a long-lasting memory for all those who participate. The event takes place during the colourful Trentino autumn. Whoever steps atop of the winner’s podium must have the will of a champion but every runner in Trento can achieve his or her goal. The top athletes win the race but so too do the amateur runners and those who just make it across the finish line.

The Festival atmosphere is further enriched by popular family-oriented events such as the magical ‘Giro al sas Kids’, aimed at the little ones, along with the ‘Happy Family Run’.

We look forward to seeing you here.