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In Finalborgo, the oldest of Finale Ligure’s historic districts, everything is ready to host the eleventh edition of La Sportiva Trail del Marchesato. The organising team is working flat out to finalise every detail of this major event, which marks the start of the Italian trail running season.
The event headquarters will be set up between the Porta Testa village – where race number collection, the start and finish lines will be located – and the Chiostri di Santa Caterina, where the pasta party will take place.
The Trail del Marchesato is a real gem that promises unique thrills, winding through the magical ‘playground’ of the Finale area: a region rich in technical trails, limestone cliffs, caves and breathtaking views of the sea. Taking part means enjoying an unforgettable sporting experience along the Ermano Fossati trail, which blends adventure, nature and culture in a region with a glorious history.
The event offers four routes to suit every level of fitness: a 60-kilometre route with 3,000 metres of elevation gain, ideal for the most experienced and well-trained athletes; a 38-kilometre route with 2,200 metres of elevation gain for those seeking an intense but shorter challenge; a 16-kilometre route with 1,000 metres of elevation gain, suitable for those wishing to tackle a shorter yet still technically demanding distance; and finally, a 7-kilometre walk, designed for those less fit and lovers of nature walks.
Some big names feature among the top runners: Diego Angella, Lucien Epiney and Morgan Pilley will be competing in the flagship 60-kilometre race, alongside Lisa Borzoni and Erica Dematteis.
The iconic 38-kilometre race is set to feature a thrilling contest between Nicolas Gourdon, Luca Pescollderungg and Manuel Solavaggione. Giulia Marchesoni will be on the starting line in the women’s category.
Nature is the real star of the Trail del Marchesato.
It is nature that sets this race apart from others, and those who experience it know how to make the most of it. With the video produced by Alessandro Beltrami aims to give a voice to all the forest’s inhabitants, both to emulate them and become as agile and swift as they are, and to convey the message that the Trail del Marchesato is so captivating and unique thanks to the marvellous natural landscape of the Finale area, which is home to the trails traversed by the runners.
The aim is to coexist with this natural environment in a sustainable and respectful way, learning from it how to move more effectively in order to run faster and go further. It is an invitation not to experience the environment merely as a space to run through, but to experience it mindfully, listening to the sounds, taking in the scents and appreciating just how beautiful and important it is to be part of it.
In practical terms, this means minimising the impact of trail runners on the trails, in particular by reducing litter and waste, and by promoting sustainable behaviour and habits. This represents an additional challenge that every runner should take on by participating in the Trail del Marchesato.
MEET and GREET
On Saturday 1 March, from 5.30 pm, there will be a ‘Meet and Greet’ at the La Sportiva store in Finale Ligure, where you can enjoy an aperitif with the athletes from Team La Sportiva. During the evening, there will be an opportunity to meet Giulia Marchesoni, Camilla Spagnol, Morgan Pilley, Diego Angella, Jacopo Troiano, Alessandro Colombo and Luca Pescollderungg, sharing moments of discussion and a passion for trail running with them.
SPIRIT OF SOLIDARITY
A distinctive feature of the Trail del Marchesato is its spirit of solidarity: ever since its inception, all proceeds from the event have been donated to charity. Last year, the funds were allocated to the “I run for Find The Cure” project, a charitable initiative that brings together athletes of all levels with the aim of supporting humanitarian projects. In 2024, the project supported the Medical Camp in Tanzania organised by the Find The Cure association, involving doctors and volunteers on the ground.
This year, the proceeds from the races will go to Home Sweet Home, a fund supporting housing safety initiatives in African regions supported by Find the Cure Italia. Specifically, in 2025, solar panels will be purchased for the village of Tulizamoyo in Tanzania.
For further details on the 2025 project: https://irunfor.findthecure.it/2025-fund-to-support-housing-safety-measures/
PROGRAMME
SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2025
FROM 3.00 PM TO 7.00 PM Race number collection for all distances at the Porta Testa village
FROM 3.00 PM TO 7.00 PM La Sportiva shoe trials at the Chiostri di Santa Caterina village
TIME 4.30 pm Yoga & trail at Palazzo Ricci
TIME 5.30 pm MEET AND GREET: Aperitif with the La Sportiva team athletes at the La Sportiva store
TIME 6.30 pm PETZL NIGHT TREK Group walk to scout the first climb of the races and visit the castles, with the chance to test Petzl headlamps.
SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2025
FROM 5.00 TO 5.45 Collection of race numbers for the 60 km race
TIME 5.45 Briefing for the 60 km race
TIME 6.00 Start of the Ultra Trail Del Marchesato 60 km
TIME 6.15 AT 8:00 Race number collection for the 38km
ORE 7:30 AT 9.00 Race number collection for the 16 km race
AT 8.15 Briefing for the 38 km race
8.30 Start of the Trail Del Marchesato – Ermano Fossati Trail (38 km)
8.35 Collection of race numbers for the Marchesato Walking event
9.00 Start of the Marchesato Walking event
9.20 Briefing for the Marchesato Mini Trail, 16 km
TIME 9:30 Start of the Marchesato Mini Trail 16 km
TIME 11:00 APPROX. First finishers
TIME 13:30 Mini Trail 16 km prize-giving
TIME 15:00 Trail 38 km prize-giving
TIME 15:30 60 km Trail prize-giving ceremony
TIME 19:00 Arrival of the ‘Scope’ team
https://www.traildelmarchesato.it/
All information and to finalise registrations