Search on ascona-locarno.com
The grand finale of the Golden Trail Series is being held from 17 to 20 October 2024. This legendary Salomon trail running event is one of the most important meets of its kind in the world. Over four days, the best runners on the planet are joined by amateurs to tackle the most picturesque trails around in the stunning natural landscape of the mountain of Cardada near Locarno. It’s an event that you can’t afford to miss, whether you’re a runner or a spectator.
Trail running has exploded in popularity in recent years, and competitions are springing up everywhere. The Golden Trail World Series were set up to celebrate competitive trail running and bring it on further. They aim to support the development of professional trail runners, showcase and protect the breathtaking natural backdrops to the races and incorporate the passion of the fans into the running itself. The location for each of the series’ eight races, which are held across seven countries, was selected specifically for its landscape, its history, the atmosphere it offers to both competitors and spectators, and the challenge that it poses.
This is the first time the Golden Trail Series will have come to the Ascona-Locarno region. The races will be held across four days on Cardada, high above the city of Locarno. The warm-up event on Thursday (women) and Friday (men) provides an opportunity to introduce the finalists on a six- to seven-kilometre-long route and also gives amateurs the chance to test their mettle alongside the world’s top runners. The “Grand Finale” on Saturday (women) and Sunday (men) will then feature the best 30 women and the top 30 men in the overall rankings after eight races, who will compete to crown the best male and female trail runner in the world in a thrilling, gruelling race along Cardada’s trails. The 26-kilometre-long trail through the picturesque Ticino countryside is made up of several different sections each around 6 km long. Each of these passes the fan zone, which gives spectators various fun and entertaining ways to follow the race and the individual runners. The Ascona Locarno Golden Trail Finals is an event that champions the enjoyment of outdoor exercise and having fun, where new friendships are forged.
