• Elhousine Elazzaoui (Team NNormal, Morocco) and Madalina Florea (Team Scott, Romania) return to Noli, where they both triumphed in 2023, joined by a field of elite international athletes.
  • The flower-loop format transforms Noli into a natural grand stand, with multiple passes through the finish line for continuous spectator engagement.
  • Live coverage from 11:20 CEST on Eurosport, TNT Sports, Max, HBO Max, discovery+, and other broadcast partners including SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa), FloSports (USA and Canada), and LN24 (Belgium).
View on Noli from the Il Golfo Dell Isola Trail - GTWS - Golden Trail Series

NOLI, ITALY — After two spectacular opening rounds in Kobe (Japan) and the Great Wall (China), the 2025 Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) lands in Europe for its third stop: Il Golfo dell’Isola Trail, on Italy’s Ligurian coast. The town of Noli will once again host a GTWS race after being the venue for the Grand Finale in 2023.

The race will be contested on a demanding 26 km course with 1,430 meters of vertical gain, designed in a flower-loop format centered in Noli. This layout allows runners to pass the start / finish line up to seven times, offering fans a constant spectacle and a front-row seat to the race's intensity. From the initial urban loop on a slippery river bed to successive climbs and technical descents along Mediterranean cliffs, the course will offer no respite. Moreover, the heat—typical for this time of year on the Italian Riviera — could prove to be a decisive factor.

The route combines tough ascents and technical descents—some used in downhill World Cup events—as well as faster, more runnable segments with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Each loop has its own character, requiring precise effort management to maintain pace through the final kilometers. This event will feature a single fixed aid station, strategically placed to be accessed three times (km 6, 13, and 23), adding a critical tactical element to hydration and energy management.

WOMEN’S RACE: FLOREA DEFENDS HER RECORD

In the 2023 Grand Finale of the Golden Trail World Series, Madalina Florea made a lasting mark in Noli with a standout performance. The Romanian set the course record at 2:18:05, pulling away from her rivals on the third climb. This year, that record sets the benchmark for the competition.

  • Madalina Florea (Romania – Team Scott): Winner in Noli in 2023 and currently second in the GTWS ranking, she arrives as one of the main references. Her victory two seasons ago, including the course record, was built on perfect pacing and uphill strength. She returns with increased confidence after a strong season start.
  • Joyce Muthoni Njeru (Kenya – Team NNormal): The 2024 GTWS champion aims to rediscover her top form after a mixed start in Asia. Her aggressiveness on less technical terrain and her ability to surge make her a constant threat, especially if the race isn’t decided on the steepest climbs.
  • Naomi Lang (UK – Team Salomon): A highly technical runner with strong performances on rugged terrain, she could be a surprise contender if she stays close in the early loops. Her style suits Noli's course, where positioning and rhythm control are key.
  • Alice Gaggi (Italy – Team Brooks): The experienced Italian is coming off her best times in the 10K and half marathonthis season. With local course knowledge, she could contend with the favoritesif she adapts her form to Noli’s technical profile.
  • Philaries Jeruto Kisang (Kenya – Team Run2gether On Trail): A climbing specialist, Kisang placed third at Sierre-Zinal 2023 and fourth in 2024, establishing herself as one of the most consistent runners on fast terrain. If she handles Noli’s technical sections well, she’s a strong podium candidate.
Elhousine Elazzaoui and Madalina Florea are back on trails at Il Golfo Dell Isola Trail - GTWS - Golden Trail Series

Beyond the favorites, the women’s race features a deep and diverse international field. Two additional Kenyans - Valentine Rutto (Team Saluzzo) and Miriam Chepkirui (Team Run2gether On Trail) - will be on the start line ready to challenge the front-runners. Joining them is Spain’s Rosa María Lara (Team Compressport), all aiming to make their mark at this top-tier event. Also competing are versatile Italian Catarina Stenta (Team Joma) and young Swiss talent Vivien Bonzi (Team Brooks), one of the most promising up-and-comers in international trail running—further highlighting the depth ofthis third GTWS stop.

MEN’S RACE: ELHOUSINE ELAZZAOUI RETURNS AS CHAMPION

Following his stunning victory in 2023, Elhousine Elazzaoui returns to Il Golfo dell’Isola Trail as the course record holder (1:56:15). This year, Noli marks the start of his season, where he’ll look to reaffirm his status as the favorite against a field packed with talent.

  • Elhousine Elazzaoui (Morocco – Team NNormal): Holding the course record of 1:56:15 from 2023, Elazzaoui returns as the leading contender. His ability to manage aggressive pacing on climbs and his experience on technical terrain make him a formidable opponent, though strong rivals loom.
  • Rémi Bonnet (Switzerland – Team Salomon): One of the most complete athletes in the series and fierce competitiveness make him a major podium threat. Fresh off a successful ski season, his appearance in Noli is highly anticipated.
  • Philemon Kiriago (Kenya – Team Run2gether On Trail): Currently second in the 2025 GTWS overall standings, Kiriago excels on fast races and has exceptional strength. Following a strong showing in Asia, his form will be one to watch closely.
  • Cesare Maestri (Italy – Team Nike Trail): A global trail running figure, Maestri is also a local legend in Noli. Known for his consistency and ability to hold pace on fast races, he’ll leverage his familiarity with the course to challenge the favorites.
  • Roberto Delorenzi (Switzerland – Team Brooks): The young Swiss runner opens his season at Il Golfo dell’Isola Trail with high expectations. With an aggressive climbing style and solid technical ability, he’s a name to watch both in Noli and the rest of the season.

The men’s race will feature a strong and varied field. Spain’s Jan Torella and Fabián Venero (both Team Salomon), rising stars in the circuit, aim to make an impact. Experienced Alex García (Spain, Team Brooks) will try to capitalize on his technical skills, while Italy’s Alberto Vender (TeamNew Balance), known for his endurance and tactics, is another one to watch. Japan’s Omi Ryunosuke (Team Salomon), skilled on technical trails, is a key contender, and Morocco’s Adil Moussaoui (Team Egari Trail), making his GTWS debut, enters with high expectations and will be closely followed.

Training sessions on trails at Il Golfo Dell Isola Trail - GTWS - Golden Trail Series

START TIMES AND LIVE COVERAGE

The race will take place on Saturday, May 17, with live coverage starting at 11:20 CEST on Eurosport and TNT Sports, as well as streaming on Max/HBO Max and discovery+. Additional live broadcast partners include SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa), FloSports/FloTrack (USA and Canada, among other territories), and LN24 (Belgium), ensuring a global coverage that will the GTWS to audiences aroundthe world.

  • Women’s Race: 11:30 local time (CET) / 11:30 CEST/ 05:30 PDT
  • Men’s Race: 11:40 local time (CET) / 11:40 CEST/ 05:40 PDT

Race highlights will also be available worldwide across WBD platforms—including Eurosport, TNT Sports, Max/HBO Max, and discovery+ —as well as through a comprehensive network of broadcast partners. These include EITB(Spain), JSports (Japan), LN24 (Belgium), Tele Tuya (Venezuela), TNT Sports (Argentina), SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa), FloSports/FloTrack (USA& Canada among other territories), Sky Sports (New Zealand), Fox Sports (Australia), iQIYI (China), SRG SSR (Switzerland), and Rush Sports in the Caribbean.

View on Noli from Il Golfo dell Isola Trail - GTWS - Golden Trail Series

A MEDIEVAL GEM BETWEEN MOUNTAINS AND THE LIGURIAN SEA

Noli is a charming medieval village located on the Riviera di Ponente in Liguria. Its historical heritage, featuring ancient walls and watch towers, reflects its importance during the Genoese Republic era. In addition to its rich history, Noli boasts stunning natural beauty, with sweeping views of the Mediterranean and hills blanketed in greenery. Trail running comes to life here, where the connection between sea and mountains creates a unique setting for athletes. This natural environment becomes a spectacular playground, ideal for lovers of nature and sport.

GTWS 2025 CALENDAR

The nine races that make up the official Golden Trail World Series 2025 calendar:

  • April 19 – Kobe Trail – 21.3 km / 2,109 m D+ – Kobe, Japan
  • April 26 – Jinshanling Great Wall Trail Race – 24.2 km / 1,800 m D+ – Chengde, Hebei, China
  • May 17 – Il Golfo dell’Isola Trail – 26 km / 1,400 m D+ – Noli, Italy
  • May 25 – Zegama-Aizkorri – 42 km / 2,736 m D+ – Zegama, Spain
  • June 22 – Broken Arrow Skyrace – 21.7 km / 1,433 m D+ – Olympic Valley, USA
  • June 29 – Tepec Trail – 32 km / 1,800 m D+ – Huasca de Ocampo, Mexico
  • August 2 – Salomon Pitz Alpine Glacier Trail – 23.5 km / 1,700 m D+ – Pitztal, Austria
  • August 9 – Sierre-Zinal – 31 km / 2,200 m D+ – Sierre, Switzerland
  • October – Grand Final – Valle di Ledro, Garda Trentino