In Garda Trentino, trails skim the shores of alpine lakes while panoramic ridgelines and soaring peaks stretch toward the sky. It is within this spectacular natural arena that Ledro Sky Trentino will take place on May 24, marking the second stop of the 2026 Golden Trail World Series (GTWS). After hosting the Grand Finale in 2025, the Italian race returns as one of Europe’s must-visit trail running destinations, where landscapes of exceptional beauty, recognized by UNESCO, intertwine with the historic legacy of World War I mountain trenches.
Ledro Sky Trentino offers a true high-mountain challenge, set on a demanding and technical course that is deeply rooted in its local surroundings. Nestled between Lago di Garda and the Brenta Dolomites, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve blends 2,000-meter peaks with dense forests, meadows, and the crystal-clear waters of Lago di Ledro. Trail running in the valley is far from new: its competitive roots date back to the 1980s with the creation of the Trofeo Dromaè, named after one of the area’s most iconic viewpoints.
Following several years without the Trofeo Dromaè, Società Sportiva Tremalzo set out to revive trail running by launching the Trofeo Valle di Ledro in 2013. After a handful of editions that fell short of expectations, organizers faced a pivotal decision: reimagine the event or bring it to a close. That turning point came with the arrival of the Gnuffi brothers, who introduced a fresh, dynamic format. Their vision laid the foundations for the Ledro Skyrace, the event that would ultimately evolve into today’s Ledro Sky Trentino.
A HIGH-ALTITUDE TEST
The race gets underway in Pieve di Ledro, climbing sharply up Monte Cocca toward Bocca Saval, where runners rack up more than a vertical kilometer of elevation gain. From there, the course flows into a spectacular sequence of ascents and descents along the Senter de le Greste ridge, linking three secondary summits: Cima Parì, Cima Sclapa, and Cima d’Oro, the latter named for the golden glow it catches at sunset.
This ridge marks one of the most striking sections of the course and provides the only natural line connecting the peaks that define the surrounding landscape. The trail narrows to little more than foot‑width in places, with steep drop‑offs on either side and uninterrupted views across the Ledro Valley and surrounding mountains. “It’s an exposed and spectacular ridge, with steps carved into the rock and wide green meadows, creating the sensation of running almost between the sky and the mountains. A true gem for trail running enthusiasts,” explain the organizers.
Honoring its local roots and paying tribute to those who helped shape the event, Ledro Sky Trentino will once again celebrate the Trofeo Damiano Gnuffi. The trophy is awarded to the fastest runners – both women and men - across the ridge section between Cima Parì and Cima d’Oro. Combined with the new scoring segments introduced as part of the GTWS’s updated competition system, the race promises sustained intensity and excitement from start to finish.
After the ridge, runners plunge through the Dromaè meadows, passing historic World War I trenches on the descent toward Mezzolago, before tackling a final stretch along the Sentiero dei Piloni back to the start. In total, the course covers 21.5 kilometers with 1,777 meters of elevation gain.
FROM A LOCAL EVENT TO AN INTERNATIONAL GTWS RACE
As with other GTWS races, Ledro Sky Trentino has helped build a legacy, promoting trail running as a powerful way to connect with nature while driving sustainable tourism in the region. “In the first edition, you could count the number of trail runners in the area on one hand. Today, there are around a hundred. Above all, Ledro Sky Trentino is unique because of the passion the entire Ledro Valley pours into this event,” explains Nicola Gnuffi, organizing member of the Società Sportiva Tremalzo.
What began as a small local race has since grown into a major community celebration, now drawing hundreds of spectators along the course, including a live band cheering runners on high in the mountains. Since its inception, the event has evolved rapidly, almost without the organizing team fully realizing the scale of its growth. From the outset, enthusiasm from both athletes and spectators was palpable, attracting wider attention. “We started as outsiders, but in a short time we joined the most prestigious circuit in northern Italy and became part of the Golden Trail National Series (GTNS). Today we have reached a major milestone: first hosting the GTWS Grand Finale last October, and now organizing a GTWS race in May.” Gnuffi adds.
Joining the GTWS has also propelled Ledro Sky Trentino onto the global stage. “Being part of the GTWS has given Ledro Sky extraordinary international visibility. Athletes, media, and trail running fans from all over the world have discovered the Ledro Valley and its mountains, reinforcing the race’s position among the most prestigious events on the international calendar,” Gnuffi concludes.
Once again, Ledro Sky Trentino will be broadcast live worldwide via GTWS digital platforms, WBD channels (HBO Max, Eurosport, discovery+, and TNT Sports), as well as a wide network of official broadcasters.
On 23 May, as a preview to the main event, the Mini Ledro Sky will take place for the first time: a children’s race designed to introduce trail running to younger generations. The following day, the world’s top trail athletes will return to the dramatic and spectacular peaks of Ledro, where historic heritage meets breathtaking landscapes, and trails trace the shores of alpine lakes.
