Registration opens
30 November 2025
Roveredo
Roveredo, located in the Canton of Grisons, is a welcoming village at the entrance to the Mesolcina Valley, easily accessible via the A13 motorway as well as convenient public transport connections. Surrounded by mountains yet blessed with abundant sunshine, it offers a harmonious landscape of forests, clear streams, and panoramic trails - ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The historic center, with its stone houses and charming narrow lanes, preserves an authentic Alpine atmosphere and reflects the region’s long cultural tradition.
Roveredo is also famous for its lively and colourful carnival, one of the most beloved in the area, attracting visitors from across Italian-speaking Switzerland with its parades, music, and festive winter atmosphere. Cozy grotti and restaurants serve local specialties in a warm and friendly setting.
The major news is that starting in 2026, Roveredo will host both the start and finish of the Ticino Wildlands 500, an endurance adventure event that will bring even more excitement and interest to this captivating corner of the Alps. A perfect destination for those seeking nature, tradition, and new experiences.
Switzerland - Ticino
Switzerland - Ticino
Distance: 500 km • Difficulty: Extreme
The Ticino Wildlands 500 is an approximately 500-kilometre route with 40,000 metres of elevation gain, to be covered on foot along the alpine and pre-alpine trails bordering the Canton of Ticino. It is a self-supported challenge between control points, with no direct external assistance, requiring strong skills in self-management, endurance, and adaptability.
The goal is to experience adventure, exploration, self-discovery, and respect for the mountain environment. Each participant takes on the challenge under their own responsibility, fully aware of the risks associated with the natural surroundings. The Ticino Wildlands 500 is a private sporting raid, not a competitive race.
The elevation profile speaks for itself. It was nature that drew this line; we merely followed it. Whoever takes it on will understand: there’s no need to add or remove anything. It’s already perfect as it is - 500 km and 40,000 meters of elevation gain.
Our ambassador
Liu Shangpeng (Nico)
At 24, Liu runs with a heart open to people, nature, and the joy of sharing life on the trails. Fluent in Chinese, French, English, and Italian, he brings a global spirit to every mountain he climbs.
A passionate ultra trail runner, Liu has completed Tor des Géants (twice), UTMB, Transpyrenea 900 km, Crossing Switzerland 390 km, and many more adventures. He’s also a dedicated volunteer at iconic events including Scenic Trail, Tor des Géants, UTMB, and Marathon du Mont-Blanc.
Rooted in years of ski mountaineering and alpinism, his connection to the mountains runs deep. His love for Ticino and its wild landscapes naturally drew him to Ticino Wildlands 500, a project that reflects his own philosophy of running - self-sufficiency, adventure, friendship, and joy in solitude.
As ambassador, Liu shares the spirit of the race with authenticity and passion, inviting everyone to experience the freedom and beauty of the mountains and drawing on his experience contributes proactively and constructively to the organisation of this event, feeling a strong sense of ownership and integrating seamlessly into the organising team.
Common Questions
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The Ticino Wildlands 500 is a self-supported endurance trail running challenge that takes runners through 500 kilometers of wild and remote landscapes across Ticino, Switzerland. It’s not a race in the traditional sense, but a personal adventure where endurance, navigation, and self-reliance are key.
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The event starts and finishes in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland. The 2026 edition will begin on 8 August 2026. Participants can expect a mix of mountain trails, technical paths, and alpine passes.
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Registration is available exclusively through the official website. Places are limited to ensure the best experience and safety for all participants. Once registration opens, participants will need to complete the online form and pay the entry fee to confirm their spot.
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The event is open to experienced runners who are physically and mentally prepared for long-distance self-supported adventures. Participants must be at least 18 years old and capable of managing navigation, basic mountain self-support, and outdoor survival situations.
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A full gear list is provided in the official regulations.
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Yes. Participants must complete the full route within 10 days to be listed as finishers. Intermediate cut-offs may apply at certain checkpoints. However, the spirit of the event emphasises personal challenge over competition.
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The route is not physically marked. Participants will receive a detailed GPS track before the start, which must be followed throughout the event. Participants are responsible for their own navigation and must remain on the official track.
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Yes, there will be a limited number of checkpoints to ensure participants safety and tracking. However, there are official aid stations - where participants will find food, water, and shelter.
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The Ticino Wildlands 500 is primarily designed for solo runners to test their endurance and self-sufficiency. However, it can be run in pairs or relay.
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The event will proceed in most weather conditions, but the organizers reserve the right to postpone, modify, or cancel the event if safety is compromised. In such cases, participants will be notified via different channels and the official website.
