Official Footwear PartnerA 500 km Journey Through the Wildlands
Born Along the Edge
The Ticino Wildlands 500 route was born by following the border of Canton Ticino. We didn’t want to “add” anything to make it more extreme: its toughness is authentic, carved by the mountain itself.
This path is a journey through the valleys, passes, and ridges of Ticino - territories with a thousand faces, but one they do not have: that of the plain.
Drawn by Nature, Perfect in Its Rawness
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.
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.
Details
Dates 08 Aug - 18 Aug 2026
Trip Duration 10 days
Number of Aid Stations 10
Participation Solo / Duo / Relay
Distance 500 km
Time Limit 250 h
Elevation Gain/Loss 40’000m
Longest ascent 2’100m
Longest descent 2’500m
Max/Min. elevation 2’772m/193m
Schedule
7 August
Bib distribution, welcome apéro, briefing.
8-18 August
Crazy people running 500 km.
18 August
End of adventure.
Free accommodation - before the start, and when you return
At Ticino Wildlands 500, free accommodation is available at the Civil Protection facility (for participants only) available from 6-8 August and from 13-19 August. It’s there to make your arrival smooth, your start calm, and your return genuinely welcoming.
On the eve of the start, we gather for a shared dinner - nutritious, sportsman-friendly, and exactly what you want before heading into the wild. But it’s more than a meal. It’s the moment everyone comes together: to meet fellow runners, trade last-minute tips, share nerves and excitement, and step into the adventure already feeling part of something bigger.
Once you set off, the trail becomes your own story. Runners spread out over tens of kilometres and hours of walking, choosing their own bivouac spots along the way. Solitude, freedom, and self-reliance are part of the challenge - and of the beauty.
From 13-19 August the base is waiting for you again. A warm place to reset, recover, and ease back into comfort. To sit down with new friends, compare routes and surprises, relive the hardest moments and the best ones. The finish isn’t just a line - it’s a return to a community that understands exactly what you’ve just done.
That’s why the free accommodation matters: it frames the race with human connection - right before the wildness begins, and right after you’ve lived it.
Start together. Run your own race. Return together.
Shared accommodation before the start + a sportsman-friendly dinner on the eve of the race. On trail you choose your own bivouacs. After you finish, base is open for recovery and stories.
Free accommodation
Available from 6-8 August and from 13-19 August. Pre-race dinner together, then the trail is yours. When you finish, we’re here to welcome you back.
The TW500 rhythm
Arrive → settle in (free base accommodation) → share dinner & emotions on start’s eve → run into the wild solo → come back days later to rest, reset, and celebrate together.
Why Choose the Ticino Wildlands 500
A Journey Shaped by the Land
The Ticino Wildlands 500 unfolds in one of the most remote and untamed areas of Ticino - a land waiting to be discovered. The route has been carefully designed to follow the natural borders of our region, tracing the frontier with Italy and the cantons of Grisons, Uri, and Valais. It is a natural trail, shaped by geography and respect for the land, not by artificial design.
Authenticity Over Excess
We deliberately avoided forcing in unnecessary climbs, descents, or zigzags just to increase the mileage. This is the same philosophy that Scenic Trail has upheld for over a decade: authenticity, respect for nature, and a love for true mountain running.
Driven by Expertise, Guided by Passion
Our team combines deep knowledge of mountain environments with professional race management expertise. Every aspect of the Ticino Wildlands 500 reflects our commitment to quality, safety, and an unforgettable experience for every participant.
Rooted in Local Knowledge
We chose a clear, honest name without cryptic acronyms because we are proud of our land. We organise races here, at home, where our deep knowledge of the terrain and the local community makes all the difference.
