8-18 August 2026
INSTITUTIONAL SPONSORS
Why Choose the Ticino 500
A Journey Shaped by the Land
The Ticino 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 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.
OUR SPONSORS
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 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.
OUR PARTNERS
Switzerland - Ticino
Switzerland - Ticino
Distance: 500 km • Difficulty: Extreme
The Ticino 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.
Free accommodation - before the start, and when you return
At Ticino 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.
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.
Common Questions
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The Ticino 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.