Close your eyes and imagine for a moment: a trail race in Italy 🇮🇹, on the shores of the splendid Lake Como, located north of the metropolis of Milan 😍, in Lombardy.
We’re heading to the Trail Grigne Sud, a sporting event held in Mandello del Lario 🗺, a town located 200 m above sea level, on the shores of the lake. A race setting in the heart of majestic mountains with postcard-worthy views 🖼️, and a race with a demanding and very technical course 🧐. It’s no coincidence that the event counts toward the UTMB World Series circuit... The start line will be competitive! 💪 Two courses are offered by the organizers: you can choose between a trail of 42 km, the "TGS Extreme", and a trail of 22 km, the "TGS Sprint" 👟. For the boldest who choose the "TGS Extreme", plan for 3,700 mD+ 🥵—you’ll see for yourself that it lives up to its name! 🫢 It’s also a reminder that vertical races were born in Italy; the French 🇫🇷 aren’t the only ones enjoying the exceptional Alps massif ⛰️. Promoting inclusivity and trail running for all, the TGS also offers a course dedicated to children in situations of disability: the "TGS Intrepid"! With 400 mD+ over 6 km, it’s a real challenge awaiting the youngest among us 🔥.
The race takes place at the very beginning of autumn, in the month of September, when the Indian summer often shows up and lights up nature 🌸. So this short trip to northern Italy will let you extend the summer illusion and feast your eyes! 👀 If you want to make the most of your Italian stay and do a bit of sightseeing, Milan, located an hour’s drive away, remains an unmissable major city with its beautiful cathedral ⛪️! Beautiful Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet 🫶, is a bit farther but well worth the detour too! And if you decide to stay and explore the wonders of Lake Como, there are a few gems not far from there—starting with all the renowned villas, some of which can be visited. We can’t help but mention Villa Carlotta, a magnificent 1690 residence that houses a vast art collection 🎨 and an exceptional botanical garden 🪴, which is one of Italy’s great gardens.
So, are you in? 👢 Head to northern Italy for an unforgettable trail moment 🤩.
A word from the organizer:
"The TGS is a very demanding race due to its significant elevation gain, but it offers a well-maintained course with unforgettable views over the lake and the Grigna mountains. A large team of volunteers, stationed at aid stations and out on the course to mark the route, are there to support runners every step of the way."
Your epic journey will begin as early as 7 a.m., when the start will be given in the town of Mandello. Get ready to climb, because halfway through you’ll find yourself at the top of Mount Silleggio, where you’ll have a beautiful view of the surroundings and Lake Como 🖼️. Once you reach the very top, all you’ll have left to do is descend. Yes, nobody told you it would be a walk in the park! 🥵 As this trail is semi-self-supported, you’ll find a few refreshment points 🥤 to perk you up during your run. The route will form a loop 🔁; once you’re back down, you’ll need to summon your last efforts to bravely cross the finish line! 🏁
Your 22 km epic will start very gently at 9 a.m., with the start given in the town of Mandello. Get ready to climb, as the elevation gain will show 1,800 m D+—no less than that! You’ll see it’s worth the effort when you take in the beautiful view of the surrounding area and of Lake Como 🖼️. As this trail is semi-self-sufficient, you’ll find a few aid stations 🥤 that will give you a boost during your race. The course will form a loop 🔁, and you’ll need to muster your final efforts to bravely cross the finish line! 🏁
A 6 km course with 400 mD+ reserved for children in a disability situation ♿️. The event is done as a pair: a child and a companion. Grab your spot quickly—only 20 pairs will be able to line up at the start 😉.
Bib pick-up takes place at the Public Gardens in Mandello del Lario, next to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi (TGS Village):
Friday 25 September 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (all races)
Saturday 26 September 2026, from 5:30 am to 6:30 am for the TGS Extreme, and from 6:00 am to 8:30 am for the TGS Sprint.
All races start on Saturday 26 September 2026 from Garibaldi Square, Mandello del Lario:
TGS Extreme: 7:00 am
TGS Sprint: 9:00 am
TGS Intrepide: 9:15 am
Participants must be at least 16 years old on 26 September 2026.
Mandatory gear list for the TGS Extreme:
a backpack or waist pack
a mobile phone with a fully charged battery and emergency numbers saved
a whistle
a reusable cup
an emergency blanket
at least 500 ml of water
a waterproof rain jacket
a long-sleeved top
Mandatory gear list for the TGS Sprint:
a reusable cup
at least 500 ml of water
a waterproof rain jacket
Trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Headphones/earphones are not allowed.
The race is run in semi self-sufficiency. Several aid stations will be available along both courses:
The 7 TGS EXTREME aid stations:
Zucco Sileggio: drinks only
Bocchetta Calivazzo: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies and salty snacks)
Bietti-Buzzi: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies and salty snacks)
Alpe Era: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies and salty snacks)
Elisa: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies and salty snacks)
Alpe Versarico: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies and salty snacks)
Zucco di Manavello: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies and salty snacks)
The 3 TGS SPRINT aid stations:
Alpe Era: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies and salty snacks)
Alpe Versarico: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies and salty snacks)
Zucco di Manavello: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cookies and salty snacks)
Prizes will be awarded to:
the first 5 men and the first 5 women in the overall ranking
from 6th place onwards: the first man and first woman in each age category
the first man and the first woman to reach the summit of Monte Sileggio (a trophy will be presented in memory of Carlo Gilardi)
all finishers will receive a medal
TGS Extreme:
Phase 2 (01/06/26 to 31/08/26): €50
Phase 3 (01/09/26 to 26/09/26): €55
TGS Sprint:
Phase 2 (01/06/26 to 31/08/26): €40
Phase 3 (01/09/26 to 26/09/26): €45
TGS Extreme:
The maximum time to finish the trail is 11 hours 30 minutes
The following cut-off times must be respected:
Bocchetta di Calivazzo: 2h45 after the start
Alpe Era Bassa: 5h30 after the start
Alpe Versarico: 9h after the start
TGS Sprint:
The maximum time to finish the trail is 7 hours
The following cut-off time must be respected:
Alpe Versarico: 4h after the start (before 1:00 pm)
Yes. You must provide a medical certificate stating that you have no contraindication to running, and it must be valid on race day. The form to complete is available here: here
A pasta party will be held after the race, and it is included in the entry fee.
If you are forced to withdraw, you must make your own way to one of the following points:
Somana - Piazza Monsignor Gaddi
Rongio - Bar Simone
Crebbio - Piazza Centrale
You can contact the organizers by email: info@trailgrignesud.it
You can check the race rules here

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