Close your eyes and just imagine: 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 municipality located at 200 m altitude, on the shores of the lake. A race setting in the heart of majestic mountains with postcard-worthy views 🖼️, a race with a demanding and highly technical course 🧐. It’s no coincidence that the event counts toward the UTMB World Series circuit... There will be a strong field on the start line! 💪 Two routes 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 most daring who choose the "TGS Extreme", expect 3,700 mD+ 🥵—you’ll see for yourself that it lives up to its name! 🫢 A good reminder, too, that vertical races were born in Italy; the French 🇫🇷 aren’t the only ones to enjoy the exceptional Alps massif ⛰️. Promoting inclusivity and trail for everyone, the TGS also offers a route dedicated to children in situations of disability: the "TGS Intrepid"! With 400 mD+ over 6 km, a real challenge awaits the youngest among us 🔥.
The race takes place right at the beginning of autumn, in the month of September, when Indian summer often makes an appearance and brightens 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 ⛪️! Lovely 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 famous 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 🪴—one of the great Italian gardens.
So, are you in? 👢 Heading 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 route with unforgettable views of the lake and the Grigna mountains. Many volunteers, present at the aid stations and to mark the course, support the runners.
Your epic 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 summit of Mount Silleggio, where you’ll have a very beautiful view of the surrounding area and Lake Como 🖼️. Once you reach the very top, all you’ll have left to do is descend back down. Yes, we didn’t tell you it would be a walk in the park! 🥵 Since this trail is semi-self-sufficient, you’ll find a few refreshment points 🥤 to boost you during your race. The route will form a loop 🔁; once you’re back down, you’ll need to muster 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, because the elevation gain will show 1,800mD+—nothing less than that! You’ll see it’s worth the effort when you take in the beautiful view of the surrounding area and the Lake Como 🖼️. Since this trail is semi-self-supported, you’ll find a few aid stations 🥤 to give you a boost during your race. The course will form a loop 🔁, and you’ll need to dig deep one last time to bravely cross the finish line! 🏁
A 6 km course with 400 mD+ reserved for children with disabilities ♿️. The event is done in pairs: a child and a companion. Grab your spot quickly—only 20 pairs will be able to line up at the start 😉.
Bib pickup takes place at the Public Gardens of Mandello del Lario, next to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi (TGS Village):
Friday 25 September 2026, from 6pm to 8pm for all races
Saturday 26 September 2026, from 5:30am to 6:30am for the TGS Extreme and from 6:00am to 8:30am for the TGS Sprint.
The races will start on Saturday 26 September 2026, from Garibaldi Square, Mandello Del Lario:
TGS Extreme: the start will be given at 7am
TGS Sprint: the start will be given at 9am
TGS Intrepid: the start will be given at 9:15am
Be 18 years old on race day
Here is the list of mandatory equipment 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
a survival blanket
a water reserve of at least 500ml
a waterproof rain jacket
a long-sleeved top
Here is the list of mandatory equipment for the TGS Sprint:
a reusable cup
a water reserve of at least 500ml
a windbreaker jacket
The use of poles is strongly recommended.
The use of headphones is prohibited.
The race is run in semi self-sufficiency. Several aid stations will be set up along both routes:
The 7 TGS EXTREME aid stations:
Zucco Sileggio: drinks only
Bocchetta Calivazzo: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, biscuits and salty snacks)
Bietti-Buzzi: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, biscuits and salty snacks)
Alpe Era: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, biscuits and salty snacks)
Elisa: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, biscuits and salty snacks)
Alpe Versarico: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, biscuits and salty snacks)
Zucco di Manavello: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, biscuits and salty snacks)
The 3 TGS SPRINT aid stations:
Alpe Era: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, biscuits and salty snacks)
Alpe Versarico: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, biscuits and salty snacks)
Zucco di Manavello: drinks and food (fresh fruit, dried fruit, biscuits and salty snacks)
Will be awarded:
The first 5 women and the first 5 men of each race will receive prizes, as will those who finish in sixth place and beyond. 1st Master A men and women (from 40 to 49 years old)1st Master B men and women (from 50 to 59 years old)1st Master C men and women (from 60 years old)
TGS Extreme:
Phase 2 (from 01/06/26 to 31/08/26): €50
Phase 3 (from 01/09/26 to 26/09/26): €55
TGS Sprint:
Phase 2 (from 01/06/26 to 31/08/26): €40
Phase 3 (from 01/09/26 to 26/09/26): €45
TGS Extreme:
The time limit to finish the trail is 11h30
The time cut-offs to be respected are as follows:
Bochetta di Calivazzo: 2h45 after the start
Alpe Era Bassa: 5h30 after the start
Alpe Versarico: 9h after the start
TGS Sprint:
The time limit to finish the trail is 7h
The time cut-offs to be respected are as follows:
Alpe Versarico: 4h after the start (before 1pm)
Yes, you will need to provide a medical certificate stating no contraindication to the practice of running and valid on race day. The template to fill in is as follows: here
A pasta party is organized after the race; the price is included in the registration
If you are forced to withdraw, you will have to make your own way to the following points:
Somana - Piazza Monseigneur 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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