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£9 – £72(+ 5% booking fee)

RunThrough Trails Ascona-Locarno 2026

Name: RunThrough Trails Ascona-Locarno 2026
Start: 2026-10-24T08:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-10-24T18:00:00+00:00
Location: Largo Franco Zorzi, Locarno

Date

Saturday, 24 October 2026

Start Times

08:0042K
10:0024K
14:00Kids Race

Location

Largo Franco Zorzi, Locarno

Get Directions

Event guide

Timings, parking, bag drop and the course: everything you need for race day.

Read the guide Download PDF

Race Entry Summary

24K

£36(+ 5% booking fee)

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Marathon

£72(+ 5% booking fee)

Enter Now

Juniors

£9(+ 5% booking fee)

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RunThrough Foundation Place

(No fundraising required)

£150(+ 5% booking fee)

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Event Video

About This Event

Included in the entry

Unique themed medal

Free race photos

Chip-timed results

Post race goodies

Bag drop

Join us for RunThrough Trails Ascona-Locarno on Saturday 24th October 2026

Maggiore meets swaying palm trees bathed in golden sunlight! This breathtaking destination is a true marvel in the heart of the mountains.

Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting out, the stunning views along these trails will leave you utterly speechless. Begin your journey in the heart of the city, running through the iconic Piazza Grande. Next you will follow the river and into the enchanting mountains. Here, the lush vegetation surrounds you, the trails invite you to pick up the pace, and soon you’ll be climbing Pizzo Leone where you will top out at over 1600m. These trails offer panoramic vistas of the mesmerising lake below.

On Saturday evening, prepare for an unforgettable challenge: a unique vertical race! Armed with head torches, you’ll ascend the magnificent staircase of the Sacred Mount, home to the awe-inspiring Madonna del Sasso Church. This exhilarating staircase run will not only test your stride but will also immerse you in the rich history that envelops you and your fellow runners. After conquering the climb, return to town to bask in the vibrant Swiss-Italian culture, indulging in the delightful restaurants and cafés that make this warm-hearted town truly special. Get ready for an adventure that blends natural beauty, thrilling challenges, and cultural charm!

Race Day Schedule

08:00 am42k

Surface Type - Trail | 2,400 m | 10hr cut-off

10:00 am - 24k

Surface Type - Trail | 1,250 m | 7hr cut-off

02:00 pm - Kids Race

Surface Type - Tarmac | 2km

With RunThrough, you can expect a lively event village and clear guidance from our on-course team. After your run, enjoy food, drink and free finish-line goodies from our partners.

You can add an official event t-shirt to your entry at checkout for more than 30% off. Produced in partnership with RT Kit, it features the event logo on the chest and is the perfect keepsake to celebrate your race. Offering the t-shirt as an optional extra helps us keep entry costs lower for runners who prefer not to include merchandise.

Once you enter, you’ll receive a confirmation email straight away, and full event information will be sent to you closer to race day.

We look forward to seeing you on the start line.

Event Location: 5QCX+2RC, Ascona, Switzerland

The Route

42K route

Distance: 42K
Elev Gain: 2,497 m

24K route

Kids Race route

Our Partners

Event Information

Largo Franco Zorzi, 6600, Locarno, Switzerland

Age Requirements:

The 24k and 42k event is open to aged 18 and over, the Vertical Stairs is open to 12years and older, and the Kids Race is open to aged 4years and over.

Race Distance & Start Distance

Surface Type - Trail | 2,400 m | 10hr cut-off

Surface Type - Trail | 1,250 m | 7hr cut-off

Surface Type - Tarmac | 2km

Kids Race - out and back 2km route on tarmac through the Piazza Grande

Vertical Stair Race - A unique challenge taking runners through the Piazza Grande and up to the Madonna del Sasso Church, showcasing amazing nighttime views over the lake. The course is mainly steep tarmac paths and stairs.

24 & 42K - Both start out with a flat tarmac section to exit to town before climbing on non technical single track trails with incredible views over Lake Maggiore. The paths are below treeline with significant elevation gain and lots of fun, runnable descents. The course is also fairly well sheltered from the weather if conditions are challenging.

Address

Largo Franco Zorzi, 6600, Locarno, Switzerland

Getting There

Easy to reach by Car (via Milan Airport) or Train ( well placed Station in the centre of town).

https://www.ascona-locarno.com/en/visitor-info/how-to-arrive (pull info from here for RT & RT Trails sites)

Parking

Your accommodation or multiple below ground / covered options in town - pay & display at Via Giuseppe Cattori 1, 6600 Locarno, Switzerland (Parking Centro Locarno)

Socials

For updates leading up to the race, please check out our Twitter @runthroughtrails and use the hashtag #RunThroughUK in the build-up to the race 🙂

Tag us @RunThroughTrail on Instagram with your race day collages, the best ones will feature on our page!

Websites

Main RT site

RT Trails site

We advise parking and walking or using public transport from your accommodation where possible. There are multiple below ground / covered options in town - pay & display HERE

Event Village Opens

06:30 (registration opens 1hr 30 mins before the first start)

Baggage

Yes — there will be a baggage drop at the event.

Toilets

Toilets will be available in the Event Village.

Water & Refreshments

Every course will have an aid station approximately every 10-15 Km. Exact locations TBC.

Race Pack Collection

Race Packs must be collected on the day of the event, before the start of your race, from registration. Please be aware that you will not receive anything in the post.

Warm-Up & Race Start

Mandatory race briefing 15 minutes before each race start at Base Camp.

Cut-Off

42K — 10hrs (finish by 18:00)

24K — 7hrs (finish by 16:30)

Cut-offs are strictly enforced at the aid stations (all times CET):

42K — AS1 (9.4km) 10:30 · AS2 (20km) 13:20 · AS3 (28km) 15:40 · AS4 (35km) 16:50 · finish by 18:00.

24K — AS1 (9.4km) 12:45 · AS2 (18km) 15:10 · finish by 16:30.

Kit is spot-checked at bib collection.

24K: Mandatory — Running pack (vest/belt); Passport / ID card; Mobile phone (80%+ battery); Waterproof jacket (taped seams); Whistle; Survival bag or foil blanket (1.4m x 2m min); Folding cup / container; Route map — GPX loaded to watch, phone or GPS device. Recommended — Gloves or mitts; Water bottle / bladder (min 1L); Head torch (+ spare batteries); Emergency food; Waterproof trousers (taped seams); First aid kit.

42K: Mandatory — all of the 24K list plus Gloves or mitts; Water bottle / bladder (min 1L); Head torch (+ spare batteries); Emergency food; Waterproof trousers (taped seams); First aid kit.

Kids Race: no mandatory kit.

Hot weather (we'll confirm before and on the day): Sun hat or headwear for sun protection; Sun screen; Sunglasses.

Cold / adverse weather (we'll confirm before and on the day): Insulated jacket; Extra warm hat; Scarf / neck gaiter; Second pair of gloves.

Your finisher medal