A VENUE BUILT THROUGH INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN RUNNING

The U18 International Mountain Running Cup will form part of the 15th edition of the Trofeo Ciolo, an event that has steadily built a reputation far beyond southern Italy through a rare combination of technical racing, dramatic landscape and organisational consistency.

Few races in mountain running possess such a recognisable identity. Over the years, the Trofeo Ciolo has embraced the concept of “bringing the mountains to the sea”, transforming the cliffs of Gagliano del Capo, the Aspro trail and the famous Ciolo Bridge into a natural amphitheatre for international competition.

The history of the event reflects that long-term credibility. The venue has previously hosted the Italian Masters Mountain Running Championships in 2015 and 2023, the 2017 international U18 competition, the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in 2019, a WMRA World Cup stage in 2021, the Italian Mountain Running Relay Championships in 2022 and 2024, and the Italian Mountain Running Championship for Cadet Regions in 2023.

Photo copyright:  Marco Gulberti

121 ATHLETES FROM 16 NATIONS

This year’s edition will welcome athletes from Bulgaria, England, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, the United States and Wales.

A total of 121 athletes are entered for the competition, including 62 boys and 59 girls. As host nation, Italy will field two teams, as permitted by the regulations.

For many athletes, the U18 International Mountain Running Cup represents a first experience of international competition in national colours. It is also one of the rare opportunities where young mountain runners from different continents and mountain cultures compete directly against each other at under-18 level.

U18 International Mountain Running Cup Slovakia 2025- Photo copyright: WMRA - Marco Gulberti

Over the years, the event has repeatedly shown its importance within the athlete development pathway of mountain running. Many athletes who first appeared at this level later progressed into senior international competition, European championships, World Championships and even the Olympic Games in athletics.

That developmental role remains one of the central objectives of the World Mountain Running Association. Beyond medals and results, the event allows young athletes to experience the international environment of mountain running: travelling with national teams, adapting to technical courses and competing against athletes from across the world.

RUNNING ABOVE THE ADRIATIC SEA

Ciolo offers a style of mountain running that is both physical and highly visual.

Unlike high-altitude alpine races dominated by forests and long climbs, the terrain in Gagliano del Capo is sharper and more aggressive. The terrain combines steep coastal trails, technical sections and constant views over the Adriatic Sea.

Dry stone walls, Mediterranean vegetation and rocks define the landscape of Salento, creating an atmosphere that feels unmistakably southern Italian. The light, the colours and the proximity of the sea give the race a character rarely found elsewhere in mountain running.

Photo copyright: Marco Gulberti

For many international athletes, especially those arriving from northern Europe or overseas nations such as Mexico and the United States, the event becomes more than a competition. It is also an encounter with a different mountain running culture, where territory, history and sport are deeply connected.

With little more than one month remaining before race day, preparations continue towards another important international chapter for the Trofeo Ciolo and for the future of mountain running itself.

LOOKING TOWARDS RACE WEEKEND

“The U18 International Mountain Running Cup has always been a special event because it gives young athletes their first real experience of international mountain running,” said a WMRA spokesperson. “Ciolo is one of those places that athletes remember immediately — technical terrain, dramatic scenery and a very strong identity connected to the territory itself. It is the perfect setting for this competition.”

In about one month’s time, the cliffs of Gagliano del Capo will once again welcome the future of mountain running.