Trail running Eldorado

Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy outdoor activities at Lake Maggiore. Here you can enjoy pleasant temperatures, sunny days and clear blue skies that elevate every view. Immerse yourself in colourful landscapes and savour delicious autumn scents after a day spent exploring nature’s wonders. Discover a perfect blend of active adventure and relaxation.

The Ascona-Locarno region boasts gently rolling hills, steep ascents and challenging terrain. The diverse landscape of lakes, lush forests and majestic mountains creates an ideal environment for trail running. Trail runners can enjoy perfect conditions for both short and long runs, with a mix of challenging terrains and easier routes to choose from. There are fewer visitors to the area during the autumn, making it the perfect time to spend a few days touring from one alpine hut to the next.

Joey Hadorn is an ambassador for Ascona-Locarno. His trail running accolades include middle distance silver medallist at the 2023 World Orienteering Championships and gold medallist in the 2023/2024 relay race. He takes full advantage of the region’s excellent training conditions to prepare for competitions like the Golden Trail World Series Final.

  • Ascona Locarno Golden Trail Finals

  • The Ascona Locarno Golden Trail Finals are being held from 17 to 20 October 2024 on Cardada, Locarno’s neighbouring mountain. Hosting the final of the Golden Trail World Series by Salomon is a great honour for the region and proves that the world’s trail running elite are also impressed by the excellent conditions and amenities.

160 professional athletes will compete in the final, including the world’s top 30 trail runners. Joey Hadorn will also be at the starting line of this unique event. And it’s not just for professionals; amateurs can also challenge themselves alongside the world’s elite on the impressive 23.5 km route. The race meanders through the enchanting natural beauty of Cardada, with fantastic views of Lake Maggiore. There promises to be a fantastic atmosphere in the Fan Zone, where the public can follow the event live and cheer on the runners.

Joey Hadorn, an orienteering athlete from the Bernese Oberland, is a member of the elite national squad and stands out on the international stage.
 In addition to his successful orienteering career, he has a huge passion for trail running, where he is enjoying increasing success. He has trained this season in Ascona-Locarno to prepare for the Golden Trail Series races in Asia. Lake Maggiore is the perfect off-season training destination, especially when wintry conditions have set in on the northern side of the Alps. Even as a child, he spent a lot of time here in Ticino with his family, equipped with a bicycle and running shoes. It is no coincidence that Joey is so successful at trail running and that Ascona-Locarno occupies a special place in his heart.

Experience this extraordinary event live and enjoy a stress-free journey by public transport, taking advantage of the RailAway leisure offer. From Locarno (2-minute walk from the train station), take the cog railway to Orselina and then the cable car to Cardada. It’s easy to purchase your tickets at our shop in advance for trips to Orselina and Cardada.

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