It is precisely thanks to the growing popularity of trail running races that many trails in our mountains have been restored and revitalized: because mountain running also helps promote the region.

In late February 2017, the Lombardy Region allocated 4 million euros to conduct a survey of Lombardy’s hiking trail network in collaboration with the Italian Alpine Club: this network comprises 3,300 kilometers of trails, and the goal is to promote the mountains by enhancing these trails. Often overlooked—except during the busy and lucrative ski season—the Italian mountains represent, in fact, a treasure trove of both natural beauty and tourism.

This is precisely whytrail running is considered an excellent way to promote the mountains: organizing a mountain running race involves not only ensuring the safety, cleanliness, maintenance, and signage of the trails, but also the restoration of old farmhouses and mountain huts.

Furthermore, these races bring hundreds of enthusiasts to areas that are often little known, generating economic benefits: “ “ This year marks the eleventh edition of the Tre Campanili Half Marathon,” says Paolo Salvadori, organizer of the 21k off-road race. “The best part of these past years has been seeing the number of athletes steadily increase, but also seeing them return throughout the year… Our race, like all those on the Valle Sabbia and Alto Garda Grand Prix circuit, has introduced thousands of trail runners to our region, and they keep coming back here…”

“Thanks to the Stelvio Marathon on June 17,” explains Gerald Burger, who also organizes the Giro Lago di Resia, “we were able to mark certain trails leading from Prato to the Stelvio Pass with permanent signs; this also involved restoring and securing the trails. In this way, we’ve joined forces with volunteers to showcase a wonderful corner of South Tyrol.”

Ernesto Ciravegna, president of the BergTeam in Bergeggi, in the Province of Savona, echoed these sentiments. He is the organizer of two trail races, one of which is scheduled for July 23: “We asked the municipal administration for permission to use the Percorso Vita, a botanical trail that is normally closed and runs through one of Italy’s largest cork oak forests: thanks to our races, the trail has now been cleared and made accessible to all hikers.”

This shows that sports—especially when done with passion and a grain of salt—are not only good for people, but also for our natural environment.