The Bellagio Skyrace returns on Sunday, 25 October, with three race distances, athletes from 15 countries and a full day dedicated to mountain running.
There is another way to experience the landscape around Bellagio, beyond its famous lakefront: leaving the waterfront behind and heading up the trails that wind through forests and lead to panoramic viewpoints above the town. That is exactly what athletes will be doing at the Bellagio Skyrace 2026, taking place on Sunday, 25 October.
This year marks the 12th edition of the race, organised by NSC Bellagio Sky Team. Runners from 15 countries are expected to take part, tackling routes of different lengths and levels of difficulty. What they all have in common is the challenge of running through the mountains with Lake Como as a spectacular backdrop.
Three routes, from the main race to the Mini Skyrace
The programme includes three races. The main event, the Bellagio Skyrace, covers 28.5 kilometres with 1,850 metres of elevation gain. The race starts at 8:50 am from Lungolago Europa, where runners will leave the centre of Bellagio behind to tackle demanding climbs, mountain trails and sections offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the most distinctive points along the route is the Belvedere Nuvolone area, at an altitude of approximately 980 metres. Here, the effort of the climb is rewarded with expansive views across the lake and mountains, one of the features that makes this event so different from a road race.
For runners looking for a shorter challenge, the Half Skyrace covers 16.8 kilometres with 970 metres of elevation gain, also starting at 8:50 am.
Younger participants can join the Mini Skyrace, designed for children aged 5 to 11. It is an opportunity to introduce children to running in a sporting event that brings the whole local community together.
A race with national significance
The race is part of the Skyrunner National Series 2026 and serves as the final event of the circuit.
For competing athletes, it will therefore be an important race at the end of the season, including in relation to potential qualification opportunities for the SkyMasters, subject to the official competition regulations.
Over the years, the event has attracted prominent names from the world of skyrunning.
In the 2024 edition, Ahmed El Mazoury completed the men’s race in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 24 seconds, while Camilla Magliano won the women’s race in 2 hours, 28 minutes and 4 seconds. These results reflect the competitive level of the event, although any changes to the course between editions should be taken into account when comparing times.
Alongside the individual rankings, this year’s edition will also feature a team competition.
A special prize will be awarded to the team with the fastest combined time, calculated by adding together the results of its three highest-placed men and three highest-placed women.
The prize is a boat trip on Lake Como for ten people.
Environmental responsibility along the trails
The event continues its commitment to sustainability with a plastic-free initiative.
Disposable plastic cups will not be provided at refreshment stations, meaning every athlete must carry a reusable cup or water bottle to stay hydrated during the race.
It is a simple measure that requires some preparation from participants but helps reduce waste along the mountain trails.
Before race day, runners are advised to check the official regulations for the complete list of mandatory equipment.
The weekend programme
The weekend begins on Saturday, 24 October, with race bib collection and the presentation of the top runners at the Palazzetto dello Sport.
On Sunday, 25 October, the focus shifts to the races themselves. Both the Skyrace and Half Skyrace will start at 8:50 am, while the awards ceremony is scheduled for 3:30 pm.
For runners, it will be a day of steep climbs, technical trails and sporting competition.
Spectators: it is an opportunity to experience Bellagio from a different perspective, away from the familiar views of its lakeside promenade.
That is part of what makes the event special: bringing mountain sport to Lake Como and encouraging people to discover another side of the region, one trail at a time.
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