La Thuile Trail 2025: Record-breaking edition draws global participation and international podiums.

Three races, six nationalities on the podium and a record number of registered athletes: the trail race in the Aosta Valley speaks more and more languages.

La Thuile, July 26, 2025 – The ninth edition of the La Thuile Trail concluded on a high note, celebrating record-breaking participation and truly international field. Held on Saturday, July 26, the event welcomed over 900 registered athletes from 36 countries to the mountains of the Aosta Valley, underscoring its growing international appeal and continued success.

With 910 registered runners - the highest number in the race’s history - and nearly 800 athletes starting across the three distances (70 km Ultra, 43 km Marathon, and 25 km Trail), the 2025 edition perfectly combined sport, spectacular alpine scenery and ideal weather conditions. The staggered race starts - Ultra at 5:00 am, Marathon at 7:30 am and Trail at 9:00 am - took place under dry skies and cool mountain air, providing perfect conditions for trail running.

The event thus confirms a steady growth for the ninth consecutive year, both in terms of participation and international relevance in the trail running community.

Race highlights

In the 70 km Ultra, Brent Patteeuw of Belgium (Peaklevel) took the win with a time of 8:27:09, followed by Aritz Sardina from Spain (Txurregi), in second 8:35:55, and Italy’s Carlo Martinelli (La Recastello Radici Group), in third at 8:52:09. In the women’s race, Elisabetta Negra (ASD Inrun) delivered a dominant performance, winning in 9:58:40, ahead of Melissa Paganelli (Elle Erre ASD) in 10:17:13 and Guendalina Sibona, third in 11:03:47.

In the 43 km Marathon, the men’s race was won by Mino Giunta of the United States, who dominated with a time of 4:35:52, ahead of Italians Alessandro Macellaro (ASD Podistica Torino), second in 4:38:15, and Lorenzo Noè (CUS Pisa), third in 4:41:41. The women’s race went to France’s Héloise Blanchard, first in 5:42:11, followed by Benedetta Demartino of Italy (5:53:24) and Anna Van Aalten of the Netherlands (5:54:33).

In the 25 km Trail, Italy’s Federico Scabini (ASD Accademiatletica) claimed victory in 2:44:12, ahead of Brode Gleeson from South Africa (Flat Rock Endurance), second in 2:46:49, and Italy’s André Barailler, third in 2:47:19. Sonia Meleca (Valsusa Running Team) won the women’s race in 3:19:06, with Rebecca Watney of South Africa close behind in 3:20:01, and Aline Ollier (Polisportiva Sant’Orso Aosta) completing the podium in 3:35:26.

A growing event and a thriving community

The organizers expressed deep satisfaction with the success of this year’s event. 

“We are truly proud and satisfied. Once again, we’ve managed to raise the bar,” said Gianluca de Cristofaro, race director of La Thuile Trail. “The record number of participants, the international presence and the support of major sponsors like ASICS confirm that our efforts are being recognized. But above all, we see more and more athletes returning each year and becoming part of the La Thuile Trail family. That means everything to us: it shows we are building something solid and meaningful, with professionalism, passion, and deep respect for the territory. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all the volunteers, course staff, and everyone who contributed their time and energy to making this edition a success.”

Sport and solidarity: €1,000 for “butterfly children”

Once again, La Thuile Trail paired its passion for trail running with a meaningful act of solidarity. In partnership with Debra Family, an association supporting children affected by epidermolysis bullosa - known as “butterfly children” - approximately €1,000 has been donated, by runners during the registration process as well as a contribution from the race organization, to support research and care.

See you in 2026 for the 10th anniversary edition

Next year, La Thuile Trail will celebrate a major milestone with its 10th edition, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026. The organizers have already announced special initiatives and new features to mark the occasion and further strengthen the connection between athletes, the region, and its vibrant community.