RUN EX ALTO TROPHY

05.09.2026

The ‘Run Ex Alto Trophy’ is a unique running competition organised by the National Association of Italian Paratroopers (ANPd’I) with the support of the Marcialonga team. The event’s name is inspired by the historic Latin phrase ‘Ex Alto Fulgur’, which translates as ‘like a bolt of lightning from above’. The origin of this motto dates back to the Second World War when a friar addressed it, as a greeting, to a commander of the Italian Parachutists of the time. This motto inspired the naming of the Parachute Division as “Folgore” and still identifies this unit of the Italian Army today.
The competition is intended as an opportunity for military personnel, police officers and civilian members of Italian and foreign military associations to meet and interact, in the spirit of unity, respect and a passion for sport.
The aim is to promote physical activity as a means of personal growth, cohesion and the sharing of the core values of Italian paratroopers: discipline, courage, a spirit of sacrifice and esprit de corps.
The “Run Ex Alto Trophy” is intended as a tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of those who serve their country, and at the same time an open invitation to citizens of every nation to get to know the military world up close through sport. An event where the adrenaline of competition meets the pride of belonging.

HOW THIS EVENT CAME ABOUT

The idea for the Run Ex Alto Trophy was conceived in February 2025 by the Italian Parachutists’ Sports Centre, part of the A.N.P.d’I., and is intended to be the first in a series of tournaments organised by the Sports Centre to promote and spread the ideals associated with sport on an international level.
Marcialonga welcomed the proposal with enthusiasm, recognising the merit of the initiative’s aims.

MARCIALONGA RUNNING COOP
05.09.2026

The Marcialonga running race, now in its 24th edition, takes place on the first weekend of September in the enchanting Fiemme and Fassa valleys, in Trentino. The race offers three race formats: 21km, 26.5km and the relay.

The “Run Ex Alto Trophy” is reserved for competitors from the Armed Forces and Police Forces, both Italian and foreign, as well as for Combatant and Military Associations recognised by the Italian Ministry of Defence or equivalent foreign bodies.
Run Ex Alto Trophy competitors may take part in the following race formats:
- 26.5 km: Moena-Cavalese
- 3-person relay with equipment*: 10 km (Moena - Predazzo) - 8 km (Predazzo - Lago di Tesero) - 8 km (Lago di Tesero - Cavalese)

In order to take part, you must submit a photocopy of your membership card along with the registration form. The documents will be checked and verified by the organisers.
If the membership card or certificate is found to be invalid, you will be disqualified from the competition.

*THE MILITARY-STYLE RELAY

With regard to the three-person relay, which is designed in a distinctly military style and involves the use of weights, participants must wear:

uniform trousers (for example: multicoloured, C.S., O.P., or other types in use within their respective units or associations)
military-style combat boots (it is strongly recommended that equipment be uniform within individual teams)
a team identification T-shirt.

Particular attention must be paid to the choice of weight pack, which must weigh 6 kg for men and 4 kg for women. The weight packs will be stamped prior to the race.

The relay race is an event centred on solidarity; teams must choose one of the charities listed during registration, to which a portion of the entry fee will be donated.
The ‘Run Ex Alto’ teams are invited to support the O.N.A.O.M.C.E. association, the National Assistance Organisation for Orphans and Career Military Personnel of the Army, an organisation dedicated to providing assistance to the orphans of officers, non-commissioned officers, warrant officers and enlisted personnel (volunteers on initial enlistment, officer cadets and warrant officer cadets) with at least one year’s service, who have died whilst on active duty or in retirement.

REGISTRATION

The registration fee for the 26.5 km race is set at:
- €35.00 from 23 February to 14 June 2026
- €40.00 from 15 June to 31 July 2026
- €45.00 from 1 August to 3 September 2026
- €50.00 on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September 2026 (on Saturday, registration is only available on-site until 2.00 pm)

The registration fee for the relay race is set at:
- €90.00 from 17 November to 15 August
- €120.00 from 16 August to 5 September
PLEASE NOTE: teams wishing to take part in the relay race are invited to choose to support the O.N.A.O.M.C.E association