The 2026 Brunello Crossing will take place on February 8, 2026, in Montalcino, a historic town in the Province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy. The event is set against the backdrop of the UNESCO-recognized Val d'Orcia landscape, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Weather conditions in Montalcino during early February typically feature mild temperatures, with daytime highs around 8°C and nighttime lows around 1°C. Light rain is possible, but the event is expected to proceed as planned. Participants can expect to run or walk through a mix of natural trails, vineyard paths, and historic village connectors, immersing themselves in the heart of Brunello wine country.
What distances are available for this event?
→Banfi Trophy – 45 km with 1,820 m+ elevation gain
→Camigliano Trophy – 24 km with 1,100 m+ elevation gain
→Enoteca La Fortezza Trophy – 14 km with 650 m+ elevation gain
→Col d'Orcia Walk & Nordic Walking – 17.5 km with 750 m+ elevation gain
What are the race start times?
→Banfi Trophy – 8:00 AM on February 8
→Camigliano Trophy – 10:00 AM on February 8
→Enoteca La Fortezza Trophy – 10:45 AM on February 8
→Col d'Orcia Walk & Nordic Walking – 9:30 AM on February 8
What are the time limits for each race?
→Banfi Trophy – 8 hours with intermediate cut-offs at 23.7 km (4 hours) and 32.7 km (5.5 hours)
→Camigliano Trophy – 6 hours with a cut-off at 11.7 km (3 hours)
→Enoteca La Fortezza Trophy – 5 hours 15 minutes with a cut-off at 7 km (2.5 hours)
→Col d'Orcia Walk & Nordic Walking – No official time limit, but participants are encouraged to complete the route within a reasonable timeframe
What is included in race registration?
→Access to aid stations along the course
→Post-race pasta party with registration
→Showers available at the Montalcino Municipal Stadium
→For the Col d'Orcia Walk & Nordic Walking event, three food-and-wine tasting stops along the route
What are the course details for the Banfi Trophy?
→45 km route starting from Piazza del Popolo, Montalcino
→Terrain includes natural trails, dirt cart tracks, vineyard paths, and short asphalt connectors
→Course features elevation gain of 1,820 m
→Passes through Brunello vineyards, oak woodlands, and rural farmsteads
→Includes a steep descent called "Il Patataio" with panoramic views of Val d'Orcia
→Finishes in Piazza del Popolo after returning via Porta Cerbaia gate
What are the course details for the Camigliano Trophy?
→24 km route starting from Piazza del Popolo, Montalcino
→Shares the second half of the Banfi Trophy course after Ventolaio
→Terrain includes similar elements to the 45 km route, such as vineyard paths and forest trails
→Features the same descent of "Il Patataio" and the final climb to Il Cocco
→Finishes in Piazza del Popolo
What are the course details for the Enoteca La Fortezza Trophy?
→14 km route starting from Piazza del Popolo, Montalcino
→Terrain includes forest singletrack and vineyard cart paths
→Elevation gain of 650 m concentrated in rolling hills
→Climbs through Brunello vineyards and woodlands toward Sant'Angelo in Colle
→Joins the longer courses at Il Cocco before returning to Montalcino via Porta Cerbaia gate
What are the course details for the Col d'Orcia Walk & Nordic Walking event?
→17.5 km route starting at Sant'Angelo Scalo, Col d'Orcia winery
→Terrain includes vineyard paths and forest trails
→Requires trail or hiking shoes due to technicality
→Features three food-and-wine tasting stops
→Participants may opt for a free shuttle back to Montalcino at approximately 9 km
→Finishes in Piazza del Popolo
→Shuttle service available from Montalcino to the start and back
What are the rules and regulations for the event?
→Mandatory adherence to traffic code on road sections
→Dogs are permitted if leashed (non-extendable) and must start at the back of the pack
→Owners assume full responsibility for their pets
→Course modifications or cancellation may occur in severe weather (snow/storms) for safety
What is the event's focus and significance?
→The event celebrates Montalcino's UNESCO-recognized Val d'Orcia landscape and Brunello di Montalcino wine heritage
→All competitive races are UISP-approved and organized by SSD Montalcino Trail
→The event highlights the natural and cultural beauty of the region through its trail running and walking routes
What is the significance of the course's terrain?
→The course features a mix of natural trails, dirt cart tracks, vineyard paths, and short asphalt connectors
→Runners will traverse the iconic Val d'Orcia landscape, passing through Brunello vineyards, oak woodlands, and rural farmsteads
→The route includes historic sites such as Castello Banfi, Sant'Angelo in Colle, Castelnuovo dell'Abate, and the Abbey of Sant'Antimo
→The course includes a dramatic steep descent called "Il Patataio" with sweeping views of Val d'Orcia and Monte Amiata in the distance
What are the key landmarks and historical sites on the course?
→Castello Banfi at Poggio alle Mura (a hilltop estate dating before 1000 AD)
→The medieval village of Sant'Angelo in Colle
→The village of Ventolaio
→The medieval village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate
→The Romanesque Abbey of Sant'Antimo (founded by Charlemagne in 781 AD along the Via Francigena)
→Il Cocco (one of the highest points on the course)
→Porta al Cassero gate and Porta Cerbaia gate in Montalcino's medieval center
What is the significance of the event's timing?
→The event takes place on February 8, 2026, with races starting at different times throughout the day
→The Col d'Orcia Walk & Nordic Walking event begins earlier in the morning at 9:30 AM
→The Banfi Trophy starts at 8:00 AM, followed by the Camigliano Trophy at 10:00 AM and the Enoteca La Fortezza Trophy at 10:45 AM
→The event structure allows for a variety of participation options, from competitive racing to non-competitive walking and Nordic walking
What is the purpose of the event?
→The event serves as a celebration of Montalcino's natural and cultural heritage
→It provides an opportunity for participants to experience the region's trail running and walking routes
→The event promotes the Val d'Orcia landscape and Brunello di Montalcino wine heritage
→It offers a platform for athletes and walkers to engage with the local community and environment
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is 2026 Brunello Crossing?
A: The event takes place on 8 February 2026.
Q: Where is the event held?
A: The event is held in Montalcino, Italy.
Q: What distances are available?
A: Available distances: 14 km, 17.5 km, 24 km, 45 km.
