Trail Aschero.
Trail Aschero starts at the port of Vado Ligure, practically at sea level, and the 50 km course climbs from there to just under 1,000 metres before dropping back to the water. Preparing for it means preparing for eight steep climbs and descents that are every bit as steep, spread over a long day, rather than for one big mountain.
Trail Aschero 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
There is no run-in. A few hundred metres after the start at Porto Vado the trail gains about 290 metres in two kilometres, close to 15 percent on average. A second ramp follows from km 3.6, after which the course swings between 300 and 430 metres before working its way higher from km 12. The steepest section of the whole route comes at km 15.9: more than 200 metres of climbing in under a kilometre and a half.
You reach the high point around km 27, just short of 1,000 metres. Straight afterwards you give back some 400 metres before the longest climb of the day starts at km 30, 3.3 kilometres and roughly 350 metres of ascent that take you back above 900 metres. From there the course steps down, interrupted by one last short climb at km 43, until the final kilometres drop to the harbour.
This is the 21st edition of the race, and all four distances start from the port of Vado Ligure in the province of Savona. On the 50 km that means the sea at the start and the finish, with hill country in between that rises straight from the coast with no flat approach. Barely eight percent of the route is flat; roughly a quarter is steep uphill and another quarter steep downhill.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 0.2 | 2 km | 14.7 % | 32.7 % | +290 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 3.6 | 1.9 km | 9.8 % | 28.5 % | +182 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 12.2 | 1.7 km | 8.7 % | 25.2 % | +146 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 15.9 | 1.4 km | 15.5 % | 47.3 % | +213 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 22.1 | 1.1 km | 15.6 % | 28 % | +167 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 25.4 | 1.6 km | 8.6 % | 17.4 % | +140 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 30.3 | 3.3 km | 10.6 % | 37.5 % | +349 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 43.1 | 1 km | 12.8 % | 25.2 % | +132 m | Cat. 4 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Trail Aschero.
Start under control
The opening two kilometres are the most delicate part of the race, even though they are a small fraction of the distance. On fresh legs and with the field around you it is tempting to run the 290 metres up from the harbour. At this gradient it does not pay: power-hike the steepest pitches from the very start and keep your heart rate at a level you can sustain all day.
Hold your rhythm
The race is decided between km 27 and 35, first on the descent from the high point and then on the long climb back above 900 metres. If you can still climb at an even effort there, the race is yours to shape. Bank the energy for it in the first third, above all on the very steep ramp at km 16, where running is barely faster than a strong hike.
Spend what is left
The second trap is downhill. A quarter of the course falls steeply, and the closing kilometres lose more than 500 metres to the harbour. Brake hard on the early descents and your quads will be gone at the end, exactly where the run back down to the sea could still win you time.
Training plan for Trail Aschero: 12-week build
Build the base
Expect seven to ten hours on your feet for the 50 km, depending on fitness and how comfortable you are on steep ground. It is a long aerobic effort that is never steady: short, very steep climbs alternate with equally steep descents, and there is almost no flat ground to recover on.
Train race pace
The key sections are the ramp at km 16 and the long climb from km 30, which asks for another 350 metres in one go with more than 30 kilometres already in your legs. After that comes the long way back to sea level, which you have to run with control and still with some speed on tired legs.
Rehearse the course
In training that means long runs with plenty of vertical, with most of the climbing deliberately placed in the second half so you learn to climb evenly late in the day. Practise strong power-hiking with hands on thighs on slopes steeper than 15 percent, and run steep downhills regularly, especially at the end of long sessions.
Arrive fresh
Your race day spans everything from the coast to just under 1,000 metres. Use the long training runs to test clothing you can adjust on the move and your fuelling over the full duration. Strength work for quads and calves protects you most on the steep descents of the second half.
Courses
Download the Trail Aschero course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Trail Aschero dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about Trail Aschero.
How long is Trail Aschero?
Trail Aschero is 50 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Trail Aschero have?
Trail Aschero has around 2,654 m of elevation gain over 50 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Trail Aschero?
Trail Aschero is classified as Mountainous, averaging 50.4 vertical metres per kilometre. 8% of the route is flat, 24% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 24% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Trail Aschero have?
The hardest climb of Trail Aschero starts at kilometre 30.3, runs for 3.3 km at an average of 10.6% and gains 349 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 2. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Trail Aschero a loop course?
Yes, Trail Aschero is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Trail Aschero course?
Yes. The Trail Aschero course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Trail Aschero?
Preparation for Trail Aschero should account for 50 km, 2,654 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Trail Aschero?
The pacing strategy for Trail Aschero should reflect 50 km, 2,654 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Trail Aschero take place?
Trail Aschero takes place on May 16, 2027.
Where does Trail Aschero take place?
Trail Aschero takes place in Vado Ligure, Italy.
Which distances does Trail Aschero offer?
Trail Aschero offers 4 distances — 50 km: 50 km; 22 km: 22 km; 14 km: 14 km; 7 km: 7 km.
How do I register for Trail Aschero?
Registration runs through the organiser: trailaschero.com. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
