Dog Trail Gran San Bernardo

Not every race lets you bring your dog – in fact, very few do. However, this one requires it!

The Dog Trail Gran San Bernardo pairs runners with their canine trail partners for a 13km route with 1,284m of elevation gain, climbing from the village of Etroubles, Italy, through Saint-Oyen and Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses to the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard (2,457m). Etroubles is a compact stone village in the Valle d’Aosta an Italian autonomous region that has been a waypoint for Alpine travelers for centuries.  Geneva, Switzerland is roughly two and a half hours away via Martigny, and Milan, Italy is around three hours by road.

With only 105m of descent, this is a largely one-way climb on well-marked, non-technical terrain, making it accessible to dog-and-runner teams with solid mountain fitness. The course follows a stretch of the Via Francigena, the medieval pilgrimage road that has connected Canterbury to Rome since the 10th century, and tops out at the historic mountain pass. Both runner and dog receive race bibs, and a pre-race veterinary check is required before the start. The dog’s welfare is treated as a priority, with on-course veterinary support and clear rules around animal wellbeing.

The race finish at the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard is home to the Hospice du Grand Saint-Bernard, founded in the 11th century by Saint Bernard of Menthon. It’s still operating today, and for centuries now has been home to the famous mountain dog breed that carries his name.