On May 16–17, gear testing, free guided activities and product trials will take center stage during the European Outdoor Week, with experiences ranging from trail to road running
Road and off-road running in Riva del Garda
Dozens of free experiences will be available in Riva del Garda (Trentino) on May 16–17 during the first edition of the Activation Days, part of the European Outdoor Week. Two days dedicated to the public and running enthusiasts, offering the chance to enjoy hands-on experiences and test new products directly in their natural environment, in one of the best destinations for outdoor activities.
The heart of the Activation Days will be the Village located at Giardini Porta Orientale, where exhibitor booths will gather and all scheduled activities will begin.
Main partner of the Activation Days will be RECCO, the Swedish leader in winter and summer search-and-rescue technology. The brand will showcase how its reflectors—integrated into outdoor apparel and accessories or available separately and attachable to backpacks—work in real rescue scenarios.
Sign up to the event and join the dedicated experiences.
Road running activities
Road running experience – School with Carlotta Montanera
An approximately 8 km road running session along the Garda Lake cycling and pedestrian path between Riva del Garda and Torbole. More than just a run, this experience is designed to help participants improve running technique and efficiency under the guidance of Carlotta Montanera (@runningcharlotte), Running Coach at 4Running. The route covers around 8 km with 100 m of total elevation gain, passing through lakefront paths, urban sections, green areas and harbors.
10:30 – Meeting point
11:00–11:15 – Warm-up and tips to improve road running economy: practical exercises and advice
11:15–12:15 – Run including rhythm and efficiency drills
When: Saturday, May 16
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 10:30
Distance: 7.38 km
Elevation gain: approx. 100 m
Registration available at this link
Road running experience – 5 km with Massi Milani
A mostly flat 5 km run with slight elevation changes. The route follows the scenic cycling and pedestrian network of Riva del Garda, offering unique views between the lake and the city’s green areas. The session will be led by Massi Milani (@mam265), runner, running coach and running communicator.
When: Saturday, May 16
Time: 16:30 – 17:30
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 16:00
Distance: 5.35 km
Registration available at this link
Road running experience – 8 km
A nearly 8 km run connecting Riva del Garda and Torbole along the cycling and pedestrian route on the northern shore of Lake Garda. A smooth course with gentle elevation changes, mainly running along the lakeside and dedicated cycling paths, crossing urban areas, green spaces and harbor zones.
When: Sunday, May 17
Time: 11:30 – 12:30
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 11:00
Distance: 7.38 km
Registration available at this link
Road running experience – 5 km
A 5 km route entirely developed on pedestrian and cycling paths around Riva del Garda. The course passes along lakeside stretches and urban green areas, connecting waterfront promenades, parks and cycling boulevards with a mostly flat profile and slight elevation changes. The route is entirely on asphalt or paved surfaces and follows the city cycling network.
When: Sunday, May 17
Time: 16:30 – 17:30
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 16:00
Distance: 5.35 km
Registration available at this link
Trail running activities
Trail running camp – Intermediate with Michele Evangelisti and La Sportiva
Not just a trail run, but an experience specifically designed to truly test shoes and poles directly in the field. The selected route includes terrain changes, rhythm variations, different foot placements, climbs and descents. Leading the experience will be Michele Evangelisti from On Your Legs, guiding participants with insights on terrain reading, technical sections and active observation of sensations while running. The goal is to experience a real outdoor product test, evaluating grip, stability, comfort and shoe responsiveness in real conditions. Because trail running shoes can only truly be understood where they are made to perform: on the trails. Test shoes will be provided by La Sportiva.
When: Saturday, May 16
Time: 10:00 – 11:30
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 09:30
Distance: 7.88 km
Elevation gain: 240 m D+
Registration available at this link
Trail running camp – Beginners with Michele Evangelisti and La Sportiva
A short and dynamic trail route along the paths of Monte Brione, through Mediterranean vegetation, historical fortifications and panoramic views over Lake Garda. The course alternates flowing ups and downs with slightly more technical sections, always maintaining an accessible and fun approach. Together with Michele Evangelisti from On Your Legs, participants will focus on technique, sensations and shoe and pole performance. Test shoes will be provided by La Sportiva.
When: Saturday, May 16
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 13:30
Distance: 7.88 km
Elevation gain: 240 m D+
Registration available at this link
Trail running experience with Sportdimontagna and Marco De Gasperi
This activity follows a scenic loop on Monte Brione starting from the Village. After a short warm-up section, the route climbs through natural trails to the ridge, among panoramic views and historical traces from World War I. The descent heads directly toward Lake Garda, offering spectacular scenery. The experience will be led by Sportdimontagna.com and Marco De Gasperi (@dega1977), a key figure in international trail running and multiple mountain running world champion, who will guide participants along the route, making the activity even more engaging and safe.
When: Saturday, May 16
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 14:30
Distance: 8.99 km
Elevation gain: 280 m D+
Registration available at this link
Trail running experience with Sterrato and adidas Terrex
A guided experience led by the Sterrato (@sterrato) community along one of Garda’s most iconic routes. The course starts from Riva del Garda and follows the historic Ponale road, through tunnels carved into the rock, switchbacks and breathtaking lake views. Together with the community, participants will enjoy a shared outdoor experience focused on discovery and passion for trail running, with an accessible pace and scenic stops along the route up to Ponale Alto. The return follows the same path back to Riva del Garda, ending at the Village. Participants will receive an adidas Terrex t-shirt and will have the chance to test adidas Terrex shoes during the run. At the adidas booth, specialized staff will assist participants in product fitting and testing. A dedicated refreshment area will also be available after the run.
When: Saturday, May 16
Time: 16:00 – 18:30
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 15:30
Distance: 7.49 km
Elevation gain: 260 m D+
Registration available at this link
Trail running experience with Kurt Biesemans and Mount to Coast
An 8 km trail running experience with 240 meters of positive elevation gain with Mount to Coast guided by gear reviewer Kurt Biesemans, endurance athlete and trail runner with a triathlon background, as well as reviewer and contributor for RoadTrailRun. The route takes place on Monte Brione, among nature, historical fortifications and spectacular views over Lake Garda, alternating flowing sections with slightly more technical terrain.
When: Sunday, May 17
Time: 10:30 – 12:00
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 10:00
Distance: 7.88 km
Elevation gain: 240 m D+
Registration available at this link
Trail running experience with SCARPA
Trail running along the Maddalena Trail starting from the Village: an uphill route through nature and World War I traces, followed by a scenic descent toward Lake Garda. The activity is organized by SCARPA and includes a warm-up led by athletic trainer Eros Grazioli, followed by the trail run and product testing session with athlete Daniel Antonioli.
- 15:30 – Meeting point
- 16:00 – 20-minute introduction to running and training techniques
- 16:30 – Run/product test with Daniel Antonioli
When: Sunday, May 17
Time: 16:00 – 17:30
Meeting point: Village Giardini di Porta Orientale, 15:30
Distance: 4.82 km
Elevation gain: 190 m D+
Registration available at this link
