Event Program

10 OCTOBER 2026

The Ariane Cross is the annual flagship foot race for space companies. This year, the event will be held in the vibrant city of Milan, making this edition truly exceptional. We expect around 600 participants, coming together for a unique combination of sport, networking, and celebration.

Over the years, the event format has been perfected: it begins on Friday, 9 October, with the team captains’ meeting, followed by the main running events on the morning of Saturday, 10 October. A picnic takes place at lunchtime, complemented by guided city tours in the afternoon, and culminates with a glamorous gala dinner in the evening.

The Ariane Cross concludes on Saturday night after the gala, with teams departing on Sunday. Rider distribution and official rankings will be governed by regulations, which will be communicated in due course.

PROGRAM DETAILS

4 distances are proposed

·        10 km

·        5 km

·        2.5 km

·        A 6 km relay split into 4 legs of 1,5 km each.

As this is a cross-country race, there may be some minor difficulties with gradients.

The 2.5 km and the relay courses are fast.

Only runners who have taken part in one of the individual races may take part in the relay.


Friday, 9 October – Evening

The teams Captains are invited to a briefing meeting (PLACE TBD)

Briefing meeting (approx. 30 people), presenting:

·        The detailed program of the event, with a clear reminder of cut-off times.

·        Transportation and meeting points.

·        Races routes, indicating any difficulties

·        Venues: races, visits, evening events.

·        Useful maps

·        Useful phone numbers and Whatsapp groups

·        Free public transportation coupon for every team members

Once the briefing is over, it is time for the delivery of race numbers and event T-shirts and have an aperitif all together.

IMPORTANT: please allow time and material for last-minute distance changes.


Saturday, 10 October – Morning

Race location: Parco Nord Milano | Via Massimo Gorki, 100 – 20092 Cinisello Balsamo (Milan), Italy

Arrival of team members 30 minutes prior to the chosen race.

09:00 – 10:30

10.000 m individual race

10:30 – 11:30

5.000 m individual race

11:30 – 12:00

2.500 m individual race

12:00 – 12:30

Relay race

12:30 – 14:00

Picnic bags distribution and on-site picnic


Saturday, 10th of October – Afternoon

Saturday afternoon is free, giving you complete flexibility to choose how to spend your time: you may relax at the hotel, visit the Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia, or explore Milan using our dedicated city guide apps. These apps, available in three languages, provide useful explanations and allow you to create personalized routes based on the time you have available, giving you maximum freedom and flexibility. Based on the choice you make in the registration form, you will receive further information.


Saturday, 10th of October – Evening

18:00 – Arrival at Palazzo del Ghiaccio
Address: Via G. B. Piranesi 14, 20137 Milan, Italy
Nearest public transport:

  • Train – Milano Porta Vittoria (S1, S2, S5, S6, S12, S13) (~2–5 min walk)
  • Metro M4 – Susa (~10–12 min walk)
  • Metro M1 – Porta Venezia (~10–12 min walk)
  • Bus: 90, 91, 93, 54
  • Tram/Trolleybus: 12, 27, 90, 91, 93

Tip: Porta Vittoria is the closest train station and very convenient for walking. Metro M4 (Susa) and Metro M1 (Porta Venezia) are slightly further but still within a 10–12 minute walk. Buses and trams provide additional options depending on your starting point in Milan.

18:00 – 20:00 – Award Ceremony and Aperitif
Celebrate the achievements of the teams in a lively and elegant atmosphere while enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

20:00 – 23:00 – Gala Dinner
A refined dinner with Milanese and international specialties, offering a perfect setting for networking and socializing.

23:00 – 02:00 – Dance Party
Continue the evening with music, dancing, and fun, closing the day on a high note.

End of the evening

No shuttle service is provided at the end of the evening; we recommend choosing a hotel near the Palazzo del Ghiaccio. Those staying elsewhere will need to arrange their return independently after the gala dinner.

Getting a Taxi in Milan

There are several ways to book a taxi in Milan:

  1. By Phone:
  • Call one of the main taxi companies:
  • Radio Taxi Milano: +39 02 8585
  • Taxi Blu: +39 02 4040
  • Samarcanda Taxi: +39 02 6969
  1. Via Mobile Apps:
  • Free Now – widely used, allows you to book in advance, track your driver, and pay by card.
  • ItTaxi – official app connecting to licensed taxis in Milan.
  • Uber – only operates with Uber Black or Uber Comfort (licensed cars, slightly higher fares).