Vesuvius Ultra Marathon 2025
See more about the offers- Next eventย :ย Sat, May 31, 2025Date confirmed
The event in a few words
If you're looking to crank up the intensity like a lava-spewing volcano, this race is for you! In May, you'll find yourself atop the Vesuvius, with your legs on fire ๐ฅ (kind of like the crater, but that's not the goal ๐ค). Let's be real, the Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe that has erupted in the past hundred years ๐ซฃ. But don't worry, everything's under control ๐ง. And honestly, who hasnโt dreamed of running on an active volcano? ๐คช Imagine being able to say: โYeah, I ran on Vesuvius. What did you do this weekend?โ ๐
If you want to challenge this fiery beast, you have four options depending on your level of craziness. If you're a hardcore trail enthusiast, aim for the "Vesuvio Ultra" of 75 km : 4650 m elevation gain and 30 km to cover before even beginning the climb to the crater ๐๏ธ. By that point, you'll likely hear the lava roaring to cheer you on ๐ฅ. You can also push your limits on the "Vesuvio Marathon" of 50 km, which boasts 3700 m elevation gain, perfect if you're seeking a big challenge ๐ช. If you're after something more reasonable but still intense, go for the "Vesuvio Trail" of 30 km with 2040 m elevation gain, enough to feel the volcanic heat without ending up in tatters ๐ . And for a softer option (but still what the Italians call "tosta" ๐ค), the "Spartacus Trail" of 20 km offering 1270 m elevation gain will let you taste the adventure without getting your wings burned ๐ชฝ. Regardless of the distance you choose, you'll start from Ottaviano, a small village at the foot of the giant, and then climb up to the Vesuvius crater ๐๏ธ. Up there, it's just you, your legs, and an awe-inspiring view of the Bay of Naples ๐. We're all in agreement, the challenge might seem daunting, but as they say here: "Chi non risica, non rosica" (nothing ventured, nothing gained ๐คทโโ๏ธ).
Afterwards, get ready for some Italian-style recovery! ๐ฎ๐น Because after tackling Vesuvius, there's nothing quite like a Neapolitan pizza ๐ (they run about 5โฌ here ๐). If you think you know pizza, think again โ this will redefine your standards ๐ซ . If you have a sweet tooth, detour to a local gelateria for artisanal gelato ๐คค, after 20 or 75 kilometers, it hits the spot ๐ฆ. Running in Napoli also means diving into the Italian way of life and enjoying the Dolce Vita โ๏ธ. Kick back and relax, you just climbed Vesuvius! Grab a ristretto โ๏ธ on the terrace, take a dip ๐ฆ in the Tyrrhenian Sea ๐, sunbathe on Gaiola Beach, and stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage city center ๐...Farniente!
We hope you have some free time, because this place has plenty of surprises ๐ฎ waiting for you! On race night, don't miss the comic opera ๐ La fille du rรฉgiment Donizetti at the Teatro di San Carlo, one of the most prestigious theaters in the world ๐ถ. For a more tranquil pause, visit the Monastery of Santa Chiara โช๏ธ with its beautiful colored tiles and Gothic architecture. If you're more of an adventure seeker, explore the San Gennaro Catacombs ๐ท, a mysterious network beneath the city, filled with history and fascinating tales ๐. Want a jump back in time? โฑ๏ธ The site of Pompeii, just a few minutes by train ๐, offers a journey into Antiquity ๐๏ธ. Buried under Vesuvius's ashes in 79 AD, this Roman city will give you chills with its incredibly well-preserved ruins ๐.
And if you're dreaming of a slice of paradise after your athletic feats ๐คฉ, board a ferry and in 50 minutes, you'll be in Capri ๐ด. Its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscapes are perfect for a post-race getaway ๐. With the Grotta Azzurra ๐ชจ, its towering cliffs โฐ๏ธ, and its stunning beaches ๐๏ธ, you're bound to leave with unforgettable memories ๐.
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
- 75โkmTOP
- 50โkm
- 30โkm
- 20โkm
- Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 7:00 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 4650mD+
- 4 ITRA points
30โkm : Vesuvio Trail
Trail- Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 8:30 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 2040mD+
- 2 ITRA points
20โkm : Spartacus Trail
Trail- Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 9:30 AM
- Elevation gainย :ย 1270mD+
- 1 point ITRA
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Participants must be lined up along the start line at least 30 minutes before the start time, in front of the Mediceo Castle in Ottaviano.
The race start times are as follows:
Vesuvio Ultra (75 km): 7 AM
Vesuvio Marathon (50 km): 8 AM
Vesuvio Trail (30 km): 8:30 AM
Spartacus Short Trail (20 km): 9:30 AM
You can collect your race bib at the Mediceo Castle in Ottaviano - Vesuvius National Park Authority - on Friday, May 30, 2025 (from 3 PM to 8 PM) and Saturday, May 31, 2025 (starting from 6 AM until 30 minutes before the race start time).
Refreshments for the 75 km:
Liquid refreshments are available at km 15, 24, 61, and 71, with both solid and liquid refreshments at km 21, 36, and 49. Aid stations are also set up to ensure runner safety. An additional refreshment with hot food and drinks is available at km 49.
Refreshments for the 50 km:
Liquid refreshments are at km 15, 24, and 40, with both solid and liquid refreshments at km 21 and 36.
Refreshments for the 30 km:
Liquid refreshments are available at km 16 and 20, with both solid and liquid refreshments at km 16.
Refreshments for the 20 km:
Solid and liquid refreshments are available at km 16.
Yes, you need to provide a medical certificate showing no contraindications for competitive sports, athletics, or running, dated within one year of the race date.
The "Vesuvio Ultra 75 km" must be completed within 18 hours. There are 3 time barriers to respect during the race:
Reach the 24th kilometer before 2 PM (7 hours after the start)
Reach the 49th kilometer before 6 PM (11 hours after the start)
Reach the 61st kilometer before 9 PM (14 hours after the start)
The "Vesuvio Marathon 50 km" must be completed within 12 hours. There are 2 time barriers to respect during the race:
Reach the 24th kilometer before 3 PM (7 hours after the start)
Reach the 40th kilometer before 6 PM (10 hours after the start)
The "Vesuvio Trail 30 km" must be completed within 8 hours. There is one time barrier during the race:
Reach the 20th kilometer before 1:30 PM (5 hours after the start)
The "Spartacus Short Trail 20 km" must be completed within 6 hours. There are no time barriers in this race.
For the "Vesuvio Ultra" (75 km) and "Vesuvio Marathon" (50 km), each athlete must have the following:
A backpack or Camelbak that can hold at least 1L of water
A flashlight
A cup or water bottle (no cups available at aid stations)
A whistle
A bandana or cap
A waterproof jacket
An elastic bandage
A survival blanket
A food supply
A visible race bib
A fully charged mobile phone
Shoe covers are highly recommended (sandy areas along the path)
For the "Vesuvio Trail" (30 km) and "Spartacus Short Trail" (20 km), each athlete must have:
A Camelbak or water bottle holder that can hold at least 1/2L of water
A cup or water bottle (no cups available at aid stations)
A waterproof jacket
A fully charged mobile phone
"Vesuvio Ultra" (75 km) - Maximum 100 participants -:
From October 11, 2024, to January 31, 2025: โฌ50
From February 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025: โฌ70
From April 1, 2025, to May 24, 2025: โฌ90
"Vesuvio Marathon" (50 km) - Maximum 200 participants -:
From October 11, 2024, to January 31, 2025: โฌ40
From February 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025: โฌ60
From April 1, 2025, to May 24, 2025: โฌ80
"Vesuvio Trail" (30 km) - Maximum 250 participants -:
From October 11, 2024, to January 31, 2025: โฌ30
From February 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025: โฌ50
From April 1, 2025, to May 24, 2025: โฌ60
"Spartacus Short Trail" (20 km) - Maximum 250 participants -:
From October 11, 2024, to January 31, 2025: โฌ20
From February 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025: โฌ30
From April 1, 2025, to May 24, 2025: โฌ40
Yes! The top 10 men and top 10 women in all races will be awarded. The first male and female in each category will receive a special prize. A participation gift will be given to all finishers who complete the race according to the rules.
Every participant must be at least 18 years old on the day of the race.
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