6/8/12 Hours of Civitas Aquana

A timed ultramarathon in the heart of Abruzzo

The 6/8/12 Hours of Civitas Aquana is a timed ultramarathon race held in Civitaquana, a village of a few hundred inhabitants in the province of Pescara, in the heart of Abruzzo. The format follows the classic endurance loop style: competitors run on a 1,028-meter circuit with a 19-meter elevation gain, completely closed to traffic. The winner is the athlete who covers the greatest distance within the chosen time. The start and finish lines are located at the square of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which serves as the event's headquarters.

Three endurance distances plus a walk

The event offers three competitive races—6, 8, and 12 hours—designed for ultramarathoners of all levels, from endurance beginners to long-distance specialists. Alongside the timed races, there is a 10 km non-competitive walk, open to enthusiasts and families, allowing everyone to experience the day's atmosphere without the pressure of the clock. The short, repetitive circuit, typical of timed events, allows spectators and families to follow the athletes lap by lap and helps runners manage their pace and supplies with precision.

A national and regional circuit event

Civitas Aquana is more than just a local gathering: the races are part of the IUTA Grand Prix calendar, the national Italian ultramarathon circuit, and the regional UISP Ultra Abruzzo circuit. This dual recognition attracts athletes from all over the country to Civitaquana, giving the event a competitive significance that extends far beyond the municipal borders and contributing to the growth of the ultramarathon movement in Abruzzo.

Sports, village life, and Abruzzese conviviality

Organized by ASD MC Manoppello Sogeda with the support of the municipal administration, the day combines athletic effort with the festive spirit typical of Abruzzese towns. At the end of the races, the traditional post-race feast features arrosticini—the iconic sheep meat skewers that symbolize regional gastronomy—bringing together athletes, volunteers, and local residents. Running in Civitaquana means testing your limits in an ultramarathon while discovering the hospitality of a small town in the Pescara hinterland.