Crete Senesi Ultramarathon
Running through the rolling hills of the Crete Senesi, starting from Rapolano Terme
About Crete Senesi Ultramarathon
A run in the heart of the Crete Senesi
The Crete Senesi Ultramarathon is a running event held in Rapolano Terme, in the province of Siena, Tuscany. Established in 2023, the race has quickly secured a firm place on the calendar for trail and ultramarathon enthusiasts, thanks to a route that traverses one of Italy's most recognizable landscapes: the Crete Senesi, with their badlands, clay hills, solitary cypress trees, and cultivated expanses that change color with the seasons.
The three distances
The race offers three courses suitable for runners of varying levels, all starting and managed from the Rapolano Terme area:
- Crete ULTRA — 50 km with approximately 800 meters of elevation gain, the premier event reserved for ultramarathoners;
- Crete LONG — 30 km with approximately 400 meters of elevation gain, for those seeking a challenging yet more manageable distance;
- Crete SHORT — 15 km with approximately 240 meters of elevation gain, available in both competitive and non-competitive versions, ideal for those new to trail running.
A weekend of sports and tradition
The Crete Senesi Ultramarathon is more than just a race: it is a full weekend of events. Friday sees the opening of the expo area featuring local products and wines. Saturday is dedicated to exploring the landscape, with the "City Tour Crete Senesi" by bus, a visit to the Tenuta di San Gimignanello with a tasting, the 7.5 km nature Eco-Walk starting from the Parco dell'Acqua, and live music and a pasta party in the evening. Sunday is race day, with starts in the morning from the town center and the finish line at the Parco dell'Acqua.
Travertine medals and a spirit of solidarity
Among the event's hallmarks are the travertine medals, the stone that symbolizes Rapolano Terme, and its focus on charity: in previous editions, fundraising efforts have helped build a water well in Zambia and supported prevention projects, with a special emphasis on local associations. The race also honors "the Senators," athletes who have completed every edition held to date.
Rapolano Terme and the surrounding area
Renowned for its thermal waters, the Municipality of Rapolano Terme offers participants and their companions an ideal setting to combine sports with relaxation. Running through the Crete Senesi means immersing oneself in a protected landscape, a candidate for international recognition, where the physical challenge of the race is matched by the beauty of unique Tuscan vistas.
Crete Senesi Ultramarathon — edition 2026
4th Crete Senesi Ultramarathon (2026)
The 2026 edition, the fourth of the event, was spread over three days. Friday, May 1st, saw the opening of the expo area with local products and wines. Saturday, May 2nd, was the day for the "City Tour Crete Senesi" by bus, including a visit to the Tenuta di San Gimignanello, the 7.5 km nature Eco-Walk from the Parco dell'Acqua, and in the evening, music by the Magic Rockets and a pasta party.
The races on Sunday, May 3rd
The three competitive events kicked off on the morning of Sunday, May 3rd: the Crete ULTRA 50 km (800m elevation gain), the Crete LONG 30 km (400m elevation gain), and the Crete SHORT 15 km (240m elevation gain), the latter also available in a non-competitive version. The popular travertine medals and the spirit of solidarity that has always accompanied the Rapolano Terme event were confirmed.
Programme Crete Senesi Ultramarathon 2026
2026 Program
- Friday, May 1st — Evening opening of the expo area with local products and wines.
- Saturday, May 2nd — City Tour Crete Senesi by bus (departures at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM) with a visit to the Tenuta di San Gimignanello and tasting; 7.5 km nature Eco-Walk from the Parco dell'Acqua; in the evening, music by the Magic Rockets and pasta party. On-site registration at the Parco dell'Acqua (8:00 AM–7:00 PM).
- Sunday, May 3rd — Competitive races starting from the center: Crete ULTRA 50 km (8:00 AM), Crete LONG 30 km (8:15 AM), Crete SHORT 15 km (9:30 AM). Finish at the Parco dell'Acqua.
Highlights Crete Senesi Ultramarathon 2026
- Three distances: 50 km, 30 km, and 15 km (also non-competitive)
- Routes through the Crete Senesi badlands
- Travertine medals from Rapolano Terme
- City Tour, Eco-Walk, music by the Magic Rockets, and pasta party
- Race valid for the 24th IUTA Grand Prix 2026
Prices Crete Senesi Ultramarathon 2026
Practical information — Crete Senesi Ultramarathon
Getting there
Rapolano Terme is located in the province of Siena, a short distance from the Valdichiana exit of the A1 motorway and the Siena–Bettolle junction. By train, the Rapolano Terme station is served by the Siena–Chiusi line. The event headquarters is the Parco dell'Acqua, with race starts in the historic center (Viale Mazzini), approximately 800 meters from the expo area.
Registration and contact
Registration is available online via the official website (creteultramarathon.it). On-site registration is available at the Parco dell'Acqua, subject to remaining spots. Info: [email protected], tel. +39 351 7163510.
Tips
We recommend booking accommodation well in advance, considering the thermal resorts and agritourism farmhouses in the area. Trail running gear and footwear are recommended for the dirt paths through the hills.
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Where does it take place — Crete Senesi Ultramarathon
Parco dell'Acqua
Viale Mazzini, 53040 Rapolano Terme