Mount Vesuvius Race

Running at the foot of Mount Vesuvius

The Mount Vesuvius Race is a running event held on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, in the Municipality of Ercolano, within the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania. The event was created to bridge two of the most iconic landmarks of the Vesuvian region: the Archaeological Park of Ercolano, with its Roman ruins, and the volcano that dominates the Gulf of Naples. It is more than just a sports competition; it is a journey designed to let athletes experience the beauty, history, and nature of this land.

Who organizes the event

The race is promoted by the Allied Joint Force Command Naples in collaboration with the Municipality of Ercolano and with the authorization of the Vesuvius National Park Authority. The initiative specifically involves military personnel from the allied base alongside the local community, and over the years, it has become a symbol of the positive relations between NATO and its Italian host territory.

The route and distances

The event traditionally offers three distances, suitable for different levels of training:

• 12 km: the most challenging test, featuring a long climb toward the summit of the volcano;
• 5 km: an intermediate distance;
• 2 km: a shorter route, also open to less experienced runners.

All tracks converge toward the Quota 1000 square, a viewpoint located at an altitude of one thousand meters that offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Naples. The editions have taken place along Via Contrada Osservatorio, the scenic road that climbs Mount Vesuvius, which is temporarily closed to traffic during the race to ensure the safety of the participants.

A low-impact event

The Mount Vesuvius Race is designed as a low-impact event, consistent with the protected nature of the Vesuvius National Park. Running in this setting means traversing one of Italy's most evocative landscapes, amidst Mediterranean scrub, lava flows, and panoramas that span the entire Vesuvian area. It is a unique way to discover Ercolano and its surroundings, combining physical activity with cultural and landscape appreciation.

Ercolano and the Vesuvian territory

Ercolano, world-famous for its UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, is the gateway to the volcano and the Vesuvius National Park. The race ideally connects the ancient city, buried by the eruption of 79 AD, to the still-active volcano, offering athletes and spectators an experience that weaves together sport, archaeology, and nature in a single day.