Pistoia-Abetone Ultramarathon
The toughest and most fascinating uphill ultramarathon in the Tuscan Apennines
About Pistoia-Abetone
A classic of the Italian ultramarathon scene
The Pistoia-Abetone Ultramarathon is much more than just a race: it is a legend of Tuscan athletics. Every year, on the last Sunday of June, hundreds of runners gather in Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia to tackle the 50 kilometers that climb up to the Abetone pass in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The route starts at an altitude of about 65 meters in the heart of the city and reaches the 1,388-meter summit, with a total positive elevation gain exceeding 1,300 meters, making it one of the toughest uphill ultramarathons in Europe.
The history: from Artidoro Berti's feat to 1976
The roots of the race go back to 1968, when Pistoia-born marathoner Artidoro Berti wanted to demonstrate the endurance of a runner by embarking on a solo run from Pistoia to Abetone. That feat led to the first official edition of the Pistoia-Abetone on July 18, 1976, which was destined to become an internationally renowned event within a few years. Since then, the race has never stopped attracting enthusiasts from all over Italy and abroad.
The route and the Pistoia Mountains
From the art city of Pistoia, the track climbs up the Reno Valley, passing through the villages of the Pistoia Mountains: Le Piastre, where the flying finish line is set after the first few kilometers of ascent, San Marcello Piteglio, the Casotti di Cutigliano, and finally the final climb towards Abetone. The climb dominates most of the 50 km, with an alternation of grueling stretches and short respites on false flats. Numerous refreshment points are located along the route, spaced between 2 and 5 km apart, with showers available in San Marcello and Abetone.
More than just a race: various distances for everyone
In addition to the classic 50 km race, which serves as the sole event for the IUTA 50 km Uphill Italian Championship, the organizers offer formats for every level:
- Pistoia-San Marcello: 30 km competitive race
- Le Piastre: 14 km competitive race
- Free Walking San Marcello-Abetone: 20 km non-competitive walk
- Quarto Traguardo Le Regine-Abetone: 3 km route dedicated to people with disabilities
This variety makes the event a celebration of sport and community that involves the entire territory of the Province of Pistoia, in Tuscany, turning the day into a grand festival of running and mountain life.
Pistoia-Abetone — edition 2026
Pistoia-Abetone Ultramarathon 2026 — 49th edition
The 49th edition takes place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with a meeting at 6:00 AM and the start at 7:30 AM from Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia. The premier 50 km race is valid as the sole event of the IUTA 50 km Uphill Italian Championship and is limited to a maximum of 900 athletes.
Programme Pistoia-Abetone 2026
Daily schedule
- 06:00 — Competitors gather in Piazza del Duomo, Pistoia
- 07:30 — Start of the 50 km, 30 km, and 14 km races from Piazza del Duomo
- from approx. 11:00 — Arrival of the first athletes at Abetone
- 16:30 — Maximum time for the 50 km (9 hours)
Distances
- 50 km Pistoia-Abetone — premier competitive race, round of the IUTA 50 km Uphill Italian Championship (max 900 athletes)
- 30 km Pistoia-San Marcello — competitive race (max 400 athletes)
- 14 km Le Piastre — competitive race with flying finish
- 20 km Free Walking San Marcello-Abetone — non-competitive walk
- 3 km Quarto Traguardo Le Regine-Abetone — route dedicated to people with disabilities (free)
Services along the route
Numerous refreshment points spaced between 2 and 5 km apart, showers in San Marcello and Abetone, race pack with medal, finisher bib, and certificate of participation with intermediate times. Free shuttle service back to Pistoia from Le Piastre (10:30), San Marcello (12:00, 13:00, 14:00), and Abetone (from 14:00 to 17:30).
Online registration at pistoia-abetone.net/iscriviti, via email at [email protected], or at the organizational headquarters at Viale Adua 94/B in Pistoia.
Highlights Pistoia-Abetone 2026
Prices Pistoia-Abetone 2026
Practical information — Pistoia-Abetone
How to get there
The start is in Piazza del Duomo, in the historic center of Pistoia. The city is easily accessible by train (Pistoia station on the Florence-Lucca-Viareggio line) and by car via the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway, Pistoia exit.
Return service
The organization provides a free shuttle service back to Pistoia from Le Piastre, San Marcello, and Abetone at various times in the afternoon.
Tips
As this is a mountain race at the end of June, it is advisable to bring clothing suitable for both the heat of the plains and the cooler temperatures of Abetone. Numerous accommodation facilities are available in the Pistoia Mountains and in Abetone for those wishing to stay overnight after the race.
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Where does it take place — Pistoia-Abetone
Piazza del Duomo (partenza) — Abetone (arrivo)
Piazza del Duomo, 51100 Pistoia