Vesuvio Ultra Marathon
Four trail runs on the volcano's slopes, starting from the Palazzo Mediceo in Ottaviano
About VUM
Running on the slopes of Vesuvius
In just a few years, the Vesuvio Ultra Marathon has become the benchmark event for trail running in the Campania region. The race takes place entirely within the Vesuvius National Park, with its logistical hub in the town of Ottaviano, near Naples. It offers four competitive races and a non-competitive walking event. This is a race measured by more than just kilometers: you run over ancient lava flows, volcanic sand, forest paths, and scenic trails overlooking the Gulf of Naples, with views that, on clear days, stretch all the way to Capri and Ischia.
Four courses for every level
The event's structure allows every runner to choose the distance best suited to their training:
- Vesuvio Ultra, 65 km with approximately 4,000 meters of elevation gain: the flagship race, included in the ITRA calendar and recognized as an UTMB Index Race.
- Vesuvio Marathon, 43 km with approximately 3,300 meters of elevation gain: a loop that embraces the volcano, including the climbs of the Monte Somma ridges.
- Spartacus Trail, 21 km with approximately 1,300 meters of elevation gain, the perfect balance between challenge and scenery.
- Vesuvio Short Trail, 12 km with approximately 900 meters of elevation gain, ideal for those new to trail running.
All races are held in semi-autonomy, with staggered starts throughout the day, aid stations along the route, and specific time limits.
A journey through history and nature
The charm of the route lies in the places it traverses. From the undergrowth of the Carcova—an ancient volcanic vent where, according to legend, Spartacus surprised the Roman legions during the slave revolt—you climb toward the crater, passing through the wild Valle dell'Inferno and the historic Via Matrone. The landscape is ever-changing: from the forests of Monte Somma with its characteristic ridges to the almost lunar volcanic plains, and the broom bushes that paint the volcano's slopes yellow. It is an itinerary that tells the story of the geology, ancient history, and biodiversity of one of Italy's most visited national parks.
The Palazzo Mediceo, the heart of the event
The start and finish are located at the Palazzo Mediceo in Ottaviano, a historic residence linked to the Medici family and now the headquarters of the Vesuvius National Park Authority. The palace gardens host the start area, bib collection, and the event village: a setting that connects athletic performance with the historical heritage of the Vesuvius area, turning the day into a true local celebration with the community cheering along the first few inclines.
An international event
The race is organized by VUM Outdoor with the support of the Vesuvius National Park Authority, the Municipality of Ottaviano, and other local towns. Born almost as a game among mountain running enthusiasts, it has quickly crossed national borders: in the 2025 edition, nearly a thousand athletes from 27 nations took part, and by the spring of 2026, international participants already accounted for about 45% of the total, with growing numbers among the under-30s.
Sustainability and new features
Environmental awareness is part of the race's identity: it is a Plastic Free certified event, featuring wooden medals for finishers and strict rules regarding littering on the park's trails. To protect biodiversity and the fauna's reproductive cycles, the Vesuvio Ultra Marathon has moved from its traditional spring slot to autumn starting in 2026. Other new features include the introduction of walking—a non-competitive 12 km event for those who prefer to hike—and special awards for the best male and female under-30 athletes across all four distances.
VUM — edition 2026
The return to the volcano, in autumn
For the first time, the Vesuvio Ultra Marathon leaves its spring slot and moves to September. The decision, explained by the organizers at VUM Outdoor, stems from the need to ensure athlete safety and protect the reproductive cycles of the fauna in the Vesuvius National Park, a protected area and Biosphere Reserve. The event is set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Ottaviano, in the province of Naples.
The four races
The sports program remains divided into four distances: the Vesuvio Ultra, 65 km with 4,000 meters of elevation gain; the Vesuvio Marathon, 43 km with 3,300 meters; the Spartacus Trail, 21 km with 1,300 meters; and the Vesuvio Short Trail, 12 km with 900 meters. All events are included in the ITRA calendar and recognized as UTMB Index Races: 3 points for the 65 km and 43 km, and 1 point for the 21 km.
Numbers and new features
By spring, the organizers had already exceeded 350 registrations, with 45% of athletes coming from abroad, and a marked increase in participation among the under-30s, to whom special male and female awards are dedicated for each distance. The big news of the year is the Vesuvio Walking, a non-competitive event on the 12-kilometer course, designed for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to hike rather than race.
Programme VUM 2026
Friday, September 18, 2026
- From 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Bib collection at the Palazzo Mediceo in Ottaviano
Saturday, September 19, 2026
- From 6:00 AM - Bib collection, until twenty minutes before each start
- 6:30 AM - Start of the Vesuvio Ultra, 65 km with 4,000 m elevation gain
- 7:30 AM - Start of the Vesuvio Marathon, 43 km with 3,300 m elevation gain
- 8:00 AM - Start of the Spartacus Trail, 21 km with 1,300 m elevation gain
- 8:30 AM - Start of the Vesuvio Short Trail, 12 km with 900 m elevation gain
The Vesuvio Walking, a non-competitive 12 km event, also takes place on the same day. All races start and finish at the Palazzo Mediceo and are held in semi-autonomy. Time limits range from 16 hours for the 65 km to 12 hours for the 43 km, and up to 4 hours for the shortest race. Award ceremonies are held at the Palazzo Mediceo at the end of the races.
Highlights VUM 2026
- Start and finish in the gardens of the Palazzo Mediceo in Ottaviano, headquarters of the Vesuvius National Park Authority
- Climb to the Vesuvius crater and crossing of the Valle dell'Inferno
- The historic Via Matrone and the Carcova, where legend says Spartacus surprised the Roman legions
- The ridges and forest paths of the Monte Somma massif
- ITRA and UTMB Index Race events: 3 points for the 65 km and 43 km, 1 point for the 21 km
- 2026 novelty: 12 km non-competitive walking event and special under-30 awards
- Plastic Free certified event, with wooden medals for finishers
Prices VUM 2026
Practical information — VUM
Getting there
Ottaviano can be reached by car via the A30 or A3 Naples-Salerno motorways, exiting toward the Vesuvius area. By train, the Circumvesuviana line (Naples-Sarno) stops at the Ottaviano station, just a few minutes from the Palazzo Mediceo. The nearest airport is Naples-Capodichino, approximately 30 kilometers away.
Bibs and regulations
Bib collection takes place at the Palazzo Mediceo on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, up to twenty minutes before each start. A minimum age of 18 is required, and participants must carry the mandatory gear specified in the regulations: backpack, headlamp, whistle, rain jacket, and mobile phone. Full regulations, available in Italian, English, and French, are published on the official website.
Useful tips
The trails are technical and largely consist of volcanic sand: trail shoes with good grip and an adequate water supply are recommended, as there are many sections exposed to the sun. Ottaviano and nearby towns offer agritourisms and bed and breakfasts, but it is also possible to stay in Naples, Pompeii, or Torre del Greco and reach the start on the day of the race.
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Where does it take place — VUM
Palazzo Mediceo di Ottaviano
Palazzo Mediceo, Via Palazzo del Principe, 80044 Ottaviano