Voltigno Skyrace

The Voltigno Skyrace

The Voltigno Skyrace (long known as the Voltigno Skytrail) is one of the most iconic skyrunning races in the Abruzzo hinterland. It takes place in Villa Celiera, a small mountain village in the Province of Pescara, on the edge of the Voltigno plateau within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Organized by the Polisportiva Sci Club Villa Celiera, the event attracts mountain running athletes and enthusiasts from all over Italy every spring.

The Two Races

The event features two distinct courses, both starting and finishing in Piazza Nuova, in the center of Villa Celiera:

• Skymarathon: approximately 34 km with over 2,150 meters of positive elevation gain, the flagship race reserved for the most experienced athletes;
• Skyrun: approximately 19 km with over 1,180 meters of positive elevation gain, a more accessible yet still technical and demanding distance.

The routes traverse trails, forest roads, natural terrain, woodlands, and rocky ridges. From the village, a tough initial climb leads to Monte Bertona; the route then continues towards the Morrone di Villa Celiera and, in the longer version, reaches the highest points of the massif, among spires, beech forests, and high-altitude meadows.

A Journey Through the Voltigno

The charm of the race lies in its landscape: the Voltigno plateau is one of the wildest and most evocative areas of the Abruzzo Apennines, dotted with sinkholes, pastures, and rock formations like the famous Merletti and the Scalate of Villa Celiera. Competitors cross high-mountain environments before returning to the village for the grand finale in the main square.

History of the Event

The race was born in 2017 as the Voltigno Skytrail and has grown with every edition, establishing itself in the Apennine skyrunning calendar. In 2026, it reached its eighth edition, rebranding as the Voltigno Skyrace. The event is managed by the Polisportiva Sci Club Villa Celiera, a local sports organization dedicated to promoting the Abruzzo mountains and outdoor traditions.

Villa Celiera and the Abruzzo Mountains

Situated at over 700 meters above sea level in the municipality of Villa Celiera, the village serves as a gateway to the Voltigno plateau and the southern slopes of the Gran Sasso. For the Pescara area and the entire Abruzzo region, the Skyrace represents a key opportunity for sports and tourism promotion, blending competition, pristine nature, and traditional village hospitality.