Step into the fiery heart of Italy’s history by running atop Mount Vesuvius, where nature's raw power meets human endurance. This September, lace up your shoes and prepare to conquer one of Europe's most iconic active volcanoes. The race offers four distinct challenges tailored for runners with varying levels of ambition: - Vesuvio Ultra: For the trail-running elite, this 65-kilometer behemoth climbs an impressive 4,000 meters in elevation gain before even reaching the crater. Imagine pushing through the silence and then hearing nature's roar as you near the summit. - Vesuvio Marathon: A more manageable yet still formidable challenge at 43 kilometers with a daunting ascent of 3,300 meters. This race is perfect for those who crave both distance and altitude without venturing into ultramarathon territory. - Spartacus Trail: For runners seeking an adventure that's less punishing but no less thrilling, the 21-kilometer route climbs over 1,300 meters in elevation gain. It offers a taste of Vesuvius’s rugged terrain with breathtaking views along the way. - Vesuvio Short Trail: Ideal for beginners and those looking to experience the volcano's allure without committing too much distance or time, this 12-kilometer race ascends nearly 900 meters in elevation gain. It provides a memorable introduction to running on an active volcano. All routes begin at Ottaviano, a quaint village nestled at the base of Mount Vesuvius. As you ascend, expect stunning vistas and a sense of solitude as you approach the summit. The final stretch culminates with breathtaking panoramas of Naples Bay—a moment that will leave all runners speechless. Post-race recovery is uniquely Italian. Indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza at local pizzerias where each slice costs around €5, or savor artisanal gelato from neighborhood ice cream shops to soothe your weary muscles. Naples offers more than just culinary delights; it's a city rich with history and culture. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii via train for an unforgettable journey back in time. Stroll through the historic center, relax on Gaiola Beach, or take a refreshing dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea. For those looking to unwind further, catch La Fille du Régiment at Teatro di San Carlo, one of the world's most renowned opera houses. Venture into the Santa Chiara Monastery with its stunning Gothic architecture and vibrant ceramic tiles, or delve deep into history by exploring the intricate network of catacombs beneath Naples. If you're eager for a post-race getaway, hop on a ferry to Capri in under an hour. This island paradise boasts crystalline waters, dramatic cliffs, and serene beaches—perfect for recharging after your mountainous feat. Join us this September as we climb the slopes of Vesuvius and immerse ourselves in its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage. You'll create memories that will last a lifetime—and perhaps even inspire envy among friends who didn't have the chance to run atop an active volcano.
Races Offered
Vesuvio Ultra
Sep 19, 2026
straighten
Distance —
65K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:30
sell
€90.00
Vesuvio Marathon
Sep 19, 2026
straighten
Distance —
43K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
€80.00
Spartacus Trail
Sep 19, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
€60.00
Vesuvio Short Trail
Sep 19, 2026
straighten
Distance —
12K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
€40.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Ottaviano.
thermostatTemperature
17.2° / 27.4°
wb_sunnyFeels like
17.7° / 27.5°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 39m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.7 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
6.0 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
71.2%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:43
nightlight
Sunset
19:10
About Ottaviano
Learn more about the host city, Ottaviano.
Ottaviano is a comune (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Naples in the Italian region of Campania, located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of Naples and is located in the Vesuvian Area. Ottaviano was in Roman times a hamlet of houses within a vast estate belonging to the gens Octavia, Augustus' family.