Trail running course near Radda in Chianti, Tuscany, IT
Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB

Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB 46K

46K·551m gain·Radda in Chianti, Italy
ultra50kmountaintrailmarathon

AI-generated image

Distance46K
Gain551m
DateMar 2026
Difficulty3/5

About This Race

The Chianti Ultra Trail 46K sits at the heart of the UTMB World Series event in Tuscany, offering a mid-distance option through one of Italy's most celebrated wine regions. Starting and finishing in the medieval hill town of Radda in Chianti, the course weaves through vineyard-lined trails and ancient woodland paths that connect centuries-old settlements. The March timing means runners encounter Tuscany before the summer tourist crowds arrive, when the landscape shows its wilder character. This distance serves as a practical entry point for runners building toward longer ultra distances or seeking UTMB Running Stones qualification without the multi-day recovery of the 100K events. The route demands familiarity with sustained climbing and technical descents, though exact elevation figures aren't available in current race documentation. The terrain alternates between groomed vineyard tracks and rougher forest trails, requiring adaptable footwork and pacing discipline. As part of the UTMB World Series, the race draws an international field while maintaining strong Italian representation. Aid stations reflect the region's character, and the finish line atmosphere in Radda's historic center provides proper closure to the effort. Runners collect Running Stones toward future UTMB Mont-Blanc qualification, making this a strategic choice for those planning European ultra campaigns.

The route departs Radda in Chianti and explores the forested hills and agricultural valleys that define central Tuscany. Trails pass through working vineyards where spring pruning is still underway, cross oak and chestnut forests, and touch on hamlets like Volpaia and Vertine that date to medieval times. The terrain switches frequently between maintained vineyard access roads and narrower woodland paths, with stream crossings and stone staircases adding technical variety.

While complete course details remain subject to annual confirmation, the mixed terrain designation reflects the characteristic Chianti landscape: neither purely technical mountain running nor groomed trail racing, but rather a shifting combination that requires attention throughout. Navigation follows standard trail markings with course marshals at key junctions, though runners should expect some exposure to vehicle-accessible roads during village passages.

Elevation Profile

Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.

The course gains 551m over 46km, with the steepest section between km 95–km 95.

Location

Practical Info

Nearest Airport

FLR - Florence Airport

Accommodation

Radda in Chianti offers limited lodging; early booking essential as the UTMB event attracts multiple race distances. Nearby Siena (30km) provides broader accommodation options with better transport connections, though requires vehicle access to race start.

Best For

destination runnerswine enthusiastscultural experience seekersintermediate to advanced trail runners

Notable Features

The race operates under the UTMB World Series banner, bringing organizational standards and international field quality to Tuscany's wine country. Beyond the competitive framework, runners move through landscapes where viticulture has shaped the terrain for centuries—the trails themselves often following old farm roads and property boundaries between historic estates. The March date means encountering Chianti in its working season rather than its postcard summer presentation, with muddy sections possible and temperatures that favor sustained effort over heat management.

Other Distances at This Event

10K

47m gain

The route explores the characteristic Chianti terrain of mixed surfaces, including dirt paths between vine rows, connecting trails through oak and chestnut woods, and brief sections through historic village centers with their distinctive pietra serena stonework. Runners can expect the gentle undulations typical of Tuscan hills, though the 10K distance moderates the cumulative effect. The course showcases working vineyards and agricultural landscapes that define this UNESCO-recognized cultural zone.

21K

170m gain

The course explores the agricultural landscape surrounding Radda in Chianti, moving through the patchwork of vineyards, woodlands, and olive groves that define this wine-producing region. Runners can expect mixed terrain typical of Tuscan farmland, including dirt roads connecting estates, vineyard access paths, and forest trails through the oak and chestnut woods that separate cultivated areas. The route likely incorporates sections of the region's white roads, the unpaved limestone tracks called strade bianche that historically connected farms and villages across central Italy. Specific routing details and cumulative elevation are not published in advance. Runners should prepare for variable footing including compact dirt, loose gravel, and potentially muddy conditions depending on spring weather patterns.

75K

577m gain

The 75K route explores the heart of the Chianti Classico wine region, connecting medieval villages and working vineyards through trails that have served local communities for centuries. Runners encounter mixed surfaces throughout, from narrow dirt paths through oak and chestnut forests to exposed vineyard roads with commanding views across the Tuscan hills. The terrain demands continuous attention to footing, particularly on descents where loose stones and root systems require technical skill. Mid-March timing means cooler temperatures and the possibility of muddy conditions, especially in forested sections where winter runoff lingers. The course includes several aid stations positioned in villages along the route, offering both standard ultra nutrition and regional specialties.

120K

5,200m gain

The flagship 4 Running Stone distance takes runners on an epic journey connecting Chianti's historic castles across 120 kilometers of demanding terrain. With 5200 meters of elevation gain, this race represents one of the more challenging offerings in the UTMB World Series, demanding both physical and mental fortitude.