Trail running course through mixed terrain in Tuscany, IT

Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB 120K

120K·5,200m gain·Radda in Chianti, Italy

ultramountaintrail

AI-generated image

Distance120K

Gain5,200m

DateMar 2026

Difficulty5/5

About This Race

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.

Elevation Profile

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

The course gains 5,200m over 120km, with the steepest section between km 32–km 33.

Location

Loading map...

Practical Info

Weather

Spring conditions in Tuscany typically feature mild temperatures, moderate humidity, and occasional light rain, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit.

Nearest Airport

FLR - Florence Airport

Accommodation

Radda in Chianti offers boutique hotels, agriturismos, and wine estates for lodging. Florence, about 45 minutes away, provides additional accommodation options with easy access to the race venue.

Best For

destination runnerswine enthusiastscultural experience seekersintermediate to advanced trail runners

Notable Features

This UTMB World Series event uniquely combines serious trail running with Tuscany's wine culture, taking runners through historic Chianti vineyards, medieval castles, and traditional villages. The spring timing offers ideal weather and showcases the region at its most beautiful, while the finish-line celebrations feature local Chianti wines and traditional Italian hospitality that sets this race apart from typical mountain ultras.

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.

46K

551m gain

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.

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.