On Sunday, 11 October 2026, at 9:00, the third Gaeta Urban Trail will set off from Via Annunziata: 12.5 kilometres with a 350-metre positive elevation gain entirely within the city. It is not a road race, nor is it a pure mountain trail: it is something right in between, and the reason lies entirely in the terrain beneath your feet.
A route that changes with every step
The organizers describe it as a race with “heterogeneous paving”, which simply means that over twelve kilometres your feet will cover asphalt, volcanic flagstones, dirt paths, mule tracks, cobblestones, single tracks, and stone stairways. That is the difference between running in Gaeta and running anywhere else: here, the historic centre is made of paved climbs and steep stairs, and the race takes you straight through them rather than going around.
Those who arrive expecting a fast-paced city race will find themselves climbing stairs; those expecting a pure trail run will find themselves pushing hard on tarmac. The right choice of shoes is all about compromise, as anyone who ran the first two editions will tell you.
The route, step by step
The detailed route for 2026 has not yet been published. However, the second edition’s route — which gives a clear idea of what to expect — crossed the city in the following order:
- Start through the streets of the historic centre towards the Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Erasmo, with its Norman bell tower.
- Stairways and alleys of medieval Gaeta climbing up towards the Castello Angioino-Aragonese.
- Ascent onto Monte Orlando, inside the Parco Regionale Riviera di Ulisse.
- Descent towards the Santuario della Santissima Trinità, home to the Montagna Spaccata.
- Cliffside paths overlooking the sea near the Mausoleo di Lucio Munazio Planco, the Roman tomb at the top of the mountain.
- Return and finish line in lower medieval Gaeta.
Put this way, the true appeal of this race becomes clear: in just under an hour, you cross two thousand years of urban history. A 1st-century BC mausoleum, a medieval cathedral, an Aragonese castle, and a natural park, all within a single loop.
Key figures from the 2025 edition
The second edition took place on 12 October 2025, with 132 athletes at the start line and 120 finishers. The winners were Salvatore Gambino in 48:40 and Francesca Mannini in 1:00:36, both setting new course records.
A time of 48:40 over 12.5 km with 350 metres of climbing and staircases along the way gives an idea of the competitive level: those aiming for the podium run fast, but the bulk of the pack simply comes to enjoy the scenic loop.
Registration: fees, deadlines, and eligibility
- Fee: 15 euro.
- Where: online via the ICRON platform.
- Registration deadline: Friday 9 October 2026 at 12:00.
- Eligibility: the race is open to members registered with running associations.
- Registration support: info@cronometrogara.it — race information: lt330@fidal.it
Organized by A.S.D. Polisportiva Gaeta 1931, in collaboration with FIDAL and ASI.
How to get there and where to park
The meeting point is at Via Annunziata 50, in Gaeta Vecchia: the medieval quarter, where streets are narrow and parking spots are few. On Sunday mornings the situation is quieter than in the height of summer, but with a race taking place, it is best to arrive early and leave your car outside the old town.
In our parking guide to Gaeta you will find blue line parking rates, private car parks, and the city’s two free parking areas, complete with walking times. If you prefer to ask directly, Enea can answer questions about parking and ZTL (restricted traffic zones) via the central button on the bottom bar.
Visiting from out of town: make a weekend of it
In October, Gaeta is at its very best for walking: no queues, no scorching heat, and the sea is still wonderful to admire. Those coming for the race have an afternoon and a Sunday evening ahead of them in a town they have already glimpsed while running — only in a hurry.
Monte Orlando, climbed during the race, can be revisited at an easy walking pace, and the Montagna Spaccata truly deserves a second look without a stopwatch on your wrist. To plan the rest of your day, our events page lists what is happening around town over the weekend.
In brief
- When: Sunday 11 October 2026, race starts at 9:00.
- Where: Via Annunziata 50, Gaeta Vecchia.
- Distance: 12.5 km, +350 m elevation gain.
- Fee: 15 euro, registration by 9 October.
Dates, route maps, and driving directions can be found on the event page.
