Puglia by UTMBCastellaneta Marina, Italy🇮🇹
About Puglia by UTMB 2026
Puglia by UTMB 2026 is a trail race held from Fri, Oct 23, 2026 to Sun, Oct 25, 2026 in Castellaneta Marina, Italy; the start is at 21:00.
Registration is taken on the official site; no deadline has been announced. Dates, registration windows and fees on this page are refreshed every morning by scanning federation, timing and organiser sites; registration always happens on the official race site.
Someone running 30 km a week needs 25 weeks, about 6 months, to prepare for the 145K course of Puglia by UTMB 2026; that start day was Fri, May 1, 2026, so the window has passed with 1 week left to the race.
Between history and wild nature, this Puglia by UTMB takes you from Matera to Castellaneta Marina, crossing the spectacular Gravine Natural Park. Steep trails, breathtaking canyons, and stunning panoramas mark this demanding route. After an adventure through cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, reaching the golden beaches of the Ionian Sea is an unforgettable reward. Ready to take on the challenge and experience a unique adventure in Puglia?
Courses
| Course | Distance | Elevation Gain | Km-effort | Course file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145K | 145 km | 3500 m D+ | 180 | GPX |
| 85K | 85 km | 2000 m D+ | 105 | GPX |
| 50K | 50 km | 1000 m D+ | 60 | GPX |
| 35K | 35 km | 350 m D+ | 39 | GPX |
| 10K | 10 km | 50 m D+ | 11 | GPX |
There are 5 courses: 145K (3500 m D+); 85K (2000 m D+); 50K (1000 m D+); 35K (350 m D+); 10K (50 m D+).
Course map and elevation profile
Race day weather
- Race day forecast: 11°C to 19°C, 33% chance of rain, wind up to 20 km/h (a moderate wind).
- Sunrise 07:13, sunset 18:01.
The forecast comes from Open-Meteo and sharpens as the day approaches. Local conditions on race morning can differ.
Race briefing
145K course140 km · 3301 m gain · 11% uphill · 11 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 140 km with 3301 m of climbing, 24 m per km. The course sits between 1 m and 506 m of altitude. 59% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-21 km · Start → Murgia Materana: 622 m up / 787 m down; the stretch descends.
- 21-30 km · Murgia Materana → Montescaglioso: 355 m up / 391 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 30-44 km · Montescaglioso → Ginosa: 391 m up / 315 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 44-55 km · Ginosa → Laterza: 194 m up / 125 m down; gently rolling.
- 55-69 km · Laterza → Masseria Giacoia: 360 m up / 439 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 69-75 km · Masseria Giacoia → Il Casone: 100 m up / 209 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 75-83 km · Il Casone → Castellaneta: 303 m up / 175 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 83-94 km · Castellaneta → Palagianello: 160 m up / 313 m down; the stretch descends.
- 94-105 km · Palagianello → Grotte di Sileno: 418 m up / 398 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 105-117 km · Grotte di Sileno → Relais San Giovanni: 249 m up / 361 m down; the stretch descends.
- 117-131 km · Relais San Giovanni → Nafoura: 130 m up / 150 m down; gently rolling.
- 131-140 km · Nafoura → Finish: 23 m up / 27 m down; close to flat.
The first 5 km are rolling but heavy: 257 m up and 242 m down. This is not a warm-up; hike early when the effort rises and keep the descents controlled enough to settle your breathing and stride.
The backbone of the course runs from km 24 to km 29: net 268 m over 4.9 km at 6% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 19%, 342 m of climbing in total with 74 m given back. Kilometre by kilometre: km 25 32 m, km 26 51 m, km 27 52 m, km 28 129 m, km 29 71 m. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The longest descent starts at km 107 and loses 273 m by km 118 at 3% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 17%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 29 averages 23% over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 6 km are close to flat. Plan your finishing pace around that, there is nothing left to save.
The leg from Palagianello to Grotte di Sileno is long and unsupported: 11 km and 418 m of climbing with no aid in between, so leave Palagianello with full capacity.
- The organiser lists 145 km; the published GPX measures 140 km. The organiser lists 3500 m of climbing; the published GPX measures 3301 m. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- Sunset is 18:01 and the finish cut-off is 23:59. A runner using the full time allowance spends the final 10 hours 13 minutes in darkness.
- Get the headtorch out before sunset and keep spare batteries or a power bank dry and immediately accessible. A spare buried at the bottom of the pack is not an emergency spare.
- Check reflective course markers regularly in the dark. If the markings disappear, stop moving forward, return to the last marker and confirm the route against the GPX or organiser app.
- At cut-off pace you run into a second night. Plan the sleep question before race day: an hour gained on the first night costs two on the second.
- Consider bringing poles. The course averages 24 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 4.9 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- Point to point: the finish sits 35.9 km from the start as the crow flies. Sort the shuttle and your drop bag before race day.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Ginosakm 44
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- A heavy leg is next: 11 km with 296 m of climbing.
- The climb starts immediately on exit (20%); keep the stop short.
- Cut-off: 7h 30m after the start.
Laterzakm 55
- Take hot food you digest easily and top up fluids.
- Crew access is allowed here.
Castellanetakm 83
- Take hot food you digest easily and top up fluids.
- Your drop bag waits here; work off your prepared list.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- Cut-off: 16h 15m after the start.
Grotte di Silenokm 105
- Take hot food you digest easily and top up fluids.
- A heavy leg is next: 12 km with 305 m of climbing.
- Cut-off: 20h 15m after the start.
Nafourakm 131
- Take hot food you digest easily and top up fluids.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- Cut-off: 25h 5m after the start.
- The longest stretch between official aid stations runs from Matera (km 0) to Murgia Materana (km 21): 21 km, with 653 m of climbing in between. Top up at Matera and size what you carry to the expected duration and your own drinking rate.
- Drinks only, no food, at Murgia Materana (km 21) and Masseria Giacoia (km 69). Loosen the flask caps on approach; with no queue, refill and leave in 20-30 seconds. Carry the food you will need from the previous station.
- Hot food is served at Laterza (km 55) and Castellaneta (km 83) and 2 more. If your stomach and race plan call for it, make this a deliberate 3-5 minute stop; do not sit down simply because hot food is available. Restart gently and let your stomach settle before lifting the effort.
- Food is available at Montescaglioso (km 30) and Ginosa (km 44) and 3 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Drop bag at Castellaneta (km 83). Write down the equipment and food you expect to replace before the race so the decision is already made when you arrive.
- Crew support is permitted only at Ginosa (km 44), Laterza (km 55), Castellaneta (km 83), and Nafoura (km 131). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- The last aid station is Nafoura (km 131), leaving 14 km to the finish. After that you are on what you carry.
- Another heavy leg runs from Palagianello (km 94) to Grotte di Sileno (km 105): 11 km with 423 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Montescaglioso (km 30), Ginosa (km 44), Laterza (km 55), Masseria Giacoia (km 69), Il Casone (km 75), Castellaneta (km 83), Palagianello (km 94), Grotte di Sileno (km 105), Relais San Giovanni (km 117), Nafoura (km 131), and Castellaneta Marina (km 144). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- The climbing starts the moment you leave Ginosa (km 44): the steepest roughly 250 m section averages 20%. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then begin the climb under control.
- The overall cut-off is 26h 59m, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Start to Ginosa (km 44): the official time budget is 7h 30m for 44 km and 1369 m of climbing. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
Official cut-off ladder
| Leg | Distance | D+ | Official time budget | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start → Ginosapasses Murgia Materana, Montescaglioso, which has no time limit | 44 km | 1369 m | 7h 30m | start + 7h 30m |
| Ginosa → Il Casonepasses Laterza, Masseria Giacoia, which has no time limit | 31 km | 654 m | 5h 45m | start + 13h 15m |
| Il Casone → Castellaneta | 8.5 km | 303 m | 3h | start + 16h 15m |
| Castellaneta → Grotte di Silenopasses Palagianello, which has no time limit | 22 km | 578 m | 4h | start + 20h 15m |
| Grotte di Sileno → Nafourapasses Relais San Giovanni, which has no time limit | 25 km | 379 m | 4h 50m | start + 25h 5m |
| Nafoura → Castellaneta Marina | 13 km | 23 m | 1h 54m | start + 26h 59m |
Budgets are derived from the cut-off times published by the organiser; they are not a personal finish estimate.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matera | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Murgia Materana | 21 | 21 | Drinks | No | No | — |
| Montescaglioso | 30 | 8.4 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Ginosa | 44 | 14 | Food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 04:30 |
| Laterza | 55 | 11 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | — |
| Masseria Giacoia | 69 | 14 | Drinks | Yes | No | — |
| Il Casone | 75 | 5.9 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 10:15 |
| CastellanetaDrop bag | 83 | 8.5 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 13:15 |
| Palagianello | 94 | 10 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Grotte di Sileno | 105 | 11 | Hot food | Yes | No | Saturday 17:15 |
| Relais San Giovanni | 117 | 12 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Nafoura | 131 | 14 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 22:05 |
| Castellaneta Marina | 144 | 13 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 23:59 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
85K course87 km · 1806 m gain · 9% uphill · 7 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 87 km with 1806 m of climbing, 21 m per km. The course sits between 0 m and 351 m of altitude. 62% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-14 km · Start → Masseria Giacoia: 248 m up / 456 m down; the stretch descends.
- 14-20 km · Masseria Giacoia → Il Casone: 247 m up / 77 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 20-29 km · Il Casone → Castellaneta: 207 m up / 268 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 29-39 km · Castellaneta → Palagianello: 240 m up / 339 m down; the stretch descends.
- 39-50 km · Palagianello → Grotte di Sileno: 429 m up / 401 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 50-62 km · Grotte di Sileno → Relais San Giovanni: 284 m up / 357 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 62-76 km · Relais San Giovanni → Nafoura: 135 m up / 205 m down; gently rolling.
- 76-87 km · Nafoura → Finish: 19 m up / 21 m down; close to flat.
The first 5 km drop 27 m. Fresh legs make it feel free, but you climb every metre of it back.
The backbone of the course runs from km 12 to km 19: net 201 m over 7.3 km at 3% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 19%, 313 m of climbing in total with 112 m given back. Kilometre by kilometre: km 13 46 m, km 14 20 m, km 15 90 m, km 16 70 m, km 17 23 m, km 19 44 m. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The steepest wall stands between km 41 and km 45: net 167 m over 3 km at 5% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 34% on the GPX trace, 316 m of climbing in total with 149 m given back. Kilometre by kilometre: km 42 99 m, km 43 46 m, km 44 63 m, km 45 127 m. Trying to run this costs far more than it saves. Shorten the stride, lean on the poles, keep moving.
The longest descent starts at km 54 and loses 269 m by km 65 at 2% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 16%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 20 averages 12% over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 6 km are close to flat. Plan your finishing pace around that, there is nothing left to save.
A steep pitch starts within about 1.3 km of Castellaneta; keep the stop short and do not enter it on cooled-down legs.
The leg from Palagianello to Grotte di Sileno is long and unsupported: 11 km and 429 m of climbing with no aid in between, so leave Palagianello with full capacity.
A steep pitch starts within about 1.3 km of Grotte di Sileno; keep the stop short and do not enter it on cooled-down legs.
- The organiser lists 85 km; the published GPX measures 86.8 km. The organiser lists 2000 m of climbing; the published GPX measures 1806 m. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- Sunset is 18:01 and the finish cut-off is 23:59. A runner using the full time allowance spends the final 5 hours 58 minutes in darkness.
- Get the headtorch out before sunset and keep spare batteries or a power bank dry and immediately accessible. A spare buried at the bottom of the pack is not an emergency spare.
- Check reflective course markers regularly in the dark. If the markings disappear, stop moving forward, return to the last marker and confirm the route against the GPX or organiser app.
- Consider bringing poles. The course averages 21 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 3 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- The climbing is stacked into the first half. Start easy; even with less climbing later, the descents and accumulated fatigue still have to be managed.
- Point to point: the finish sits 21.2 km from the start as the crow flies. Sort the shuttle and your drop bag before race day.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Castellanetakm 29
- Take hot food you digest easily and top up fluids.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- A heavy leg is next: 10 km with 253 m of climbing.
- A 26% pitch starts about 1.3 km after the station; do not enter it cooled down.
- Cut-off: 4h 45m after the start.
Grotte di Silenokm 50
- Take hot food you digest easily and top up fluids.
- Your drop bag waits here; work off your prepared list.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- A heavy leg is next: 12 km with 306 m of climbing.
- Cut-off: 8h 45m after the start.
Nafourakm 76
- Take hot food you digest easily and top up fluids.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- Cut-off: 13h 35m after the start.
- The longest stretch between official aid stations runs from Laterza (km 0) to Masseria Giacoia (km 14): 14 km, with 259 m of climbing in between. Top up at Laterza and size what you carry to the expected duration and your own drinking rate.
- Drinks only, no food, at Masseria Giacoia (km 14). Loosen the flask caps on approach; with no queue, refill and leave in 20-30 seconds. Carry the food you will need from the previous station.
- Hot food is served at Castellaneta (km 29) and Grotte di Sileno (km 50) and 1 more. If your stomach and race plan call for it, make this a deliberate 3-5 minute stop; do not sit down simply because hot food is available. Restart gently and let your stomach settle before lifting the effort.
- Food is available at Il Casone (km 20) and Palagianello (km 39) and 1 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Drop bag at Grotte di Sileno (km 50). Write down the equipment and food you expect to replace before the race so the decision is already made when you arrive.
- Crew support is permitted only at Castellaneta (km 29), Grotte di Sileno (km 50), and Nafoura (km 76). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- The last aid station is Nafoura (km 76), leaving 9 km to the finish. After that you are on what you carry.
- The heaviest leg runs from Palagianello (km 39) to Grotte di Sileno (km 50): 11 km with 479 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Masseria Giacoia (km 14), Il Casone (km 20), Castellaneta (km 29), Palagianello (km 39), Grotte di Sileno (km 50), Relais San Giovanni (km 62), and Nafoura (km 76). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- About 1 km after Castellaneta (km 29), a roughly 250 m section averaging 26% begins. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then enter the climb at a controlled effort.
- The overall cut-off is 15h 29m, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Start to Il Casone (km 20): the official time budget is 3h 15m for 20 km and 496 m of climbing. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
Official cut-off ladder
| Leg | Distance | D+ | Official time budget | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start → Il Casonepasses Masseria Giacoia, which has no time limit | 20 km | 496 m | 3h 15m | start + 3h 15m |
| Il Casone → Castellaneta | 8.5 km | 207 m | 1h 30m | start + 4h 45m |
| Castellaneta → Grotte di Silenopasses Palagianello, which has no time limit | 22 km | 669 m | 4h | start + 8h 45m |
| Grotte di Sileno → Nafourapasses Relais San Giovanni, which has no time limit | 25 km | 419 m | 4h 50m | start + 13h 35m |
| Nafoura → Castellaneta Marina | 13 km | 19 m | 1h 54m | start + 15h 29m |
Budgets are derived from the cut-off times published by the organiser; they are not a personal finish estimate.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laterza | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Masseria Giacoia | 14 | 14 | Drinks | Yes | No | — |
| Il Casone | 20 | 5.9 | Food | Yes | No | Saturday 11:45 |
| Castellaneta | 29 | 8.5 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 13:15 |
| Palagianello | 39 | 10 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Grotte di SilenoDrop bag | 50 | 11 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 17:15 |
| Relais San Giovanni | 62 | 12 | Food | Yes | No | — |
| Nafoura | 76 | 14 | Hot food | Yes | Yes | Saturday 22:05 |
| Castellaneta Marina | 89 | 13 | None | — | — | Saturday 23:59 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
50K course54 km · 1012 m gain · 9% uphill · 3 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 54 km with 1012 m of climbing, 19 m per km. The course sits between -3 m and 300 m of altitude. 84% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-16 km · Start → Grotte di Sileno: 506 m up / 605 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 16-28 km · Grotte di Sileno → Relais San Giovanni: 347 m up / 417 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 28-41 km · Relais San Giovanni → Nafoura: 136 m up / 175 m down; gently rolling.
- 41-54 km · Nafoura → Finish: 22 m up / 32 m down; close to flat.
The race climbs from the gun: 68 m over the first 4.3 km. Do not chase the crowd, the two minutes you win here get taken back with interest.
The steepest wall stands between km 8 and km 9: 103 m over 1 km at 10% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 22%. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The backbone of the course runs from km 19 to km 21: 185 m over 2.4 km at 8% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 14%. Kilometre by kilometre: km 20 69 m, km 21 103 m. By the time you start it, about 53% of the day's climbing is behind you. Trying to run this costs far more than it saves. Shorten the stride, lean on the poles, keep moving.
The longest descent starts at km 21 and loses 276 m by km 30 at 3% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 14%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 3 averages 15% over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 6 km are close to flat. Plan your finishing pace around that, there is nothing left to save.
- The organiser lists 50 km; the published GPX measures 53.8 km. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- Even at cut-off pace you finish 1 hour 45 minutes before sunset. This one is run entirely in daylight.
- Consider bringing poles. The course averages 19 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 2.4 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- The climbing is stacked into the first half. Start easy; even with less climbing later, the descents and accumulated fatigue still have to be managed.
- Point to point: the finish sits 17.6 km from the start as the crow flies. Sort the shuttle and your drop bag before race day.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Grotte di Silenokm 16
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- A heavy leg is next: 12 km with 366 m of climbing.
- Cut-off: 3h 30m after the start.
Nafourakm 41
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- Crew access is allowed here.
- Cut-off: 7h 35m after the start.
- The longest stretch between official aid stations runs from Castellaneta (km 0) to Grotte di Sileno (km 16): 16 km, with 537 m of climbing in between. Top up at Castellaneta and size what you carry to the expected duration and your own drinking rate.
- Food is available at Grotte di Sileno (km 16) and Relais San Giovanni (km 28) and 1 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Crew support is permitted only at Grotte di Sileno (km 16) and Nafoura (km 41). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- The last aid station is Nafoura (km 41), leaving 9 km to the finish. After that you are on what you carry.
- Another heavy leg runs from Grotte di Sileno (km 16) to Relais San Giovanni (km 28): 12 km with 366 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Grotte di Sileno (km 16), Relais San Giovanni (km 28), and Nafoura (km 41). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- The overall cut-off is 9h 15m, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Nafoura (km 41) to Castellaneta Marina (km 54): the official time budget is 1h 40m for 13 km. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
Official cut-off ladder
| Leg | Distance | D+ | Official time budget | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start → Grotte di Sileno | 16 km | 506 m | 3h 30m | start + 3h 30m |
| Grotte di Sileno → Relais San Giovanni | 12 km | 347 m | 2h | start + 5h 30m |
| Relais San Giovanni → Nafoura | 14 km | 136 m | 2h 5m | start + 7h 35m |
| Nafoura → Castellaneta Marina | 13 km | 22 m | 1h 40m | start + 9h 15m |
Budgets are derived from the cut-off times published by the organiser; they are not a personal finish estimate.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castellaneta | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Grotte di Sileno | 16 | 16 | Food | Yes | Yes | Sunday 10:30 |
| Relais San Giovanni | 28 | 12 | Food | Yes | No | Sunday 12:30 |
| Nafoura | 41 | 14 | Food | Yes | Yes | Sunday 14:35 |
| Castellaneta Marina | 54 | 13 | None | — | — | Sunday 16:15 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
35K course36 km · 369 m gain · 3% uphill · 2 aid stations
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
The published GPX measures 36 km with 369 m of climbing, 10 m per km. The course sits between -1 m and 301 m of altitude. 80% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-8.5 km · Start → Passo Giacobbe: 181 m up / 297 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 8.5-23 km · Passo Giacobbe → Nafoura: 166 m up / 277 m down; gently rolling.
- 23-36 km · Nafoura → Finish: 22 m up / 50 m down; close to flat.
The first 2.9 km roll: 119 m up and 88 m down. You will not hold one rhythm here, so treat the early climbs as a warm-up.
The backbone of the course runs from km 2 to km 3: 102 m over 1.5 km at 7% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 25%. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The longest descent starts at km 2 and loses 259 m by km 15 at 2% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 12%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it.
The last 4.3 km are close to flat. Plan your finishing pace around that, there is nothing left to save.
- The organiser lists 35 km; the published GPX measures 36 km. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- Even at cut-off pace you finish 3 hours 1 minute before sunset. This one is run entirely in daylight.
- The profile does not show a clear need for poles: 10 m of gain per km. If you are not used to them, running with your hands free may be more comfortable.
- The climbing is stacked into the first half. Start easy; even with less climbing later, the descents and accumulated fatigue still have to be managed.
- Point to point: the finish sits 20.2 km from the start as the crow flies. Sort the shuttle and your drop bag before race day.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
- The longest stretch between official aid stations runs from Passo Giacobbe (km 9) to Nafoura (km 23): 15 km, with 191 m of climbing in between. Top up at Passo Giacobbe and size what you carry to the expected duration and your own drinking rate.
- Drinks only, no food, at Passo Giacobbe (km 9). Loosen the flask caps on approach; with no queue, refill and leave in 20-30 seconds. Carry the food you will need from the previous station.
- Food is available at Nafoura (km 23). Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- The last aid station is Nafoura (km 23), leaving 12 km to the finish. After that you are on what you carry.
- Medical support is available at Nafoura (km 23). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- The overall cut-off is 5h 15m, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
- Relative to distance and climbing, the tightest official time budget runs from Nafoura (km 23) to Castellaneta Marina (km 36): the official time budget is 1h 30m for 13 km. Station stops come out of that same budget, so do not enter the leg already behind schedule.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ginosa | 0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Passo Giacobbe | 8.5 | 8.5 | Drinks | No | No | — |
| Nafoura | 23 | 15 | Food | Yes | No | Sunday 13:30 |
| Castellaneta Marina | 36 | 13 | None | — | — | Sunday 15:00 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
10K course10 km · 34 m gain · 0% uphill
- Flat
The published GPX measures 10 km with 34 m of climbing, 3 m per km.
The first 1.5 km are close to flat, good for settling in. Do not set your pace here, the real course starts after.
The last 2 km are close to flat. Plan your finishing pace around that, there is nothing left to save.
- Sunset is 18:00 and the finish cut-off is 19:15. A runner using the full time allowance spends the final 1 hour 15 minutes in darkness.
- Get the headtorch out before sunset and keep spare batteries or a power bank dry and immediately accessible. A spare buried at the bottom of the pack is not an emergency spare.
- Check reflective course markers regularly in the dark. If the markings disappear, stop moving forward, return to the last marker and confirm the route against the GPX or organiser app.
- The profile does not show a clear need for poles: 3 m of gain per km. If you are not used to them, running with your hands free may be more comfortable.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
- The longest stretch between official aid stations runs from Castellaneta Marina (km 0) to Castellaneta Marina (km 10): 10 km. Top up at Castellaneta Marina and size what you carry to the expected duration and your own drinking rate.
- The overall cut-off is 2h 15m, including all checkpoint stops. Build the plan around the official leg budgets below, not a flat-course average pace.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castellaneta Marina | 0 | — | — | — |
| Castellaneta Marina | 10 | 10 | None | Saturday 19:15 |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
Calculators for this race
Data sources: UTMB World Series, official site (puglia.utmb.world) · Last checked:
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Frequently asked questions
(36)
What is Puglia by UTMB?
Between history and wild nature, this Puglia by UTMB takes you from Matera to Castellaneta Marina, crossing the spectacular Gravine Natural Park. Steep trails, breathtaking canyons, and stunning panoramas mark this demanding route. After an adventure through cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, reaching the golden beaches of the Ionian Sea is an unforgettable reward. Ready to take on the challenge and experience a unique adventure in Puglia?
When is Puglia by UTMB 2026?
Puglia by UTMB takes place on Fri, Oct 23, 2026 - Sun, Oct 25, 2026. Start time: 21:00.
Where does Puglia by UTMB take place?
Puglia by UTMB takes place in Castellaneta Marina, Italy.
What are the courses and distances of Puglia by UTMB 2026?
Puglia by UTMB offers 5 courses: 145K (145 km, 3500 m D+); 85K (85 km, 2000 m D+); 50K (50 km, 1000 m D+); 35K (35 km, 350 m D+); 10K (10 km, 50 m D+).
How hard is Puglia by UTMB 2026?
Difficulty is measured in km-effort: distance plus ascent divided by 100. The 145K course covers 145 km with 3500 m of climbing, which is 180 km-effort and falls in ITRA category XL. All courses: 145K 180 km-effort (XL), 85K 105 km-effort (M), 50K 60 km-effort (S), 35K 39 km-effort (XS), 10K 11 km-effort (XXS).
What is the official website of Puglia by UTMB?
Official website: https://puglia.utmb.world/
Is a medical certificate required for Puglia by UTMB?
Yes, a medical certificate is required. See the organiser's official page for the exact wording.
Is the Puglia by UTMB 2026 course a loop or an out and back?
The 145K course is point to point, finishing 35.9 km from the start; measured from the GPX file it runs 139.7 km. The 85K course is point to point, finishing 21.2 km from the start; measured from the GPX file it runs 86.8 km. The 50K course is point to point, finishing 17.6 km from the start; measured from the GPX file it runs 53.8 km.
Where is the hardest climb at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
The biggest climb on the 145K course runs from km 24 to km 29: 4.9 km for 268 m at 6% average; its steepest roughly 250 m section averages 19%. It tops out at 360 m.
How high does Puglia by UTMB 2026 go?
The 145K course runs between 1 m and 506 m with 3301 m of total climbing.
Do you need poles at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
The 145K course averages 24 m of gain per km with a longest climb of 4.9 km, so poles help noticeably.
Do you need a headtorch at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
145K: Sunset is 18:01 and the finish cut-off is 23:59. A runner using the full time allowance spends the final 10 hours 13 minutes in darkness. Get the headtorch out before sunset and keep spare batteries or a power bank dry and immediately accessible. A spare buried at the bottom of the pack is not an emergency spare. Check reflective course markers regularly in the dark. If the markings disappear, stop moving forward, return to the last marker and confirm the route against the GPX or organiser app. At cut-off pace you run into a second night. Plan the sleep question before race day: an hour gained on the first night costs two on the second.
What is the weather like at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
The race day forecast is 11°C to 19°C, 33% chance of rain, wind up to 20 km/h. Sunrise 07:13, sunset 18:01.
Where are the aid stations at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
The 145K course has 11 stations; the first at km 21 and the last at km 131. The longest gap between them is 14 km, between Laterza and Masseria Giacoia.
What is served at the Puglia by UTMB 2026 aid stations?
For the 145K course: Hot food: Laterza (55. km), Castellaneta (83. km), Grotte di Sileno (105. km), Nafoura (131. km). Drinks only: Murgia Materana (21. km), Masseria Giacoia (69. km).
Is there a drop bag at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
Yes. On the 145K course the drop bag point is Castellaneta (km 83).
What are the cut-off times for the 145K at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
On the 145K course at Puglia by UTMB 2026 the finish cut-off is Saturday 23:59. Intermediate cut-offs: Ginosa (km 44) Saturday 04:30, Il Casone (km 75) Saturday 10:15, Castellaneta (km 83) Saturday 13:15, Grotte di Sileno (km 105) Saturday 17:15, Nafoura (km 131) Saturday 22:05.
What are the cut-off times for the 85K at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
On the 85K course at Puglia by UTMB 2026 the finish cut-off is Saturday 23:59. Intermediate cut-offs: Il Casone (km 20) Saturday 11:45, Castellaneta (km 29) Saturday 13:15, Grotte di Sileno (km 50) Saturday 17:15, Nafoura (km 76) Saturday 22:05.
What are the cut-off times for the 50K at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
On the 50K course at Puglia by UTMB 2026 the finish cut-off is Sunday 16:15. Intermediate cut-offs: Grotte di Sileno (km 16) Sunday 10:30, Relais San Giovanni (km 28) Sunday 12:30, Nafoura (km 41) Sunday 14:35.
What are the cut-off times for the 35K at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
On the 35K course at Puglia by UTMB 2026 the finish cut-off is Sunday 15:00. Intermediate cut-offs: Nafoura (km 23) Sunday 13:30.
What time does Puglia by UTMB 2026 start?
Known start times: 145K 21:00, 85K 08:30, 50K 07:00, 35K 09:45, 10K 17:00, local time. Confirm against the organiser's schedule in race week.
What is the time limit at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
The finish time limit is 145K Saturday 23:59, 85K Saturday 23:59, 50K Sunday 16:15, 35K Sunday 15:00. Intermediate stations carry their own cut-offs; the full list is in the checkpoint table on this page.
Is there a GPX file for Puglia by UTMB 2026?
Yes. The GPX files for the 145K, 85K, 50K, 35K, 10K courses can be downloaded from the course section on this page, next to the route and grade profile.
Which Puglia by UTMB course should you choose?
The shortest option is 10K (10 km, 50 m D+) and the longest is 145K (145 km, 3500 m D+). With little trail experience the 10K is the safer start; the 145K demands an all-day effort and cut-off management.
What are the gradients like at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
The 145K course averages 24 m of climbing per km, with 3301 m of total ascent and 3687 m of descent. The steepest kilometre averages 15%.
How runnable is the Puglia by UTMB 2026 course?
Expect a mix of running and power hiking: 24 m of gain per km; hiking the long climbs is normal, and the longest climb runs 8.2 km.
Where is the steepest part of Puglia by UTMB 2026?
The steepest kilometre of the 145K course averages 15% and sits inside the climb between km 83 and km 83.
How many climbs does Puglia by UTMB 2026 have?
The 145K course has 14 distinct climbs. The biggest: km 24-29 (268 m at 6%); km 3-8 (227 m at 5%); km 105-107 (190 m at 8%).
Is there a long climb at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
Yes. The longest climb runs 8.2 km from km 43, gaining 167 m at 2% average, topping out at 360 m.
What are the descents like at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
There is 3687 m of descent in total. The longest drop runs 10.9 km between km 107 and km 118, losing 273 m.
Are there flat sections at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
Yes, roughly 66% of the course is near flat, with long sections where a rhythm holds.
Is the hard part of Puglia by UTMB 2026 early or late?
The climbing is evenly split: 59% of it sits in the first half.
What is the elevation range at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
The lowest point of the 145K course sits at 1 m and the highest at 506 m, a range of 505 m.
Where does Puglia by UTMB 2026 reach its high point?
The course tops out at 506 m, reached around km 8.
Are poles mandatory at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
The organiser has not announced a pole requirement. Based on the profile poles help noticeably.
Do you need to carry water at Puglia by UTMB 2026?
Yes: the longest stretch without aid on the 145K course is 21.3 km, so carrying backup water is essential.