Photo: kuhnmi / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) / Source (opens in a new tab)Ragalna
Gran Trail dell'Etna
Sunday, 22 November 2026
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
2 modalities
Gran Trail 42K
- Distance
- 42 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1960m
- Max Time
- -
Trail della Galvarina 18K
- Distance
- 18 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 750m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Trail 42K | 42 km | D+ 1960m | - | - |
| Trail della Galvarina 18K | 18 km | D+ 750m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~9 h of Gran Trail dell'Etna?Worked out for the longest course (42 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Gran Trail dell'Etna
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 7 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
Test shoes and pack on long training runs before race day
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Nike Ultrafly
ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly
Downside: High price (190 EUR)
Nutrition
Take a gel every 30-45 minutes from the beginning
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF 50 before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin before the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Accommodation
Look for a place within 20 minutes of the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
SleepDreamz Tapones de Silicona Moldeable 32dB
32 dB noise reduction
Downside: Don't block noise completely
Car Rental
Pick up the car at the airport on landing
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Seasonal kit
Rain and mud at Gran Trail dell'Etna: pack this kit
Grippy shoes, rain jacket, gaiters and blister protection for a wet race.
See the full kit : Rain and Mud Trail Running Kit 2026: What to Bring to a Wet RaceYou may also need: What to Wear for Cold-Weather Trail Running 2026: The Complete Layering Kit
Gran Trail dell'Etna requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
8°C – 14°C
Average 11°C
Rain
33%
1.8 mm avg
Wind
15 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
8h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (33% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Bring thermal layers (low of 8°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Hombre
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Forecast for 22 November
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Gran Trail dell’Etna: running on a volcano
The Gran Trail dell’Etna is the reference trail of Europe’s highest volcano. It starts in Ragalna, on Etna’s flanks, and mixes ash tracks, laricio pine forest and old lava flows with views of the Ionian Sea.
Two distances
- Gran Trail 42 km: 1,960 m D+
- Trail della Galvarina 18 km: 750 m D+
- Supervised walk for hikers
The terrain is loose and abrasive: it punishes shoes and ankles and demands good grip. The views make up for it.
November in Sicily
The weather is usually good, but rain and wind at altitude are possible. After the race, Sicilian food is part of the plan.
Beyond the race
Discover more in the races of Sicily and plan your season with the planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Wind at altitude can be strong even when it is warm below.
Aid stations exist, but be self-sufficient between them.
360Complete Pack
Gran Trail dell'Etna registration
RegistrationLimited places: book your bib on the official website as soon as registration opens.
Tips
- •Check deadlines, price and requirements for each distance on the official website
- •Italy usually requires a sports medical certificate or an ITRA/federation health card: arrange it early
- •Keep your confirmation: it is asked for at bib pick-up
Where to stay for Gran Trail dell'Etna
AccommodationBook early near Ragalna: local accommodation fills up fast on race weekend.
Tips
- •Look for a place within 20 minutes of the start
- •Earplugs and an eye mask help you sleep before an early start
- •A microfibre towel and a travel bag keep your kit organised
Gear for Gran Trail dell'Etna
GearLoose, abrasive lava: shoes with lots of grip and protection, gaiters for the ash, tough socks and a light vest with soft flasks.
Tips
- •Test shoes and pack on long training runs before race day
- •Check the mandatory gear list in the rules
- •Always carry a waterproof jacket in the pack
Which shoes for Gran Trail dell'Etna?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Gran Trail dell'Etna?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for Gran Trail dell'Etna
NutritionPlan 60-90 g of carbs per hour and replace salts from the start.
Tips
- •Take a gel every 30-45 minutes from the beginning
- •Electrolytes in every bottle: you sweat even when it is cool
- •Recovery drink within the first half hour after the finish
Getting to Ragalna
TransportRagalna is about 40 minutes from Catania-Fontanarossa airport, on the slopes of Etna. There are direct flights from several Spanish cities.
Tips
- •Land in Catania: it is the nearest airport
- •A hire car simplifies the start and the return
Car hire for Gran Trail dell'Etna
Car RentalPublic transport to the start area is limited: a hire car gives you freedom for the start and the return.
Tips
- •Pick up the car at the airport on landing
- •Book ahead: prices rise on race weekend
Sports insurance for Gran Trail dell'Etna
InsuranceCarry your European Health Insurance Card and travel insurance covering trail running.
Tips
- •Carry your European Health Insurance Card and travel insurance covering mountain rescue
- •Check that the policy covers trail running and altitude
Body care for Gran Trail dell'Etna
Body CareMany hours on the move: prevent chafing and blisters and look after recovery.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin before the start
- •Seamless technical socks and blister plasters in the pack
- •Compression socks and a foam roller for recovery afterwards
Sun protection for Gran Trail dell'Etna
Sun ProtectionSun and reflection off rock, snow or lava burn more than you think: protect your face and lips.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF 50 before the start
- •Lip balm: dry wind cracks lips
- •Light sunglasses for exposed sections
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Gran Trail dell'Etna 2026?
- Sunday 22 November 2026, starting in Ragalna, in the province of Catania.
- What distances are there?
- A 42 km trail with 1,960 m D+ and the 18 km Trail della Galvarina with 750 m D+, plus a supervised walk.
- How do I register?
- Registration is handled through the MyTrails platform from the official website.
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