Trail Jeranto Punta Campanella

One of may views from the race

I recently traveled to the Amalfi Coast and Naples in Italy for my sister's 40th birthday. I arrived in Naples a day earlier than everyone else, so a week before I left I googled 'trail running in Naples'. One of the first results was a page that had a list of trail races in area and one happened to be the Sunday I was Naples waiting for Courtney and Russ to arrive. The race was Trail Jeranto Punta Campanella, it was 15km and only €7. I immediately emailed the race director to see if there was still space left. A day later I was signed up for the race, I just had to figure out how to get to the race.

Amalfi Coast line

The race wasn't actually in Naples, it was in a small town outside of Sorrento called Termini. Which is over an hour drive from Naples and 2+ hours via public transportation. We had not planned on renting a car for the trip, but after looking at car prices and really wanting to do the race I decided to rent a car.  

After a shit storm of travel fiascos, including getting bumped from my flight from Rome to Naples and having to rent a car in Rome to drive to Naples to pick up another car after being awake for 32 hours, I finally made it to my hotel. I showered and found a small pizzeria with the most perfect pizza and several glasses of red wine. At this point I wasn't sure I was going to make it to the race the next morning, I was a little nervous to even leave my hotel after the crappy day I had traveling, but I was sure I would change my mind after a good nights sleep.

I was really hungry, when I finally got to eat

Unfortunately I didn't have a solid night of sleep, I might of slept 4 hours, but I was determined to make it to the race. After an hour and half of courageous driving along the Almalfi coast I made it to the small town of Termini. I saw trail runners walking around everywhere and for the first time in 48 hours I felt relaxed, I was with my people. I parked and made my way over to check-in. I signed what I assumed was a liability form, paid my €7 and got my race bib. I grabbed an espresso and took in the scene while I waited for the race to start.

picking up my race bib

The starting line 

The race started with 10 minutes of announcements in Italian. I had no idea what they were saying, for all I knew they could of said there were no course markings and good luck. I did however understand the countdown and when to go. Away I went following all the Italian runners for 15km through some spectacular trails and gorgeous scenery. 

waiting to start

Capri!

I wish I could tell you all the trails I ran on, but honestly had no idea where I was, luckily all the trails and turns were really well marked. I was blown away by the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Island of Capri. It had to be one of the most beautiful races I have done. 

more amazing views

views for miles

The Trail Jeranto Punta Campanella race might be beautiful, but it isn't easy, it has almost 4000ft of climbing over 9 miles. I did get to show a lot of Italian men what a PNW mountain goat looks like, I loved passing them on the uphills, even if they caught me on the downhills. One guy I had been leap frogging with most of the race grabbed my hand at the end and we ran across the finish line together.

race selfie

Capri

If you want to immerse yourself in the local trail running scene, I highly recommend checking out a small local race. I had as much fun running this race as I did running CCC(UTMB) last year. There is something special about European trail races. 

From the top of the highest hill

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finishers meal

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