This past weekend, just one day before Mount Etna- Europe’s highest active volcano-  stirred to life again, the picturesque town of Nicolosi, hosted the European Masters Off-Road Championships — with about 600 athletes from almost across Europe: a celebration of strength, endurance, and spectacular natural beauty.

With the raw volcanic terrain of Mount Etna serving as both challenge and spectacle, this year’s championship provided a truly unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike.

• Classic Up & Down – Friday, May 30: A fast and technical 9K course unfolding at the very feet of Mount Etna, climbing steadily to the summit of Monte Gemmellaro (1,529 m). The volcanic trails provided a thrilling mix of lava rock and forest paths, testing both speed and technical precision. A total of 409 athletes participated (274 men, 135 women).
• Vertical Run – Saturday, May 31: A grueling 1,000-meter vertical climb that concluded dramatically at 2,910 meters, almost touching the sky near Etna’s main crater. The breathtaking ascent, surrounded by lunar-like volcanic terrain, offered athletes panoramic views of Sicily and the smoldering crater that would erupt just two days later. 321 competitors (224 men and 97 women) faced this extraordinary challenge.
• Long Distance – Sunday, June 1: The final and most demanding event led runners on a spectacular journey across varied and extreme terrain. From ancient lava flows to sandy ridges and lush green forested sections, the course reached up to 2,700 meters in elevation. With 289 runners (212 men, 77 women), it was a test of both endurance and awe in one of Europe’s most dramatic volcanic landscapes.

See full results: https://www.endu.net/en/events/emorrc/results/2025

For many of the masters athletes, like the three times champion Thomas Roach, balancing a full-time job and competitive training is no easy feat. There are early mornings, late evenings, and constant battles with fatigue, logistics, and motivation.

Among the many inspiring performances, special praise goes to British athlete and university professor Thomas Roach. Representing the United Kingdom, Roach delivered spectacular victories, proving that balancing academic rigor with athletic ambition is not only possible, but triumphant.

France dominated the medal count with an impressive total of 60 medals (14 Gold, 26 Silver, 20 Bronze), followed by Italy with 50 medals (22 Gold, 13 Silver, 15 Bronze), and Spain in third with 34 medals.

Here’s the full breakdown:
1. France – 60 medals
2. Italy – 50 medals
3. Spain – 34 medals
4. Germany – 33 medals
5. Romania – 25 medals
6. Switzerland – 24 medals
7. United Kingdom – 21 medals
8. Austria – 16 medals
9. Ireland – 6 medals
10. Belgium – 4 medals
11. Bulgaria – 2 medals
12. Slovakia – 2 medals
13. Sweden – 1 medal

With stunning views, fierce competition, and the ever-present force of Mount Etna looming above, the 2025 European Masters Off-Road Championships was a celebration of resilience, passion, and European unity in sport. Until next time, Nicolosi!