In October 2025, runners from around the globe will descend upon Tanna Island, Vanuatu, to take on one of the most intense and inspiring challenges on Earth — the Yasur Volcano Run.
Welcome to the Edge of the Earth
Set against the thunderous backdrop of Mount Yasur — one of the world’s most active and visually striking volcanoes — this race isn’t just a test of endurance, it’s a full-blown immersion into nature, culture, and community. Think: volcanic ash plains underfoot, dense jungle trails above, and the occasional ground-shaking rumble beneath.
The 2025 edition will erupt (pun intended) on October 11, offering participants the kind of experience that doesn’t just challenge the legs — it leaves an imprint on the soul.
The Race, the People, the Power
First launched during Vanuatu’s border closures in 2021, the Yasur Volcano Run was born out of resilience and community pride. What started as a grassroots effort has evolved into an internationally recognised race — but it’s still 100% community-powered, led by local runners, village chiefs, and volunteers. Participants don’t just arrive and run — they’re welcomed into village life, experience kastom traditions, and witness firsthand how sport can connect people from opposite sides of the globe.
Barefoot and Blazing Fast
If you’re feeling confident about your pace, just wait until you see Tanna’s barefoot runners tear across the terrain like it’s a casual stroll to the market. Raised on the very trails the race is run on, many local athletes compete with zero gear and maximum speed. “If you think you’ve mastered trail running, wait until you see someone fly past you, barefoot, on volcanic ash,” says Daniel Samson, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee. “It’s humbling — and unforgettable.”
Not Just a Race — A Raw, Cultural Escape
The Yasur Volcano Run is more than a physical challenge — it’s a journey into one of the Pacific’s most authentic destinations. From volcanic night hikes to crystal-clear blue holes, traditional kastom dances, and untouched beaches, there’s no shortage of magic to explore before and after the race. Whether you stay in a local village hut or opt for one of the island’s cozy resorts, you’ll find yourself off-grid, present, and deeply connected to the land.
From Local Heroes to Global Runners
This past February, the local version of the Yasur Run lit up the island with talent, as top runners from North and West Tanna claimed victory. Now, with the international edition just months away, it’s shaping up to be a powerful collision of world-class athletes and homegrown heroes — all on one of the wildest race tracks on Earth.
Race Details
- Date: 11 October 2025
- Location: Mount Yasur, Tanna Island, Vanuatu
- Follow and Register: Facebook | Instagram
Run the Land, Feel the Fire and Leave Changed
For the wild-at-heart and the trail-tough, the Yasur Volcano Run is not just a race. It’s a rite of passage, a chance to feel the heartbeat of Vanuatu under your feet — and to run with purpose, alongside people who carry the volcano in their stories.
