About the event
Since the pandemic began, the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO) has been supporting tourism businesses around the country through this difficult time, making extended visits to all our islands to foster hope and to boost business operators’ marketing skills in preparation for the eventual recovery of the sector.
It was during one of these visits last year, known as ‘Turisim Marketing Storians’, that the VTO team witnessed how normally thriving Tanna tourism businesses were really struggling. At another TMS visit to east Tanna in March this year, we saw that this side of the island, home to Mt Yasur, but far from the airport and main commercial centre, was being hit especially hard.
Seeing the need for urgent action, the VTO team sat down to brainstorm ways to help tourism in Tanna, and in east Tanna in particular. The result is the Vanuatu Volcano Run, with the inaugural 2021 edition set to take place on Tanna, starting at the sea and finishing on the spectacular summit of Mt Yasur volcano.
This elite cross country run is the first of a new annual running race that will take place on a different Vanuatu volcano each year. We hope to grow this unique event into an attraction in its own right, and that it will attract competitors from all over Vanuatu and from all over the world (when it is safe to reopen our borders, of course).
What to expect
Course details
We've trialled the course over and over to make sure you get the best experience from all 25km of the Vanuatu Volcano Run Mt Yasur 2021 edition.
The course starts at Port Resolution and finishes at the summit of Mt Yasur. The difficulty ranges from low to high at the final ascension of the volcano. The track type ranges from sandy creeks, single dirt tracks, secondary roads, root-strewn bush, to ash plains.
This race not only allows you to test your determination — it also gives you the opportunity to experience the stunning scenery of this part of Tanna. As the course takes you from sea to summit, it winds its way through rainforest and picturesque communities where you'll be cheered on as you pass. You'll get to experience the genuine hospitality of Tanna.
The toughest part is the climb up the slopes of Yasur — but we’re sure that crossing the finish line on top of an active volcano will be reward enough for all your hard work getting to the top!
Runners and teams
There will be a total of 14 runners who will represent their provinces and 20 male and female runners from Tanna. A total of 20 team spots will be available for other participants to join, with a maximum of two runners per team.
Event details
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Event date |
Saturday, 2 October 2021 |
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Location |
Tanna Island |
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Distance |
25km |
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Start line |
Port Resolution beach, 1:00pm – check in before 11:00am |
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Finish line |
Mt Yasur summit, 4:00pm |
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Minimum Age |
18 years |
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Teams |
Limit of 20 teams total — all male, all female or mixed gender teams. Two runners per team. |
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Registration fee |
Vt5,000 per team (includes t-shirt, bib, snacks and transport to and from your accommodation). Fee must be paid in full and be accompanied by a completed team entry form that is signed by both runners |
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Timing results |
Timing results will be provided by team category for all runners |
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Prizes |
Prizes to be announced on race day |
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Check-in procedure |
Check in at the Vanuatu Tourism Office Sapotem Lokol Turisim tent in Port Resolution village. You will be given a t-shirt and bib with your runner number. You must wear this in order to compete in the event. |
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What do I need to bring? |
Water bottle, running shoes, sunscreen, hat and a competitive spirit |
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How do I get to Tanna? |
Call VTO on 22813 (Vila) or 7737073 (Luganville) to book your flight/boat |
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Where can I stay on Tanna? |
Call VTO on 22813 (Vila) or 7737073 (Luganville) to book accommodation |
Travel Packages & Accommodation
Travel packages will be available for booking through VTO (see above for phone numbers). We can cater to single travelers as well as family and friends group bookings. Accommodations for the race can also be booked through VTO. For more information, call 22813 or email
Your Ultimate Tanna Bucket List
Whether you are participating as a runner or spectating, we invite you to take the opportunity to drop in at some of the attraction sites and hot spots on the island. See what's top on the recommendation list by clicking here.
Safety
The Vanuatu Volcano Run 2021 is an elite endurance running event. All runners must have a high level of fitness and have sufficiently trained to be able to run 25km in harsh conditions.
The Vanuatu Volcano Run 2021 takes place on an active volcano, and this location entails a level of intrinsic risk. All runners must sign a waiver and acknowledge that they are entering the event at their own risk.
In case of emergencies, there will be medical personnel on standby.
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