Arancia di Ribera DOP Half Marathon

A half marathon in the land of Arancia di Ribera DOP

The Arancia di Ribera DOP Half Marathon is one of the most anticipated running events in Western Sicily, held in Ribera, a town in the province of Agrigento known throughout Italy for its Arancia di Ribera DOP, a sweet and fragrant citrus fruit that gives the event its name. The race takes place during the Christmas season, when the Ribera countryside is dotted with orange groves heavy with fruit, and it traditionally represents the final competitive event of the regional season.

The course and distance

The race covers the classic half marathon distance of 21.097 kilometers along a slightly undulating, FIDAL-certified circuit. The start and finish are located in Piazza Duomo, in the heart of Ribera, from where athletes set off through the town's streets and surrounding territory. The route, accessible to both experienced runners and trained amateurs, is appreciated for the mild Sicilian winter climate, which makes running a half marathon in December a pleasant experience.

A race on the national calendar

The event is included in the FIDAL Bronze National Calendar and serves as the final stage of the Sicily Half Marathon Grand Prix, the circuit that brings together the island's main road races. This ensures a high-quality field of participants every year, with over three hundred athletes at the starting line from all over Sicily, various Italian regions, and abroad.

Sport and local identity

Organized by ASD Polisportiva Athlon Ribera with the patronage of the Municipality of Ribera, the race is much more than a sporting event: it is an opportunity to promote the excellence of the Ribera and Agrigento region. Winners of the various categories are awarded handcrafted ceramic prizes that reflect local traditions, and the day is enriched by prize draws and a festive atmosphere that involves the entire community.

Discovering Ribera and Sicily

Running the Half Marathon is also a way to discover Ribera and the Agrigento coastline, a land of sea, citrus groves, and gastronomic traditions. The town, located in Sicily, is the hub of Arancia di Ribera DOP production and offers participants and their companions the chance to enjoy a weekend of sport, Mediterranean landscapes, and authentic flavors.