Capo Sant'Alessio 10K – Arturo Mastroieni Memorial

A race in the heart of the Ionian coast of Messina

The Capo Sant'Alessio 10K – Arturo Mastroieni Memorial is one of the most popular road races in the Ionian district of the Metropolitan City of Messina. Every year, at the end of September, the seaside village of Sant'Alessio Siculo, Sicily, welcomes hundreds of athletes from across the island for a morning of sport and celebration by the sea.

The Course

The competition is held on a 2.5 km circuit along the town's seafront. It is completely flat and certified by the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL). Athletes complete the loop four times to cover the 10-kilometer distance, with the beach just meters away and the unmistakable backdrop of the Capo Sant'Alessio promontory, topped by the ruins of its ancient castle. It is a fast track, appreciated by those chasing personal bests, yet highly scenic for spectators watching from the promenade.

The Arturo Mastroieni Memorial

The event is dedicated to the memory of Arturo Mastroieni, a native of Sant'Alessio Siculo and the first Sicilian athlete to participate in an Olympic Games. In 1936, in Berlin, he ran the 5,000 meters, finishing in 15'02"2. The race was established to honor his legacy and has become a staple of the regional running calendar, bridging sport with the history and identity of this small Sicilian town.

Atmosphere and Organization

Organized by Atletica Savoca in collaboration with the Municipality of Sant'Alessio Siculo, the 10K typically attracts hundreds of registered athletes and amateurs. The day begins in the morning, followed by the race and the awards ceremony for various male and female categories, from youth to masters. Chip timing, medical assistance, refreshment stations, and a race pack complete this well-organized event, which combines a passion for running with the warm hospitality of a Sicilian Ionian coast village.

Sant'Alessio Siculo and Capo Sant'Alessio

Overlooking the Ionian Sea between Taormina and Messina, Sant'Alessio Siculo is a seaside resort known for its beaches and the picturesque Capo Sant'Alessio promontory. The race is a wonderful opportunity to discover this corner of Sicily outside the peak summer season, pairing sport with a day on the seafront.