Castelbuono International Road Race
The oldest road race in Europe, set in the heart of the Madonie mountains
About Giro di Castelbuono
A century of racing in the Madonie village
The Castelbuono International Road Race is one of Italy's most captivating sporting events. With its first edition held in 1912, it is officially recognized as the oldest road race in Europe. It takes place annually on July 26th, the day of the patronal feast of Saint Anne, inextricably weaving sport, faith, and popular tradition in the heart of Castelbuono, a stunning village in the Madonie Park near Palermo, Sicily.
The town circuit, a unique loop
The race is run on a picturesque town circuit carved out of the alleys and squares of the historic center, with the start and finish line in the famous Piazza Margherita, at the foot of the Ventimiglia Castle. Elite athletes tackle several laps of the loop, covering a total distance of just over eleven kilometers on a technical track that alternates fast stretches with challenging climbs like the dreaded Mario Levante ascent, which often decides the outcome of the race.
A roll of honor for great champions
Since 1976, the race has gained international status and has seen some of the world's greatest middle-distance runners triumph. The event is the only 10 km road race in Italy to hold the prestigious World Athletics international label (awarded in 2011). Among the recent pages of its history, the 2025 victory by Yeman Crippa stands out, as he brought the Italian flag back to the top of the podium after thirty-six years.
Much more than a race
The Giro is not just about competition; it is a village festival that involves the entire community of Castelbuono's ten thousand residents. The day begins in the morning with youth races—from the Baby Run to the junior and cadet categories—and culminates in the evening with the spectacular night race reserved for top runners, under the lights illuminating the village and with thousands of spectators lining the course. Surrounding the race are award ceremonies, cultural events, and the celebrations for Saint Anne, which make the atmosphere in this corner of Sicily truly unique.
Giro di Castelbuono — edition 2026
In 2026, the Castelbuono International Road Race crosses the finish line of its 100th edition, marking a century of history for the oldest road race in Europe. The date remains the same, July 26th, coinciding with the feast of the patron saint, Saint Anne. To celebrate the centenary, the organizing committee has prepared a program spread throughout the year, with cultural, sporting, and social events involving the entire community of Castelbuono in the Madonie Park.
Programme Giro di Castelbuono 2026
Centenary Initiatives (April-November 2026)
- April-October — Five "Centenary Walks" through the Madonie mountains
- May 23 — Sustainable growth day with "Vivi Sano onlus"
- May 31 — Educational competition for schools (stories, poems, drawings)
- June — "Multisport FISDIR Sicily" project with Paralympic disciplines
- July 15-27 — Photography exhibition "The Giro between sport, history, and culture"
Festival Days (July 24-26)
- Sicilian and National Sports Awards
- "Ypsigro" Journalism Award
- Presentation of the centenary commemorative volume
- Conference on "Sport, Environment, and Health"
- Creation of the permanent starting line
- Official evening with historic athletes of the event
- "Palio of the Provinces" with young Sicilian athletes
- Theater, concert, and dancing in the square
The Races — July 26, 2026
- Morning — Baby Run and youth categories (boys/girls, cadets) on the historic town circuit
- "Vintage" men's and women's competitions
- Race reserved for FISDIR Sicily athletes
- Night — 100th Castelbuono International Road Race, elite test reserved for top runners
After the festival
- November 2026 — Planting of one hundred trees at the "Totò Spallino" sports field
Highlights Giro di Castelbuono 2026
Prices Giro di Castelbuono 2026
Practical information — Giro di Castelbuono
How to get there
Castelbuono is located in the Madonie Park, in the province of Palermo. By car, it can be reached via the A19/A20 motorway, taking the Castelbuono-Pollina-Pollina exit; by train, take the line to Castelbuono station (Palermo-Messina line), which is connected to the center by shuttle buses. The nearest airport is Palermo Falcone-Borsellino.
When and where
The race is held on July 26th, with the start and finish in Piazza Margherita in the historic center. Youth races take place in the morning, while the elite event is held at night.
Tips
The event is very popular: it is advisable to arrive early to find a spot along the circuit and to book accommodation in the Madonie villages well in advance. Viewing the race is free for the public.
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Where does it take place — Giro di Castelbuono
Centro storico di Castelbuono — Piazza Margherita
Piazza Margherita, 90013 Castelbuono