Chianti Classico Marathon
Trail running through the Chianti hills, from Mercatale Val di Pesa to Greve and Barberino Tavarnelle
About Chianti Classico Marathon
Running in the heart of Chianti
The Chianti Classico Marathon is one of Tuscany's most beloved trail running events, a race that transforms the hills of the Florentine Chianti into a natural stage of vineyards, olive groves, white gravel roads, castles, and medieval villages. The event is based in Mercatale Val di Pesa, a district of the municipality of San Casciano in Val di Pesa, with the start and finish line in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. However, its beating heart spans three municipalities in the Metropolitan City of Florence: in addition to San Casciano, the trails also cross Greve in Chianti and Barberino Tavarnelle, in the heart of Tuscany.
Three routes through vineyards and villages
The event offers distances suitable for both experienced runners and walkers. The most challenging route is the Ultra Trail, while the Trail of approximately 22 km offers a more accessible taste of the same wonders. For those who prefer walking, there is the 10 km Passo Libero / Nordic Walking, while children have their own Mini Trail and wheelchair athletes can take part in the "A Ruota Libera" recreational event. Along the trails, participants encounter some of the area's finest landmarks: the Cantine Antinori nel Chianti Classico, the ancient Abbey of Badia a Passignano, the historic center of Greve in Chianti, the medieval village of Montefioralle, and the Castello di Verrazzano and Castello di Gabbiano.
More than just a race
The Chianti Classico Marathon is much more than a sporting competition: it is a true village festival that brings Mercatale to life for an entire weekend. With food and wine refreshment points, a convivial final lunch, an expo area, and side activities, the atmosphere is that of a great Tuscan popular celebration. The 2025 edition set a record with over 1,400 participants from 44 countries, confirming the international appeal of an event that merges outdoor sports with the wine culture and landscape of Chianti.
Organization and territory
The event is organized by A.S.D. Podistica Valdipesa, affiliated with UISP, with the support of local municipal administrations and associations. The deep bond with the Chianti Classico territory, one of the most famous wine-producing areas in the world, makes this race a unique opportunity to discover the most authentic side of Tuscany while running, walking, or simply joining the festivities.
Chianti Classico Marathon — edition 2026
The eighth edition of the Chianti Classico Marathon was held over the weekend of May 9-10, 2026, in Mercatale Val di Pesa (Florence), based in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Three routes were proposed on Sunday: the 47.2 km Ultra Trail (+1,600m elevation gain, 2 ITRA points), the 21.8 km Trail (+630m elevation gain, 1 ITRA point), and the 10 km Passo Libero / Nordic Walking. Also confirmed were the Mini Trail for children aged 6 to 13 on Saturday afternoon and the "A Ruota Libera" event for wheelchair athletes. The tracks crossed the municipalities of San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Greve in Chianti, and Barberino Tavarnelle, passing by the Cantine Antinori, the Abbey of Badia a Passignano, Montefioralle, and the castles of Chianti.
Programme Chianti Classico Marathon 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026
- 14:00 - 20:00 — Bib collection (approx. 200m from the start area, Piazza Vittorio Veneto)
- 16:30 — Mini Trail for children aged 6-13 (free registration on-site)
- All weekend — Expo village; Lynk & Co car exhibition by the Peragnoli dealership
Sunday, May 10, 2026
- 06:00 — Bib collection begins (until 30 minutes before each start)
- 07:00 — Start of Ultra Trail 47.2 km
- 08:30 — Start of Trail 21.8 km
- 09:00 — Start of Passo Libero / Nordic Walking 10 km and "A Ruota Libera" event
- 11:30 — Award ceremony
- 12:00 — Lunch opens at the Casa del Popolo and Circolo MCL
- 15:00 — Finish time limit
Highlights Chianti Classico Marathon 2026
Routes passing through the Cantine Antinori nel Chianti Classico, the Abbey of Badia a Passignano, the historic center of Greve in Chianti, the medieval village of Montefioralle, and the castles of Verrazzano and Gabbiano. Mini Trail for children, inclusive "A Ruota Libera" event, and final convivial lunch included for athletes in competitive races.
Prices Chianti Classico Marathon 2026
Practical information — Chianti Classico Marathon
Getting there
Mercatale Val di Pesa can be reached by car via the Florence-Siena expressway (San Casciano exit) or the SS2 Cassia road. The nearest airport is Florence Peretola; by train, the reference station is Florence Santa Maria Novella, from which you can continue by bus or car.
Bib collection
Bibs can be collected on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning from 6:00 AM, just a short walk from the start area in Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
Services
Services include a bag drop, changing rooms, medical assistance, refreshment points along the route, chip timing, a race pack, and a finisher's medal. The final lunch is included for athletes in the competitive categories.
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Where does it take place — Chianti Classico Marathon
Mercatale Val di Pesa - Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 50028 Barberino Tavarnelle