Diomedea Marathon

The May Day race in Vasto

The Diomedea Marathon is the premier running event that kicks off the outdoor sports season in Vasto, an Adriatic town in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. Every May 1st, the streets of the historic center transform into a race circuit that winds through some of the city's most picturesque spots, from the panoramic Loggia Amblingh to the squares of the old town, in a celebration of sport and community.

A half-century of history

The name pays tribute to Diomedes, the Greek hero linked to the myth of the Diomedean Islands, a figure deeply rooted in the local lore of this coastline. The event was first held in 1975 and ran for eighteen editions until 1993, before a long hiatus of over thirty years. Thanks to the dedication of the Podistica Vasto running club, the race has been brought back to life: the 2026 edition marks the third since its revival, reflecting an event that continues to grow in participation and local affection year after year.

The races

The program includes three distinct routes:

• Competitive race of 9.2 km, reserved for registered athletes and amateurs;
• Non-competitive fun run of 4.6 km, open to everyone, including families;
• a children's race with a dedicated course for the little ones.

The route winds through the historic center, passing Corso Nuova Italia, Via Asmara, Piazza Marconi, Viale delle Rimembranze, Via Roma, Via Adriatica, the Porta Palazzo staircase, the Loggia Amblingh, Piazza Diomede, and Corso De Parma, with the start and finish line in Piazza Rossetti.

Sport, solidarity, and the local area

The Diomedea is more than just a competition: it is a participatory event that unites professionals, amateurs, families, and volunteers. Organized by Podistica Vasto with the patronage of the Municipality of Vasto and the support of local partners, the event also hosts local associations and charitable organizations along the route. It has become a highly anticipated fixture on the city's sports calendar, attracting hundreds of runners from across Abruzzo and neighboring regions.