Elba Island Marathon

A marathon with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea

The Elba Island Marathon has become a staple of the Italian running calendar and one of the most beloved sporting events in the Tuscan archipelago. It takes place in Marina di Campo, the main village of the municipality of Campo nell'Elba, in the Province of Livorno. Over the years, it has transformed from a niche race into an international attraction: the tenth-anniversary edition saw over 1,320 registered participants from 21 nations, with runners arriving from as far as other continents.

One of Italy's most beautiful routes

What makes this marathon special is the track. The start and finish are in the heart of Marina di Campo, but in between, it winds through one of the most scenic routes in Italian running, entirely overlooking the Costa del Sole, the south-western side of Elba. Runners pass through the hillside villages of Sant'Ilario and San Piero, climb to Colle Palombaia, and descend towards the famous beaches of Cavoli, Seccheto, and Fetovaia, before continuing to Pomonte and Chiessi. The total elevation gain of the marathon exceeds 600 metres, with a challenging climb in the first few kilometres rewarded by unforgettable sea views.

Many races for every level

The event is not just for expert marathoners. Alongside the 42.195 km marathon, there is a half-marathon (21.097 km) overlooking the western coast with a turnaround near Fetovaia, and a 10 km race, a faster route through Marina di Campo. For those who want to experience the atmosphere without the competitive pressure, there is the Family Run (approx. 6 km), the Kids Run for children and teenagers aged 4 to 17, and Nordic Walking and Trekking events, which take place mostly amidst the nature of the Mediterranean scrub.

More than just a race: a weekend on Elba

The logistical heart of the event is the Marathon Village set up in Piazza del Comune in Marina di Campo, where participants collect their race bibs and find stands, information, and tourist packages that combine ferry travel and accommodation. The Elba Island Marathon is designed as an opportunity to discover the island in the off-season, when spring offers ideal temperatures for running and exploring the Tuscan archipelago. The organization is managed by the ASD Elba Runners association, which has successfully grown the event year after year, turning it into an international showcase for Elba and the Province of Livorno.