EMACNS Catania - European Masters Athletics Championships Non Stadia
The European Masters Non-Stadia Athletics Championships on the Catania seafront
About EMACNS Catania
Catania, European capital of master athletics
From April 30 to May 3, 2026, the city of Catania, in the province of the same name in Sicily, welcomes the EMACNS - European Masters Athletics Championships Non Stadia for the first time, the European Masters Athletics Championships for disciplines held outside the stadium. The event is organized by Goal and Brain ASD under the aegis of European Masters Athletics (EMA) and brings over 1,500 veteran athletes from approximately 28 nations across the continent to the Etnean capital.
Competition disciplines
The program brings together all non-stadia master athletics specialties, reserved for categories starting from age 35 and divided by age groups. The competition includes:
- 10 km road race, on the city seafront
- Half marathon, the highlight of the final Sunday
- 10 km and 20 km road race walking
- Cross-country relay, including mixed format, at the Boschetto della Playa
- 10 km competitive Nordic walking
- 5K Open Race, open to accompanying persons as well
A stage between the sea and the volcano
The event headquarters is the Lungomare Playa, along Viale Kennedy, where the start and finish lines for the road events are located. The beach, the pine forest of the Boschetto della Playa, and the city center streets provide the backdrop for a competition that combines sport, tourism, and sustainability, with Mount Etna in the background. The award ceremonies and the closing event take place at the Le Ciminiere Congress Center, a symbol of contemporary Catania.
Sport and local identity
The EMACNS is a biennial traveling event that, after visiting various European cities, has chosen Catania as its 2026 host. For the Etnean municipality and all of Sicily, this is a high-profile international showcase capable of promoting the region's landscape and cultural heritage through high-level amateur sports. The event confirms Catania's vocation as a city of athletics and a destination for sports tourism in the Mediterranean.
EMACNS Catania — edition 2026
EMACNS Catania 2026
The first Catania edition of the European Masters Non-Stadia Championships transformed the Lungomare Playa into a massive athletics village. The 10 km race walk and 10 km road race opened the program, followed by cross-country relays at the Boschetto della Playa and competitive Nordic walking, with a large French contingent. The final day, Sunday, May 3, featured the half marathon, the 5K Open Race, and the 20 km race walk, starting at 8:30 AM from Viale Kennedy. The closing ceremony and award presentations were held at the Le Ciminiere Congress Center, marking the handover to the host of the next edition.
Programme EMACNS Catania 2026
- April 30: Opening and bib collection
- 10 km race walk and 10 km road race on the seafront
- Cross-country relays (including mixed) at the Boschetto della Playa
- 10 km competitive Nordic walking
- May 3, 8:30 AM: Half marathon, 5K Open Race, and 20 km race walk from Viale Kennedy
- Award ceremonies and closing event at the Le Ciminiere Congress Center
Highlights EMACNS Catania 2026
Prices EMACNS Catania 2026
Practical information — EMACNS Catania
When
From Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3, 2026. The half marathon, the 5 km open race, and the 20 km race walk start on Sunday, May 3 at 8:30 AM from Viale Kennedy.
Where
Lungomare Playa - Viale Kennedy, Catania (CT). Cross-country relays at the Boschetto della Playa; award ceremonies at the Le Ciminiere Congress Center.
How to get there
Catania is served by the Catania-Fontanarossa International Airport, located just a few kilometers from the Playa area. By train, Catania Centrale station is connected to the main Sicilian cities; by car, it can be reached via the A18 and A19 motorways.
Registration
Registration opens on December 4, 2025, and closes on April 10, 2026, via the official website and the OpenTrack platform.
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Where does it take place — EMACNS Catania
Lungomare Playa - Viale Kennedy
Viale Kennedy, 95126 Catania