Etruscan Marathon

A long-distance swimming tradition in the heart of the Etruscan Coast

The Etruscan Marathon is one of the longest-running and most respected open-water swimming races in Tuscany. Reaching its 35th edition in 2026, it takes place in the enchanting setting of the Gulf of Baratti, in the municipality of Piombino, in the province of Livorno. Organized by Società Nuoto Piombino ASD, the event has been a staple of the Italian Swimming Federation (FIN) national master long-distance swimming calendar for years.

The course: 7.6 km in the waters of the gulf

The race covers a distance of approximately 7.6 km, starting and finishing at the Sailing Center on Baratti beach. Athletes swim along the coast heading east towards Pozzino, reach the Stellino rock, and navigate a buoy-marked course that forms a complete loop of the gulf before returning to the finish funnel in front of the Sailing Center. Timing is automated via transponder, and the regulations follow FIN federal rules for long-distance swimming.

A weekend entirely dedicated to long-distance swimming

The Etruscan Marathon is the highlight of a full weekend of races in the Gulf of Baratti. In addition to the marathon, the program includes the Enrico Criscitiello Memorial Mile (a 1852-meter sprint middle-distance race) and the Gulf of Baratti Trophy - Avis City of Piombino Trophy (a 2500-meter middle-distance race), allowing athletes to participate in one or more events and compete for combined rankings.

Sport and archaeological landscape

What makes this event unique is its setting: the Gulf of Baratti is part of the Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park, where Mediterranean nature meets the remnants of the Etruscan civilization. Swimming in these waters means crossing one of the most evocative stretches of the Tuscan coast, amidst pine forests, beaches, and the horizon of the Tuscan Archipelago. Special attention is paid to the environment: single-use plastic is prohibited on Piombino's beaches, and the organizers use biodegradable solutions for athlete refreshments.

Hospitality and conviviality

At the end of the race, athletes enjoy traditional refreshments on the beach and a pasta party in the pine forest reserved for the event during the awards ceremony. Cups and medals are awarded to the top overall finishers and category winners, both men and women, upholding the sporting and friendly spirit that has characterized the Etruscan Marathon for over thirty years.