Isola di Ustica Stage Race – Marine Protected Area Trophy
The most evocative stage race in the Mediterranean, set between crystal-clear waters and protected nature
About Ustica Stage Race
A stage race in the heart of the Mediterranean
The Isola di Ustica Stage Race is one of the most beloved and original fixtures in the Sicilian running calendar. For an entire week in July, the small volcanic island of Ustica—a jewel in the Municipality of the same name in the Province of Palermo—becomes the stage for an unparalleled competition: a race held entirely along the island's scenic paths and roads, with the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea as a constant backdrop.
Sport and protected nature
The event is closely linked to the Isola di Ustica Marine Protected Area, the first marine reserve established in Italy in November 1986. The trophy bearing the area's name is the most coveted prize of the competition, celebrating the deep bond between this sporting event and the preservation of one of the Mediterranean's richest marine ecosystems. Running in Ustica means traversing pristine landscapes, from hidden coves like the Caletta Acquario to the heights of Contrada Spalmatore and the locality of Ailanto.
Two formats for everyone
The race offers two participation modes, making it accessible to both competitive athletes and hobbyists:
- Long Course (Giro Lungo): four stages (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday), reserved for those who want to experience the full adventure.
- Short Course (Giro Corto): two stages (Friday and Saturday), designed for those arriving on the island just for the weekend.
The routes vary from a minimum of about 5 km to a maximum of 10 km, winding through climbs, descents, and flat stretches overlooking the sea.
A nationally renowned event
Organized by ASD Pol. Pegaso Athletic under the aegis of the ACSI Territorial Committee of Palermo, in collaboration with Ustica Tour, the race attracts athletes and sports clubs from all over Italy. The competition is part of the BioRace circuit and awards points valid for regional rankings, drawing runners from Sicily, Lombardy, Molise, and many other regions. More than just a race, it is a true week of sport and vacation that fuses competition with the discovery of Ustica's natural wonders.
Why participate
The Isola di Ustica Stage Race is the perfect opportunity for those seeking an extraordinary sporting experience: running at sunset with starts scheduled at 6:30 PM, diving into the island's clear waters between stages, and breathing in the authentic atmosphere of a community that welcomes runners as guests of honor. It is an event that confirms Ustica every summer as one of the most evocative destinations for Italian running.
Ustica Stage Race — edition 2026
2026 Edition — The Fifteenth
The 15th edition of the Isola di Ustica Stage Race will be held from July 6 to 12, 2026, and holds special significance: it falls on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Isola di Ustica Marine Protected Area (November 1986).
The Stages
- Stage 1 — Monday, July 6, 6:30 PM: departure from Caletta Acquario/Contrada Spalmatore with arrival in the Ailanto area.
- Stage 2 — Wednesday, July 8 (Long Course).
- Stage 3 — Friday, July 10 (Long Course and Short Course).
- Stage 4 — Saturday, July 11 (Long Course and Short Course).
Starts are scheduled for the late afternoon to avoid the heat. Routes vary from approximately 5 to 10 km.
Registration
Registration confirmation and collection of the bib and official personalized jersey for the Long Course take place at the Usticatour office in Piazza Umberto, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Programme Ustica Stage Race 2026
Monday, July 6 — Stage 1
- 3:00 PM-4:00 PM — Registration confirmation, bib and official jersey collection at the Usticatour office, Piazza Umberto (Long Course)
- 6:30 PM — Start of Stage 1: Caletta Acquario / Contrada Spalmatore → Ailanto area
Wednesday, July 8 — Stage 2 (Long Course)
Second leg of the Long Course along the island's scenic trails.
Friday, July 10 — Stage 3 (Long Course + Short Course)
First stage also valid for the Short Course.
Saturday, July 11 — Stage 4 (Long Course + Short Course)
Final stage with awards ceremony and presentation of the Marine Protected Area Trophy to the overall winners of the Long Course and Short Course.
Routes vary from a minimum of about 5 km to a maximum of 10 km. Intermediate dates and detailed times for stages 2-4 will be communicated by the organization closer to the event.
Highlights Ustica Stage Race 2026
Prices Ustica Stage Race 2026
Practical information — Ustica Stage Race
How to get there
Ustica can be reached by sea from Palermo: hydrofoils and ferries depart from the port of Palermo with daily connections (duration approx. 1h15-2h30). We recommend booking in advance during the summer months.
Registration and bib collection
Registration confirmation and the collection of bibs and personalized official jerseys take place at the Usticatour office in Piazza Umberto. For the Long Course, collection is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the day of the first stage.
Information and contacts
For details on registration, accommodation, and the program: Ustica Tour, tel. +39 338 9268346 (Gigi) or +39 392 6629245 (Mimmo). Website: usticatour.com.
Tips
As this is a week-long event, it is advisable to organize your stay on the island. Bring lightweight trail shoes for the dirt paths and sunscreen for the afternoon starts.
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Where does it take place — Ustica Stage Race
Isola di Ustica
Piazza Umberto I, 90051 Ustica