La Mezza dello Stretto
The new Messina half marathon along the Strait
About Mezza dello Stretto
A new half marathon overlooking the Strait
The Mezza dello Stretto debuts in Messina on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with its first edition. This is a competitive half marathon over the official distance of 21.0975 km, organized by A.S.D. Podistica Messina (FIDAL society ME591) and officially included in the national calendar of marathons and half marathons of the Italian Athletics Federation.
Running in the heart of the city of the Strait
The new race was created to allow participants to experience running in one of the most fascinating cities in Southern Italy: the capital of the Province of Messina, in Sicily, stretches along the famous Strait, the stretch of sea that separates the island from Calabria. The route winds through the city center, offering runners the unique scenery of the waterfront and the maritime traffic that enlivens this stretch of the Mediterranean every day.
October, the month of running in Sicily
La Mezza dello Stretto takes place during an October that is particularly rich for Sicilian running, alongside other major events such as the Perla del Tirreno Half Marathon in Cefalù, the Palermo International Half Marathon, and the Blu Jonio Half Marathon in Riposto. The 2026 regional calendar features over twenty marathons and half marathons, confirming that Sicily is one of the most vibrant regions in the national running scene.
The organization: A.S.D. Podistica Messina
Behind the event is A.S.D. Podistica Messina, a historic local running club (based in Salita Zafferia, Messina) active in organizing road races, cross-country events, and city trophies such as the Trofeo Città di Messina. La Mezza dello Stretto represents their new challenge to provide the capital with a landmark half marathon, capable of attracting athletes from all over Sicily and the rest of Italy.
Who is it for?
- Amateur and competitive registered runners looking for an autumn half marathon in Sicily.
- Enthusiasts who want to combine the race with a visit to Messina and the Strait.
- Sports clubs in the Sicilian running circuit.
Detailed information on the route, registration fees, and schedules will be published by the organizers in the months leading up to the event.
Mezza dello Stretto — edition 2026
First edition — Sunday, October 11, 2026
The Mezza dello Stretto debuts in Messina with its inaugural edition, set for Sunday, October 11, 2026. The race, over the official distance of 21.0975 km, is a competitive half marathon organized by A.S.D. Podistica Messina and regularly registered in the national FIDAL calendar.
The date is official and confirmed. At the moment, the detailed program has not yet been published: the organization will communicate the start time, the final route, the methods and fees for registration, as well as any non-competitive side events in the months leading up to the race. The race will take place in the center of Messina, along the scenery of the Strait.
Programme Mezza dello Stretto 2026
The detailed program for the first edition has not yet been published. The race is confirmed for Sunday, October 11, 2026, as a competitive half marathon (21.0975 km) registered in the FIDAL calendar. Start time, final route, any non-competitive events, fees, and registration methods will be communicated by A.S.D. Podistica Messina in the months preceding the event.
Highlights Mezza dello Stretto 2026
Inaugural edition of a new city half marathon in Messina, overlooking the Strait, included in the busy October month of Sicilian running.
Practical information — Mezza dello Stretto
When
Sunday, October 11, 2026. Competitive half marathon over the distance of 21.0975 km.
Where
Messina (ME), Sicily. Route in the city center, along the Strait. The details of the track and the start/finish points will be communicated by the organization.
How to get there
By train: Messina Centrale station, well-connected to Catania and Palermo and, via FS ferries, to Calabria. By car: A20 (Messina-Palermo) and A18 (Messina-Catania) motorways. By plane: Catania Fontanarossa and Reggio Calabria airports, both about an hour away.
Registration and information
Organized by A.S.D. Podistica Messina. Contacts: [email protected], tel. +39 388 3258587, website podisticamessina.com.
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Where does it take place — Mezza dello Stretto
Centro città di Messina