Matesannio Marathon

A granfondo in the heart of the Matese

The Matesannio Marathon is one of the most highly regarded granfondo cycling races in Central and Southern Italy. Organized by the ASD Maratona del Matesannio, based in Gioia Sannitica in the province of Caserta (Campania), the event draws hundreds of amateur cyclists every year to explore the Matese massif, an imposing limestone mountain range straddling the Sannio, Caserta, and Molise regions.

A tough and spectacular route

The competitive course covers 106.5 kilometers with over 2,000 meters of cumulative elevation gain. The start and finish are located in Telese Terme, in the province of Benevento, from where the peloton winds through about fifteen municipalities: San Salvatore Telesino, San Lorenzello, Faicchio, Gioia Sannitica, San Potito Sannitico, Piedimonte Matese, Castello del Matese, Pietraroja, Cusano Mutri, Cerreto Sannita, Guardia Sanframondi, and Castelvenere. The highlight of the race is the grueling climb toward Bocca della Selva (at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters), the most demanding King of the Mountains peak of the day, followed by a technical descent toward Pietraroja. Before returning to Telese, cyclists must tackle the famous "wall" toward Guardia Sanframondi, a final steep climb that truly tests the legs.

More than just competition

Alongside the competitive granfondo, the event offers a shorter cyclotouring route of approximately 35 kilometers with 600 meters of elevation gain, designed for those who want to enjoy the day's atmosphere without the pressure of a stopwatch, whether with family or friends. It is a way to open the event to a wider audience and showcase the scenic roads of the Matese to leisure cyclists.

A territory to be experienced

The strength of the Matesannio Marathon lies in its blend of sport and landscape: centuries-old beech forests, natural springs, ancient villages, and high-altitude panoramas frame a race that is as much a sporting challenge as it is a journey through the natural heritage of the Matese. The organizers have also launched the Nuova Linfa project, featuring medals handcrafted from reclaimed local Matese wood, engraved with the geographic coordinates of the collection point: a tangible sign of commitment to the environment and local identity.

A staple of late May

Reaching its thirteenth edition in 2026, the Matesannio Marathon has cemented its place as a classic in the spring granfondo calendar, attracting amateur cyclists from all over the peninsula to Gioia Sannitica and Telese Terme. The 2026 edition was also designated as an official stage of the ACSI Mediofondo Italian Championship, a recognition that honors the quality of the route, the safety of the event, and the beauty of the region.