Neapolis Marathon
The international marathon of Naples, from Piazza del Plebiscito to the seafront
About Neapolis Marathon
The international marathon of Naples
The Neapolis Marathon is the major city marathon of Naples, organized by the Neapolis Marathon SSD with the patronage of the Municipality of Naples and the support of the Campania Region institutions. Established in 2021, it brought a measured and FIDAL-certified marathon back to the Campanian capital after nearly seven years, growing rapidly to become one of the most popular running events in Southern Italy.
The race takes place every October, starting and finishing in Piazza del Plebiscito, in the San Ferdinando district. This monumental setting, nestled between the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, offers one of the most iconic images of Italian running.
A route through the UNESCO historic center and the seafront
The 42.195 km course is FIDAL-measured and certified, featuring in both national and international calendars. The route is fast and fluid: it winds through the UNESCO World Heritage historic center, passing by the Teatro San Carlo, Galleria Umberto I, Maschio Angioino, the Cathedral, and the narrow streets of San Gregorio Armeno, before opening up to the sea along the city coastline, with Mount Vesuvius and Castel dell'Ovo in the background. Recent editions have included a panoramic stretch on the San Vincenzo pier—one of the event's most photographed sections—along with runs along the Caracciolo seafront, Mergellina, Via Marina, and Corso Umberto I.
Four races for everyone
The Neapolis Marathon is not just for specialists; the program is designed so everyone can find their ideal distance.
- Marathon — 42.195 km competitive, 6-hour time limit;
- Half Marathon — 21.097 km competitive, 3-hour and 15-minute time limit;
- Sea Run — 12.4 km non-competitive recreational run, open to anyone aged 16 and over, no membership required;
- Discovery — 6 km walk scheduled for Saturday, accessible to all.
Competitive races include FIDAL-regulated refreshment stations, pacer services, medical assistance, bag storage, online diplomas, and finisher medals for qualified athletes.
The Village in Piazza del Plebiscito
In the days leading up to the race, Piazza del Plebiscito hosts the Neapolis Marathon Village, featuring an expo, bib collection, music, meetings, and family-friendly initiatives. It serves as the hub for athletes and spectators alike; admission is free, and the square remains lively until the eve of the race.
Rapid growth
From approximately 1,500 total registrations in the 2021 inaugural edition to over 5,500 athletes in 2025, with about 40% of participants coming from abroad and over twenty nations represented, the event has seen massive growth. Registrations closed early due to reaching capacity, a clear sign of an event that has achieved a truly international status and secured a permanent spot in the autumn Mediterranean marathon calendar.
Naples, Campania, and sports tourism
For the metropolitan city of Naples and the entire Campania region, the marathon has become a key event for sports tourism. Many runners arrive with their families, extending their stay to visit Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, the Phlegraean Fields, or the islands of the Gulf. Running in Naples in October means enjoying mild weather, a city that fills the streets to cheer on the athletes, and a finish line under the Royal Palace that is worth the trip alone.
Neapolis Marathon — edition 2026
The 6th edition
The sixth edition of the Neapolis Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Naples. The Neapolis Marathon SSD, with the patronage of the Municipality of Naples, brings back the well-established format: a single start at 8:00 AM from Piazza del Plebiscito for the marathon, half marathon, and Sea Run, with the finish in the same square and the Village open in the preceding days.
The marathon route is measured and FIDAL-certified, included in the national and World Calendar, with a 6-hour time limit and intermediate time gates. The 2026 edition also awards the title of the Italian Inter-Force Marathon Championship and offers a total prize pool of 10,600 euros across absolute rankings, Italian-only rankings, and club awards.
The title sponsor is Union Gas e Luce; timing is provided by Next Race. Online registrations close on October 4, 2026, with the possibility of registering at the Village in the two days prior to the race, subject to availability.
Programme Neapolis Marathon 2026
Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, 2026 — Neapolis Marathon Village
Village opening in Piazza del Plebiscito: expo, sponsor stands, family initiatives, and bib collection. Saturday, October 17, features the Discovery, a 6 km non-competitive walk open to everyone.
Sunday, October 18, 2026 — Race Day
- 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM — Final bib collection at the Village, by request only;
- 7:00 AM — Competitors' meeting in Piazza del Plebiscito (7:30 AM for the Sea Run);
- 8:00 AM — Start of Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.097 km), and Sea Run (12.4 km);
- Refreshment stations along the route according to FIDAL regulations, with water, supplements, and fruit, plus a final refreshment station at the finish;
- Marathon time gates: 3h15' at the 21.097 km mark, 4h25' at the 30th km, 5h30' at the 38th km, 6-hour time limit;
- 3-hour and 15-minute maximum time for the Half Marathon and 3 hours for the Sea Run;
- Finish in Piazza del Plebiscito with finisher medal for qualified athletes and online diploma;
- Award ceremony with a total prize pool of 10,600 euros (top six men and women, Italian rankings, time bonuses, and prizes for the top five clubs).
Pacer service available upon request, medical and technical assistance along the entire route, bag storage and changing rooms in the start area, and shuttle service for retired athletes.
Highlights Neapolis Marathon 2026
- Start and finish in Piazza del Plebiscito, in front of the Royal Palace
- FIDAL-certified route through the UNESCO historic center and along the sea
- Views of Mount Vesuvius, Castel dell'Ovo, and Maschio Angioino
- Four options: 42.195 km, 21.097 km, 12.4 km, and 6 km walk
- 2026 Italian Inter-Force Marathon Championship
- Neapolis Marathon Village with expo in the square, free admission
- Pacer service, FIDAL refreshment stations, finisher medal, and online diploma
Prices Neapolis Marathon 2026
Practical information — Neapolis Marathon
Getting there
By train: Naples Central Station (Piazza Garibaldi), connected to Piazza del Plebiscito by Metro Line 1 (Municipio and Toledo stops, both a few minutes' walk from the start). By plane: Naples-Capodichino Airport, with the Alibus service to the city center and the port. By car: Take the ring road exits toward the center; paid parking is available in the port and Municipio areas. Note that on race Sunday, the center is subject to extensive traffic closures, so public transport is highly recommended.
Bib collection
At the Neapolis Marathon Village in Piazza del Plebiscito, on the Friday and Saturday before the race. On Sunday morning, collection is available only upon request between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM.
Tips
The meeting point is at 7:00 AM (7:30 AM for the Sea Run) and the start is at 8:00 AM; it is best to arrive at the square well in advance. Bag storage and changing rooms are located in the start area. For spectators, the best viewing points are the seafront and the finish line in Piazza del Plebiscito.
Contacts
General information: [email protected] — accommodation and hotel deals: [email protected] — official website: www.neapolismarathon.it
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Where does it take place — Neapolis Marathon
Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza del Plebiscito, 80132 Napoli