Ostuni Half Marathon

A sunset half marathon in the White City

The Ostuni Half Marathon has become a staple of the Apulian running calendar in late spring. Every year, at the end of May, the area around the Villanova marina — in the famous White City of the Brindisi province — welcomes hundreds of runners for a 21.097 km road race with a unique feature: the sunset start at 5:30 PM, when the warm evening light eases the effort and provides unforgettable views between the sea and the olive groves.

The event is organized by Atletica Città Bianca, a historic local running club, and is included in the national FIDAL calendar (Italian Athletics Federation). The meeting point and start line are located in Villanova di Ostuni, on the coast, on Via Consolato Veneziano.

A route between the Adriatic and the Piana degli Ulivi

The course is one of the most appreciated elements of the event, as it showcases the landscape without being too demanding in terms of elevation. After the start in Villanova, runners tackle an initial coastal stretch along the Adriatic, with glimpses of the beach and the sea. The race then heads inland towards the so-called Piana degli Ulivi, passing dry-stone walls, rural roads, and the ancient olive groves that define the identity of the Ostuni area. The second half alternates between countryside and returns towards the coast, finishing back in Villanova.

More than just competition: the Family Run

The Ostuni Half Marathon is not just for competitive athletes. Alongside the main race, there is a 5 km Family Run, a non-competitive event open to everyone — families, children, walkers, and tourists — designed to let those who are not registered athletes experience the joy of the sport. It is the way the event involves the entire Ostuni community and visitors present in the area at this time of year.

Ostuni, the White City of Northern Salento

Running in Ostuni means immersing yourself in one of the most photographed villages in Puglia: the historic center, perched on a hill with its whitewashed houses, overlooks the Piana degli Ulivi and the Adriatic. The Municipality of Ostuni, in the province of Brindisi, offers participants more than just a race; it provides a weekend of sports tourism, combining sea, nature, and heritage. The event is supported by regional and municipal patronage, with first aid services provided by the local section of the Italian Red Cross.