Palermo Marathon

The Palermo Marathon

The Palermo Marathon is the most significant running event in the Sicilian capital and one of the most beloved road races in Southern Italy. Organized by ASD Media@, the event attracts thousands of athletes from dozens of countries every year, turning the streets of Palermo's historic center into a grand open-air sports stage. The race is part of the FIDAL national calendar and holds the Bronze Label, a recognition that certifies its organizational and technical excellence.

A route through the city's monumental heart

The start and finish are located in Piazza Ruggero Settimo, in front of the Teatro Politeama, in the heart of the city. The route is an authentic journey through the beauty of Palermo: it winds along Via Libertà, brushes past the Teatro Massimo, crosses the Quattro Canti, reaches Porta Nuova, the Palazzo dei Normanni, and Piazza Indipendenza, before touching the Foro Italico, the Stadio Renzo Barbera, the Palazzina Cinese, and the famous seafront. The course is a city loop: one lap completes the half marathon (21.097 km), and two laps make up the full marathon (42.195 km). Hence the slogan that accompanies the race: "running through art!".

The distances

• Marathon 42.195 km, the flagship competitive race of the event;
• Half marathon 21.097 km;
• Relay 4×10.5 km, designed for groups, clubs, and amateurs who want to experience the marathon as a team.

A celebration of sport and tourism

More than just a competition, the Palermo Marathon is a popular festival that combines athletic performance with regional promotion. The crowds cheering along the route, the mild Mediterranean late-autumn atmosphere, and the extraordinary backdrop of the Arab-Norman heritage—now a UNESCO World Heritage site—make this race a unique experience in the Italian marathon landscape. The event takes place in the Municipality of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, and stands as one of the region's premier sporting events.