Perla del Tirreno Half Marathon
The Cefalù half marathon along the coast of the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian'
About Cefalù Half Marathon
The Half Marathon of the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian
The Perla del Tirreno Half Marathon is the most anticipated running event in Cefalù, a stunning Norman town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea in the province of Palermo, Sicily. It is a 21.097 km road race, certified and approved by FIDAL (Italian Athletics Federation) and organized by A.S.D. Murialdo Cefalù. Every year, the race attracts hundreds of athletes from across Sicily and Italy, drawn by both the competitive spirit and the breathtaking setting.
A route between the sea and the old town
What makes this race unique is its city circuit: a certified loop of just over five kilometers, repeated multiple times, which traverses the heart of Cefalù. The start and finish are located on the Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, framed by the beach and the sea, before winding through Piazza Cristoforo Colombo, Via Matteotti, Corso Ruggero, and the charming narrow alleys of the medieval historic center, all under the shadow of the famous Arab-Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Running here means traversing centuries of Sicilian history with every step.
More than just a competition
The event is not reserved for specialists alone: alongside the competitive half marathon, a shorter race (approx. 10 km) is offered for those who want to soak up the atmosphere without tackling the full distance. There are also children's races and festive moments that turn race Sunday into a true community celebration for the entire town. The event is part of the regional FIDAL calendar and stands as a benchmark for autumn road running in Sicily.
Cefalù, a picture-perfect setting
Dominated by its famous Rocca and the Cathedral commissioned by Roger II, Cefalù is one of Sicily's most beloved tourist destinations. Running the Perla del Tirreno Half Marathon in October, with its mild climate and the sea always in sight, is an experience that blends sport, landscape, and culture—which is why many participants choose to turn the race weekend into a short getaway in the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian'.
Cefalù Half Marathon — edition 2026
8th edition — October 4, 2026
The eighth edition of the Perla del Tirreno Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Cefalù (PA). The competitive 21.097 km race, FIDAL-certified and of national level, confirms the proven format that has made the event a success: start and finish on Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, with a certified circuit to be repeated multiple times between the sea, the narrow streets of the historic center, and the shadow of the Arab-Norman Cathedral. The organization is handled, as every year, by A.S.D. Murialdo Cefalù.
Programme Cefalù Half Marathon 2026
Sunday, October 4, 2026
- 09:30 AM — Start of the Half Marathon (21.097 km), FIDAL-certified and approved, on a multi-lap city circuit
- A shorter non-competitive race (approx. 10 km) is also scheduled, open to a wider audience
- Children's races and entertainment along the route
Bib collection: Scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, October 3, and the morning of the race, at the start area on Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina.
Route: Start and finish on Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, certified loop through Piazza Cristoforo Colombo, Via Matteotti, Corso Ruggero, and the streets of Cefalù's historic center.
Registration fees and full details are published by the organization in the weeks leading up to the race; registration is expected to close at the end of September.
Highlights Cefalù Half Marathon 2026
Prices Cefalù Half Marathon 2026
Practical information — Cefalù Half Marathon
How to get there
Cefalù is located along the Tyrrhenian coast, about an hour's drive east of Palermo. The Cefalù train station is on the Palermo-Messina line, with frequent connections. By car, take the Buonfornello exit on the A19/A20 motorway.
Start and finish
The start and finish lines are located on the Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, in the center of Cefalù.
Registration and contacts
Registration is handled through FIDAL channels and affiliated timing circuits. For information: A.S.D. Murialdo Cefalù, tel. +39 320 3871310, email [email protected].
Tips
The best time to visit Cefalù: the October climate is mild. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance and to use the athlete parking indicated by the organizers, given the restricted traffic zone (ZTL) in the historic center.
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Where does it take place — Cefalù Half Marathon
Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina
Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina, 90015 Cefalù