Run2Castles
The road race connecting two castles, from Aci Castello to Catania
About Run2Castles
From castle to castle, along the Ionian coast
The Run2Castles is one of the most distinctive road races in Eastern Sicily. Its name says it all: you run from one castle to the other, starting from the Norman Castle of Aci Castello, perched on a lava cliff overlooking the sea, and finishing at the Castello Ursino in Catania, a Swabian fortress in the heart of the historic center. A 10.5-kilometer linear route that connects two municipalities in the Metropolitan City of Catania, Sicily, held annually on Epiphany.
A route between sea and history
The course is one of the most scenic in the Sicilian running calendar. From the start at the foot of the Aci Castello fortress, runners descend along Via Antonello da Messina and the Lungomare della Scogliera, continuing onto Viale Ruggero di Lauria, crossing Piazza Europa, Viale Africa, and Via VI Aprile, before entering Catania’s historic center via Via Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Duomo, with the finish line in front of Castello Ursino. It is a race that allows you to experience the Ionian coastal landscape and Catania's monumental heritage at a competitive pace.
Sport, territory, and solidarity
Organized by ASD Sport Extreme Triathlon with the patronage of the Municipalities of Aci Castello and Catania, and in collaboration with FIDAL and CSAIn, the Run2Castles is more than just a sporting challenge. A portion of the registration fees is donated to charity as part of the Run4Future project, supporting the "Madonna della Provvidenza" kindergarten in the San Cristoforo district of Catania. The event also promotes inclusion, welcoming athletes with disabilities.
A growing event
Launched in 2020, the Run2Castles has grown with each edition, now counting hundreds of participants from all over Italy and numerous foreign countries, with a significant presence of Polish athletes. The race is accompanied by Run2Castles Young, a version dedicated to younger runners held on the eve of the main event around Castello Ursino. Since 2026, the race has been part of the Running Sicily circuit, cementing its role as one of the island's premier races.
Run2Castles — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Run2Castles, the fifth of the event, set a participation record with 542 registered runners from all over Italy and nine countries, with a strong presence of Polish athletes. The start was given at 9:00 AM from the Norman Castle of Aci Castello, with the finish line in front of the Castello Ursino in Catania after the usual 10.5 kilometers along the Ionian coast and through the historic center of Catania.
Since 2026, the race has been part of the Running Sicily circuit. The event maintained its commitment to solidarity with the Run4Future project supporting the kindergarten in the San Cristoforo district, and promoted inclusion with the participation of an athlete with a disability.
Programme Run2Castles 2026
Monday, January 5, 2026 — Run2Castles Young
- Race dedicated to younger participants around the Castello Ursino in Catania, with approximately 60 participants.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 — Run2Castles (main race)
- 9:00 AM — Start from the Norman Castle of Aci Castello.
- 10.5 km route: Via Antonello da Messina, Lungomare della Scogliera, Viale Ruggero di Lauria, Piazza Europa, Viale Africa, Via VI Aprile, Via Vittorio Emanuele, and Piazza Duomo.
- Finish in front of the Castello Ursino in Catania.
- Followed by the awards ceremony for winners and categories.
Highlights Run2Castles 2026
Men's victory for Salvatore Maccarone (Magma Team) with a time of 32'02", his second win after 2023. In the women's category, Desiree Erica Di Maria (CUS Catania) won in 40'02". An absolute record of 542 registered athletes.
Prices Run2Castles 2026
Practical information — Run2Castles
When
The race traditionally takes place on January 6th, the day of Epiphany, starting at 9:00 AM from Piazza Castello in Aci Castello. The Run2Castles Young for younger participants is held on the eve of the race at Castello Ursino in Catania.
How to get there
Aci Castello is located along the Ionian coast, a few kilometers north of Catania. It can be reached by car via the SS114 or by local Catania bus lines. For those arriving by train or plane, the reference hub is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, located near Castello Ursino, the race's finish line.
Registration
Registrations are handled online via the Endu platform. The race is open to athletes registered with FIDAL and sports promotion bodies.
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Where does it take place — Run2Castles
Castello Normanno di Aci Castello
Piazza Castello, 95021 Aci Castello