Trofeo del Mare – Bagheria City of Villas

The Trofeo del Mare in the heart of Bagheria

The Trofeo del Mare – Bagheria City of Villas is one of the most beloved road races in the province of Palermo. Every year, in early November, the streets of Bagheria are closed to traffic to welcome hundreds of runners competing on a completely flat urban course. Now in its thirteenth edition in 2026, the event has become a staple of the Sicilian sporting calendar and a wonderful opportunity to experience the city in a festive, communal atmosphere.

A 10 km race among Baroque villas

The competition covers an official distance of 10 km, divided into four 2.5 km laps on a city circuit. The certified, high-speed route winds through the main arteries of the center: Corso Umberto I, Corso Butera, Via Libertà, Via Quattrociocchi, Via Casaurro, Via Napoli, Via Monteleone, Via Acquaviva, Via Roccaforte, Via Roma, and Via Diego D'Amico, where the start and finish lines are located. The meeting point is near the famous Villa Palagonia, the "villa of monsters" and a symbol of Bagheria's Baroque architecture, which provides a stunning backdrop for the start.

An event for FIDAL athletes

The Trofeo del Mare is a competitive race reserved for FIDAL-registered athletes, Runcard holders, and athletes from foreign federations recognized by World Athletics. The event serves as a stage for the Regional Running Grand Prix in the Senior and Master categories, attracting a high-level field of runners from across the island. Electronic chip timing is used, and the top three athletes in each male and female FIDAL category are awarded.

Organization and territory

The event is organized by A.S.D. Sicilia Running Team in collaboration with A.S.D. Polisportiva Atletica Bagheria, with the patronage of the Municipality of Bagheria and FIDAL Sicily. Beyond the competition, the Trofeo del Mare is designed to showcase the local area: bringing the race into the city's "drawing room" promotes Bagheria's historical and artistic heritage, from its 18th-century villas to its connection with the sea in Aspra.

Atmosphere and participation

With spectators lining the route, families, and enthusiasts, the race creates a festive vibe that involves the entire community. The city circuit format not only ensures a fast course ideal for personal bests but also allows the public to get up close to the athletes, making the Trofeo del Mare a unique sporting and social event in the heart of the province of Palermo, Sicily.