Maratona Di Salemi Half Marathon
Love running? Love wine? Sicily's first wine marathon is here! Join in for all the wine, pizza and pasta you can imagine and have the time of your life.
Sign up for €75
- Fri 2 - Sun 4 Oct 2026
17:00
Age 18 & over
€75
- 13.1 miles trail running
Event overview
Maratona di Salemi is a truly unique half marathon set in the historic hilltop town of Salemi, in western Sicily.
Starting in Salemi’s medieval centre, the course winds through cobbled streets before climbing into the surrounding countryside, passing vineyards, family-run wineries, local producers and archaeological sites. Along the route, runners stop to enjoy Sicilian wines, regional food specialties and live music.
A celebration of fun, fine wine, and Sicilian culture, Maratona di Salemi invites runners to discover the island’s landscapes and traditions on one of Italy’s most character-filled routes. The event offers ideal autumn running conditions alongside a full weekend of food, wine and cultural experiences in and around Salemi.
Perfect for social runners, destination racers and wine lovers, Maratona di Salemi offers an unforgettable way to run, taste and explore Sicily.
Highlights
Historic hilltop start in Salemi
Run through atmospheric medieval streets with stone buildings and sweeping views across western Sicily.
Rolling Belice Valley landscapes
Quiet country roads framed by vineyards, olive groves and open farmland.
Authentic Sicilian countryside
A route that feels remote, peaceful and deeply rooted in local life.
Vineyards and rural tracks
Constant visual variety as the course winds between fields and traditional farms.
Gently undulating terrain
Natural rises and descents that reveal ever-changing panoramas.
Warm Mediterranean setting
Sunshine, wide skies and rich colours that define rural Sicily.
Cultural immersion on the move
Scenery that blends history, agriculture and nature into one unforgettable run.
A route designed to be savoured
Perfect for runners who value views, atmosphere and place over pure speed.
This year's theme - Stepping through History
From ancient times to modern milestones, dress as your favorite historical figure. Make every step a journey through history!
Event photos
Event community
Georgia H.
Christopher H.
Jackie F.
Evelyn C.
- Average fitness
- Event village
- Fancy dress
- Spectators
- Traders at event
Weekend overview
Join the entire weekend!
Friday
Saturday
Along the course there are plenty of opportunities for you to sample local wine, olives and other Sicilian goodies. After 21.1km you will loop back to the finish line in PIazza Alicia where you will be ready to join in the festivities of the official Maratona di Salemi after party.
Sunday
Sunday is departure day and you'll say goodbye to Salemi. Hopefully to see you again next year!
Ability level
Maratona Di Salemi is open to all abilities. The course is open for a maximum 4 hours. Don’t worry if you don’t make it all the way around the course though. The ‘sweep bus’ will collect you and bring you back to the Castle for the after-party!
Fancy dress option
Maratona Di Salemi's theme for this year is ‘Stepping Through History’. You are encouraged to dress up as a famous historical figure, cultural icon, or well-known character from any period in time!
- Check points
- Circular route
- Cut off time
- Entertainment
- Food stations
- Toilets
- Undulating
- Water stations
Overview
Starting from the main piazza in Salemi’s historic centre, the course winds its way through the streets before descending toward the modern Piazza Libertà. Runners will then face their first major climb as they leave Salemi but don’t worry, a well-earned glass of fizz awaits you at the top.
From here, the course follows a mix of gravel and sealed roads, weaving through some of Salemi’s finest vineyards, restaurants, and local producers. The route then drops down to the valley floor, where you’ll pass the Scavi di Mokarta, the remains of a prehistoric village.
A long, gradual climb brings you back toward Salemi, passing through yet more vineyards along the way, rest assured, you won’t go thirsty.
Map
Cut off
4 hours.
Don’t worry if you don’t make it all the way around the course, though. The ‘sweep bus’ will collect you and bring you back to the Castle for the after-party!
- Accommodation
- Bar
- Music
- Restaurant
- Toilets
Event HQ
Piazza Alicia
Salemi
91018
Italy
Set in the Belìce Valley of western Sicily, Salemi lies between Palermo and Trapani, both easily accessible via international airports. The surrounding countryside is renowned for its vineyards and wine production, making Salemi the perfect location for Sicily’s first wine marathon.
By rail
Salemi can be accessed by rail from either Palermo or Trapani. Pre-arranged transfers from either airport are optional.
By bus
Regional bus services to Salemi.
By car
Salemi is best accessed by car, giving you more freedom to explore the surrounding areas.
Parking
Parking is limited within the historic centre of Salemi. A parking plan will be announced closer to the event date.
Accommodation
Salemi offers a range of charming B&Bs, boutique stays, and agriturismi. Additional options are available in the nearby towns of Gibellina, Castelvetrano, and Marsala.
- Drinks
- Medal
- Pre-race meal
- Snacks
Included - runner
- Pre-race pasta dinner in Salemi’s Norman castle
- Race entry into the Maratona di Salemi
- Wine and food tasting stations along route
- Finisher’s medal crafted by local artisans
- Post-race festivities at the Castle
- Entry to official after party
Included - supporter
Supporter Tickets are only available with the purchase of at least one race entry, and include:
- Pasta welcome dinner on Friday evening
- Entry to offical Maratona di Salemi after party
- Age 18 & over
- Entries open
- Enter online
- Pay by instalments
Entry fees
Entry fee
€75.00