Race certified by Finishers: event approved by the organizer

10 Km of the Chestnut Tree of the Hundred Horses 2026

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Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons

The event in a few words

What if you went running on the slopes of the most famous volcano in Europe? ๐ŸŒ‹ Now that is a great experience to create memories, and your calves in the process! โšก๏ธ Head to Sicily, and more precisely the province of Catania, for a complete immersion in the village of Santโ€™Alfio ๐Ÿ“. This event, which enlivens the region in June, offers you a landscape out of the ordinary with, as a bonus, a perfect weather โ˜€๏ธ. You'll have the main format: the 10 km race, but also two sports walks " Walkthon " of 2.5 km and 10 km ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ. In total, therefore, there are 3 events waiting for you to discover this corner of paradise in Italy ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น. The main course involves doing a 2.5 km loopโ€ฆ 4 times, yes the calculation was quick ๐Ÿคฃ. It will be an explosive format, allowing you to control your effort while staying at the heart of the celebration ๐Ÿฅณ. 

The course takes place entirely on roads, in the heart of the historic center and the paths bordering the " Mongibello " ๐Ÿ‘€. With this nickname, one might almost think it is very gentleโ€ฆ ๐Ÿ™‚โ€โ†•๏ธYou will alternate between the classic asphalt and the famous dark volcanic stones, typical and ancient. Furthermore, did you know that those of Etna are special? They are known to be very resistant and versatile ๐ŸคŒ. Some Italian architectures even incorporate them in their infrastructures! Crazy, right? ๐Ÿ˜ฎ The course also passes through the village and takes you near the mythical: Chestnut Tree of the Hundred Horses. It is a UNESCO-listed natural monument, considered one of the oldest and largest trees in the world! ๐ŸŒŽ Proving that the star isn't just Etna โญ๏ธ. 

The organization is led by the teams of ASD Agex and Running Sicily, ready to transform Sant'Alfio into a true open-air stadium ๐ŸŸ๏ธ. The atmosphere is one of the great Sicilian festivals: friendly, loud, and incredibly warm ๐Ÿฅฐ. The surrounding villages mobilize and spectators gather along the 2.5 km circuit, to cheer you on as you deserve ๐Ÿ“ฃ. After the finish line, we all come together to celebrate your performance, with a good refreshment, typical Italian (if you know what we mean ๐Ÿ•).

To extend the experience, take advantage of your presence in the Etna natural park for family outings, out of the ordinary ๐Ÿ‘Œ. It's not every day you're at the foot of a volcano! ๐Ÿ˜ณ You can even climb towards the craters with a volcanologist guide, to touch these pieces of lava ๐ŸŒ. If you prefer a quieter activity: a visit to the lava caves or a meeting with local producers of honey and hazelnuts ๐ŸŒฐ, allow you to discover the unusual treasures of Sant'Alfio ๐ŸคŒ. And obviously, don't miss the rest of the gastronomy. The arancini, the Pasta alla Norma from Catania, or the Catania cannolis, there's plenty to enjoy!

After this race, you will surely be exhausted by your effort but above all filled with beautiful memories! โ˜€๏ธ

4 reasons to join this race

An ideal holiday destination ๐Ÿงณ
Sant'Alfio is the perfect gateway to discover Eastern Sicily ๐Ÿ’ƒ. Between sea and mountains, you can move from the coolness of the volcano to the beaches of Taormina in less than an hour. Plus, the event is designed to be shared with your loved ones thanks to the walking formats ๐Ÿšถ. You come for the race, you stay for the cuisine and the beauty of the perched villages. It's an opportunity to turn your bib into a real holiday weekend ๐Ÿ˜ด.
A technical and intense course ๐Ÿ’ฅ
With its 2.5 km circuit to be repeated 4 times, you are facing a course that requires restarting โšก๏ธ. The village turns and slight gradient changes will test your legs ๐Ÿ”ฅ. Doing a loop isn't the easiest, but there's never 2 without 3, nor without 4, so you'll complete this loop like a star! ๐Ÿ‘‘
The electric atmosphere of the Sicilian Grand Prix ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ
The event is one of the key stages of the Running Sicily circuit, precisely the 3rd! โญ๏ธ For this one, you find yourself among a group of enthusiasts from all over Italy and beyond ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น. The public of Sant'Alfio gathers in the village to cheer you on. Between the landscape, the encouragements, and the challenges at stake, all conditions are met ๐Ÿ˜Œ.
A unique world natural heritage ๐ŸŒ‹
Running beside the Chestnut Tree of the Hundred Horses doesn't happen every day ๐ŸŒฒ. This millennial tree is a living legend that adds a mystical dimension to your race. Not to forget Etna! It will be by your side throughout all the laps. These monuments around you almost become intimidating! You've understood, you come here not only for the kilometers but for the story that this landscape tells ๐Ÿ˜.

A distance for every taste

Road Running 10โ€‰km

Road RunningThe most popular
  • Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 9:30 AM

A few more words

For this 10 km, The start is given on the majestic Piazza Duomo of Sant'Alfio ๐Ÿ“.

You set off on a loop of 2.5 km that you need to complete 4 times. The route winds through the village streets before opening up to more rural sections where Mediterranean vegetation dominates ๐ŸŒฒ. The highlight is the passage near the Hundred Horse Chestnut Tree, where the shade of the giant leaves offers you a brief respite ๐Ÿ˜Œ.

But there's no time to linger, you have a few more laps to complete before conquering this challenge โญ๏ธ.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

You can pick up your bib on Sunday, June 14th from 7:45 AM to 9:15 AM, at the office located at Piazza Duomo.

The race will start on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Sant'Alfio (CT). You can join the jury and competitors at 7:45 AM at Piazza Duomo, where the start will be at 9:30 AM.

To participate in the 10 km race, you will need to provide:

  • For FIDAL registered athletes residing in Italy:

    • A valid FIDAL license through an affiliated club

    or

    • A valid Runcard or Runcard-EPS accompanied by a valid medical certificate for competitive fitness

  • For unregistered Italian athletes: FIDAL membership through the organization, accompanied by a valid medical certificate.

  • For non-residents:

    • A license from a club affiliated with a foreign federation recognized by World Athletics, with a sworn statement to be signed when picking up the bib

    or

    • A valid Runcard accompanied by a valid medical certificate for competitive fitness (the certificate may be issued in your country of residence but must comply with the exams required by Italian regulations)

Yes, you must be at least 16 years old on the day of the race.

Here is the price of the bibs:

  • For the 10 km race and the "Walkthon" (2.5 km and 10 km): โ‚ฌ15 until June 10th, then โ‚ฌ20

Yes, you will have 2 hours to finish the 10 km race and the 10 km "Walkthon".

Refreshments are planned at the end of each 2.5 km lap and at the finish with water, almond paste, seasonal fruits, roasted hazelnuts, and medium Sicilian pizza.

Your registration includes:

  • Bib, pins, and race chips

  • Custom technical shirt

  • Custom drawstring backpack

  • Medical assistance

  • Real-time timing service

  • Refreshment along the course and at the finish

  • Revitalization along the course (1 per 2.5 km loop)

  • Bag holder

  • Eco-friendly wooden medal

If you have further questions, you can contact the organizers by email: inforunningsicily@gmail.com

Focus

10 Km del Castagno dei Cento Cavalli
10 Km del Castagno dei Cento Cavalli
10 Km del Castagno dei Cento Cavalli
10 Km del Castagno dei Cento Cavalli