What if you went running on the slopes of the most famous volcano in Europe? ๐ Now that is a great experience to create memories, and your calves in the process! โก๏ธ Head to Sicily, and more precisely the province of Catania, for a complete immersion in the village of SantโAlfio ๐. 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 ๐ถโโ๏ธ. In total, therefore, there are 3 events waiting for you to discover this corner of paradise in Italy ๐ฎ๐น. The main course involves doing a 2.5 km loopโฆ 4 times, yes the calculation was quick ๐คฃ. It will be an explosive format, allowing you to control your effort while staying at the heart of the celebration ๐ฅณ.
The course takes place entirely on roads, in the heart of the historic center and the paths bordering the " Mongibello " ๐. With this nickname, one might almost think it is very gentleโฆ ๐โโ๏ธYou 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 ๐ค. Some Italian architectures even incorporate them in their infrastructures! Crazy, right? ๐ฎ 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! ๐ 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 ๐๏ธ. The atmosphere is one of the great Sicilian festivals: friendly, loud, and incredibly warm ๐ฅฐ. The surrounding villages mobilize and spectators gather along the 2.5 km circuit, to cheer you on as you deserve ๐ฃ. After the finish line, we all come together to celebrate your performance, with a good refreshment, typical Italian (if you know what we mean ๐).
To extend the experience, take advantage of your presence in the Etna natural park for family outings, out of the ordinary ๐. It's not every day you're at the foot of a volcano! ๐ณ You can even climb towards the craters with a volcanologist guide, to touch these pieces of lava ๐. If you prefer a quieter activity: a visit to the lava caves or a meeting with local producers of honey and hazelnuts ๐ฐ, allow you to discover the unusual treasures of Sant'Alfio ๐ค. 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
For this 10 km, The start is given on the majestic Piazza Duomo of Sant'Alfio ๐.
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 ๐ฒ. The highlight is the passage near the Hundred Horse Chestnut Tree, where the shade of the giant leaves offers you a brief respite ๐.
But there's no time to linger, you have a few more laps to complete before conquering this challenge โญ๏ธ.
This format is dedicated to walking and the pleasure of discovery without the pressure of the stopwatch โฑ๏ธ.
The 2.5 km route is a loop that must be done 4 times. You will have the opportunity to see the essentials of the Sant'Alfio heritage and its church with colorful steeples. Not to forget the Tree of One Hundred Horses and the Etna! This is the perfect option for companions or health-sport enthusiasts. ๐
The 2.5 km route is a unique loop that showcases the main sights of Sant'Alfio's heritage and its church with colorful steeples ๐. Don't forget the Hundred Horses Chestnut Tree and Etna! ๐
You can fully enjoy every detail of the volcanic landscape at a more leisurely pace. It's the perfect option for companions or health-sport enthusiasts ๐ค.
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): โฌ15 until June 10th, then โฌ20
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
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