Palermo Half Marathon 2024

In Italy 🇮🇹, the passion for soccer is so intense that the country itself resembles a boot 👢 kicking a soccer ball ⚽️. That ball would be Sicily 🍋, often depicted in movies 🍿 as the playground of mobsters. So, sink into your finest leather armchair, place your cat 🐱 on your lap, and check out the exciting program ahead 👇.

Today, we're shattering stereotypes by telling you about a fantastic race: the Palermo Half Marathon! Set in this sunny ☀️ and historically rich city 📚, you'll be at the starting line of one of Europe's 🇪🇺 most significant half marathons. Naturally, you can opt to run the 21 km distance (as the name suggests 😅), but there's also a 10 km run that's just as spectacular 🎇. For those not worried about time, there's also a 10 km Walkthon non-competitive event (though there is a time limit). No matter the distance you choose, the route will take you between land 🪵 and sea 🌊, through a major city home to 650,000 residents. You'll enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean beaches near the Gulf of Mondello, as well as the beautiful streets of Palermo, including the Via Liberta, lined with Art Deco villas, some designed by Ernesto Basile. You'll pass all the city's monuments: the Cathedral of Palermo ⛪, the Statua della Libertà, Norman Palace with its magnificent Palatine Chapel, and the Oratory of San Lorenzo 😍. You'll also stroll through green spaces like the Parco della Favorita 🌳. Not to forget the former royal residences 👸 such as the Villa Niscemi or the Chinese Palace 🇨🇳.

The race takes place at the end of October 🍁. Fear not: even in October, the weather in Sicily is quite mild 🌞, with temperatures ranging between 17° and 20°C.

The start 🏁 will be at the Politeama Square, one of the city's most important squares 🌆. It's home to the Teatro Politeama, a renowned opera house 🎙️. However, it doesn't quite rival the Teatro Massimo, the largest on the island, where you can catch a performance of The Sicilian Vespers by Giuseppe Verdi after your race 🎭. Also on the route, the Quattro Canti serves as Palermo's lively square, surrounded by magnificent baroque monuments 🤌. Thrill-seekers might head to the Catacombes dei Cappuccini ☠️, which rival even our beloved Parisian catacombs. For those wanting to immerse themselves in the culture and city, wandering through historic Palermo is a must. This vibrant and picturesque area, famous for its fountains, sculptures, and cobblestone streets, exudes charm. The city also boasts many museums 👀, narrating the tumultuous history of Sicily... 📚 Fascinating stories, without a doubt! 😏 Finally, for those looking to grab a bite post-race, you can sample some delicious Sicilian specialties: panelle, cazzilli, arancini (or arancine), sfincione, pani ca' meusa, cannoli, or the brioche col tuppo (a brioche filled with ice cream 🍦)... 😋

Ready to explore the wonders of this Mediterranean gem? Don't wait and sign up for the Palermo Half Marathon! 📝