Palermo Marathon

The Palermo Marathon & Half Marathon (Maratona Internazionale Città di Palermo) is a city-and-sea road race that lets you experience Sicily’s capital at full intensity—fast coastal stretches, historic avenues, and the unmistakable energy of Palermo’s street life. The course showcases the contrast that makes the city special: salty sea breeze along the waterfront, then a return into the heart of Palermo where baroque architecture, grand piazzas, and lively markets create a nonstop backdrop. The finish near Piazza Ruggero Settimo / Teatro Politeama feels like a true city celebration, with local hospitality and Sicilian flavors waiting right after the line.

For marathoners, the event is also a serious sporting target: the 42K is AIMS-certified and eligible for Boston Marathon qualifying times, making it attractive for runners chasing official standards as well as those simply chasing an unforgettable destination marathon. Half marathon runners get the same atmosphere and iconic scenery in a more approachable format—ideal for a strong seasonal goal or a fast race day in mild Mediterranean conditions. Add in the culture factor—Palermo’s walkable center, street food traditions like panelle and arancine, and the chance to turn race weekend into a mini city break—and you get an event that’s as much about running through art as it is about the clock.