Maratona di Salemi 2027 – Italy

• October 2, 2027
  Event date:
• October 2, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

Maratona di Salemi is Sicily’s first wine marathon, an unforgettable experience combining running, local wines and authentic culture. Set in Salemi, a historic hilltop town in western Sicily in heart of Belice Valley, this unique non-competitive half marathon is inspired by Europe’s great wine runs combining running with local food, Sicilian wine, live music and authentic Italian atmosphere.

Expect an experience that celebrates very best of Sicilian life. The route winds through idyllic countryside, charming cobbled streets and family-run wineries, with stops along way to savour regional wines and traditional Sicilian specialities. After success of first edition, Maratona di Salemi returns for unforgettable weekend in Sicily, inviting runners, wine lovers and curious travellers to come together.

Whether you are social runner, passionate wine enthusiast or simply looking for different kind of race experience in Italy, Maratona di Salemi is chance to discover Sicily one step, one glass and one unforgettable moment at a time. Love wine? Sicily’s first wine marathon is here. Join for all wine, pizza and pasta you can imagine and have time of your life. This famous competition offers you various distances whether you are fan of 10.5 km for speed, half marathon for balanced challenge, or wish to embark on epic marathon, there’s something for everyone, though main marketed distance is half marathon 21.3 km wine half.

Match/event dates

Event Dates: 02 Oct 2027 (Sat)

Weekend Format: 1 to 3 October weekend festival. Friday October 1 welcome and bib collection, Saturday October 2 main race day, Sunday October 3 recovery brunch and cultural tours.

Expo and Bib Collection: Friday and Saturday before race at Piazza Alicia area, Salemi historic centre.

Race Day: Saturday morning and afternoon. Half marathon 21.3 km main start late morning, with wine tasting stations throughout.

Registration Closure: Registration closes September 30. Limited entries due to 100 to 999 participants cap.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

Start and Finish Address: Piazza Alicia, Salemi, Free municipal consortium of Trapani, Italy. Starting from main piazza in Salemi’s historic centre, course winds way through streets before descending toward modern Piazza Liberta.

Course Profile: Rolling, course surface mixed, other tags countryside, historical, music, scenic, vineyards, wine, single loop, 100 to 999 participants.

Route Highlights: Course follows mix of gravel and sealed roads weaving through some of Salemi’s finest vineyards, restaurants and local producers. Route then drops down to valley floor where you will pass Scavi di Mokarta, remains of prehistoric village. Long gradual climb brings you back toward Salemi passing through yet more vineyards along way, rest assured you won’t go thirsty.

Salemi Town: Salemi is picturesque mountain town in western Sicily located about one hour southwest of Palermo in heart of Belice Valley. Historic hilltop town with medieval centre, castle, Piazza Alicia main square, cobbled streets, olive groves and vineyards.

Venue Facilities: Fully sign posted course, circular route, cut off time generous for wine stops, timing chip single use, pre-race meal, drink stations, nutrition stations, medical assistance, finisher medal, entry to official Maratona di Salemi after party.

Full fixture or event schedule

Friday: Arrival and bib collection at Piazza Alicia. Welcome with local wine tasting, registration, sponsor village with family-run wineries. Pre-race communal pasta dinner served beneath town’s iconic castle, optimizing carb load among fellow athletes, with pizza, pasta and local specialties.

Saturday Morning: Morning yoga or shake-out run through vineyards. Bib collection continues. Runners gather in Piazza Alicia historic centre.

Saturday Late Morning to Afternoon: Main race start around 10:30 AM from Piazza Alicia. Starting from main piazza in Salemi’s historic centre, course winds through streets before descending toward modern Piazza Liberta, first major climb as they leave Salemi but well-earned glass of fizz awaits at top. From there mix of gravel and sealed roads weaving through finest vineyards, restaurants and local producers, valley floor with Scavi di Mokarta prehistoric village remains, long gradual climb back toward Salemi through yet more vineyards.

Saturday Evening: Post-race celebrations in castle, epic setting to unwind and celebrate accomplishment Sicilian style. Entry to official Maratona di Salemi after party included, with live music, wine, pizza, pasta, traditional Sicilian specialities.

Sunday: Recovery brunch, cultural tours to nearby Gibellina, Castelvetrano, Marsala, archaeological sites, wine estate visits.

Teams, athletes & participants

Social Runners: Event designed for social runners, wine enthusiasts, passionate about different kind of race experience, non-competitive, focus on enjoyment not time. Ideal for runners seeking dynamic race experience with authentic Sicilian cuisine and wine tastings offered along course.

Wine Lovers: Participants can fuel performance with authentic Sicilian cuisine and wine tastings offered along course, with stops to savour regional wines and traditional specialities, well-earned glass of fizz at top of first climb.

Tourists and Culture Seekers: Curious travellers wanting to discover Sicily, combining running with local food, Sicilian wine, live music and authentic Italian atmosphere. Over 100 to 999 participants, intimate atmosphere.

Clubs and Groups: Groups of friends, running clubs, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate teams seeking unique sports adventure. Family-run wineries hosting stations add local hospitality.

Foodies: Participants seeking wine, pizza and pasta you can imagine, with pre-race meal and post-race party in castle.

Tournament format & competition structure

Wine Half Marathon 21.3 km: Main event, non-competitive half marathon, unique half marathon set in historic hilltop town, challenging course starts from Salemi’s medieval centre taking athletes over cobblestone streets and into countryside weaving between vineyards, family-run wineries and notable archaeological sites. Rolling profile, mixed surface of sealed roads and gravel, single loop, circular route. Focus on wine and food stations rather than time.

10.5 km: Shorter distance for speed or for those wanting less climbing, 1 lap portion of half marathon course, same vineyard and cobbled streets experience.

Marathon When Offered: Some editions list marathon distance, long gradual climb bringing back toward Salemi, but main brand is half marathon wine experience.

Non-Competitive Format: No ranking pressure, timing chip for personal tracking but emphasis on enjoyment, wine stops, music. Cut off time generous.

Cultural Format: Combines running with local food, Sicilian wine, live music, authentic Italian atmosphere, pre-race pasta dinner beneath castle, post-race celebrations in castle.

Match/event times

Expo Times: Friday afternoon to evening and Saturday morning before race at Piazza Alicia.

Pre-Race Meal: Friday evening communal pasta dinner beneath town’s iconic castle.

Race Start: Saturday 10:30 AM for Maratona Di Salemi Half Marathon from Piazza Alicia. Some listings show 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM evening start for summer edition, but main wine half is late morning.

Course Time: Allow 3 to 4 hours including wine stops, cut off generous.

After Party: Saturday afternoon and evening entry to official Maratona di Salemi after party in castle, with music and food.

Sunday: Brunch and tours morning.

Ticket types

Prices converted to USD from EUR previous editions. Listed price 70 EUR to 75 EUR.

Maratona Di Salemi Half Marathon 21.3 km: Standard $81 USD, early $76 USD. Includes entry to official after party, finisher medal, timing chip single use, pre-race meal communal pasta dinner beneath castle, drink stations with wine, nutrition stations with traditional Sicilian specialities, medical assistance, fully sign posted course.

10.5 km: $54 USD to $60 USD, includes same services, wine stations, after party.

Marathon 42 km When Offered: $87 USD to $92 USD, includes same.

Family and Friends Non-Runners: After party ticket $32 USD to $38 USD for non-runners wanting to join castle celebrations.

What is Included: Finisher medal, timing chip single use, pre-race meal, drink stations, nutrition stations with wine and regional food, medical assistance, after party entry, bag drop, toilets, music stations.

Extras: Wine glasses, souvenir bottle, shuttle from accommodation.

Ticket release phases

Phase 1 Early Bird: Until early summer, lowest price, for example half marathon $76 USD, includes early bird discount.

Phase 2 Standard: Until September 1, moderate price, half $81 USD.

Phase 3 Late: September 1 to September 30, final price, same $81 USD but limited availability. Registration closes September 30.

On-Site: No on-site registration due to wine and food planning, limited to 100 to 999 participants.

Refund: Refundable booking option available at checkout for small fee, registration fees non-refundable otherwise but transfer allowed via organization.

Group: Group discounts for 10 plus runners, contact organizer via worldsmarathons page.

VIP & hospitality options

Castle VIP Hospitality: Post-race celebrations in castle epic setting, VIP area with reserved seating, private bar with award-winning wines, gourmet Sicilian food, live music front row, meet winemakers.

Winery Hospitality: Reserved visits to family-run wineries along course, private tastings, vineyard tours, olive grove tours, with transport from Piazza Alicia.

Agriturismo Hospitality: Stay in agriturismi charming B&Bs, boutique stays offering wine tasting, cooking classes, olive oil tasting, with shuttle to start finish.

Team Hospitality: For clubs and corporate groups, reserved tent near Piazza Alicia, custom bib grouping, team photo with castle, group wine tasting.

Pasta Dinner VIP: Communal pasta dinner beneath town’s iconic castle with VIP table, wine pairing, chef meet.

Stadium & event rules

Eligibility: Age 18 onwards for half marathon wine event, 16 onwards for 10.5 km with guardian consent. Non-competitive, no FIDAL membership required, but medical certificate recommended due to rolling hills and mixed surfaces.

Bib Collection: Location Piazza Alicia Salemi historic centre. Bring confirmation letter and ID. No proxy without authorization.

Course Rules: Course rolling, mixed surface of gravel and sealed roads, countryside, historical, music, scenic, vineyards, wine, single loop. Must follow fully sign posted circular route, no cutting through vineyards. Wine stations to be enjoyed responsibly, no littering of wine cups, use designated zones. No bicycles or accompanying vehicles.

Wine Enjoyment: Event celebrates best of Sicilian life with stops to savour regional wines and traditional Sicilian specialities. Participants encouraged to enjoy but not excessive drinking that impairs ability to complete safely.

Time Limits: Cut off time generous to allow wine stops, but must finish before after party ends.

Medical: Medical assistance along course and at finish, with attention to rolling hills and heat if October still warm.

Historic Respect: Starting from main piazza in Salemi’s historic centre, course winds through streets, respect for historic cobbled streets and residents required.

How to get there

By Air: Salemi best accessed by car. Trapani Airport TPS and Palermo Airport PMO both situated about 1 hour from Salemi. Both have international airports. From airport, car rental, regional bus services or pre-arranged transfers.

By Car: Recommended. From Palermo take A29 towards Mazara del Vallo exit Salemi. From Trapani take SS113. Parking details provided in runners guide. Parking near Piazza Alicia limited, use designated parking outside historic centre with shuttle.

By Bus: Regional bus services from Palermo and Trapani to Salemi, plus bus from Castelvetrano and Marsala.

By Train: No direct train to Salemi, but train to Trapani or Palermo then bus.

Local Language: Italian, but English spoken at wineries and tourist info.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport: Regional bus services connect Salemi to Gibellina, Castelvetrano, Marsala, Palermo, Trapani. Walking is easiest in historic centre as start finish Piazza Alicia is pedestrian.

Parking: Parking details provided in runners guide. Designated parking outside historic centre, with shuttle to Piazza Alicia. Early arrival recommended due to road closures around Piazza Alicia and Piazza Liberta on race day.

Road Closures: Historic centre Piazza Alicia and modern Piazza Liberta closed Saturday, countryside roads with vineyards and gravel sections closed or controlled for runners.

Shuttle: Pre-arranged transfers from Palermo and Trapani airports available via organizer, plus shuttle from agriturismi.

Accommodation areas

Salemi Historic Centre: Best for immediate access to start finish Piazza Alicia. Charming B&Bs, boutique stays, $65 USD to $140 USD per night. Race-weekend rooms near main piazza go first.

Agriturismi and Vineyards: Agriturismi among vineyards, $80 USD to $180 USD, ideal for wine lovers, with wine tasting, olive groves, family-run wineries hosting.

Nearby Towns: Additional options in nearby towns Gibellina, Castelvetrano and Marsala, with wider range of hotels, $60 USD to $150 USD, with shuttle to Salemi.

Trapani and Palermo: For those wanting city stay, Palermo one hour away, Trapani one hour, with more hotels and flights.

Booking Advice: With only 100 to 999 participants, accommodation intimate but limited, book early for agriturismo with vineyard views.

Food & drink at the venue

On Course: Drink stations with water, but also wine stations with locally produced wine, traditional food, warm Sicilian hospitality at stations celebrating region’s culture and flavors and award-winning wine. Nutrition stations with pizza, pasta, regional wines, traditional Sicilian specialities, well-earned glass of fizz at top of first climb.

Pre-Race Meal: Communal pasta dinner served beneath town’s iconic castle, optimizing carb load among fellow athletes, with pizza, pasta and local specialties.

Post-Race: Entry to official Maratona di Salemi after party in castle, epic setting to unwind and celebrate accomplishment Sicilian style, with wine, pizza, pasta, traditional food, live music.

City Gastronomy: Salemi cuisine famous for Busiccheddru cheese, local olive oil, wines from Belice Valley, couscous, pasta with sardines. Restaurants and local producers along course offering tastings.

Wine Focus: Sicily’s first wine marathon, family-run wineries, vineyards, restaurants and local producers weaving through course, ensuring you won’t go thirsty with yet more vineyards along long gradual climb back toward Salemi.

Accessibility

Course Accessibility: Rolling profile, mixed surface with gravel and sealed roads, cobbled streets in historic centre, not suitable for wheelchair without assistance. First major climb as they leave Salemi challenging, plus long gradual climb back toward Salemi.

Expo Accessibility: Piazza Alicia flat, accessible viewing areas, but cobbled streets require assistance.

Family and Inclusive: Non-competitive format inclusive for all abilities, social runner focus, walking allowed between wine stops.

Support: Contact organizer via maratonadisalemi.com for specific accessibility needs.

Best matches/events to attend

Wine Half Marathon 21.3 km for Unique Experience: Best for runners seeking dynamic race experience winding through local vineyards, over cobbled streets and past remarkable archaeological sites including Scavi di Mokarta prehistoric village, with wine and food fuel.

10.5 km for Shorter Wine Taste: Best for those wanting shorter distance with same wine and vineyard experience, less climbing, ideal for beginners and social runners.

After Party in Castle for Celebration: Best for those wanting epic setting to unwind and celebrate accomplishment Sicilian style, with castle post-race celebrations, music, wine, pizza and pasta.

Pasta Dinner Beneath Castle for Carb Loading: Best for experiencing communal pasta dinner served beneath town’s iconic castle, optimizing carb load among fellow athletes, with authentic Italian atmosphere.

Weekend Festival 1 to 3 October for Runcation: Best for combining running with extended weekend in Sicily, with Friday welcome, Saturday race and Sunday recovery brunch and cultural tours to Gibellina, Castelvetrano, Marsala and archaeological sites.

Previous year’s highlights

First Edition Success: After success of first edition, Maratona di Salemi returns in 2027 from 1 to 3 October inviting runners, wine lovers and curious travellers, establishing Sicily’s first wine marathon.

Wine and Running Fusion: Highlights included route winding through idyllic countryside, charming cobbled streets and family-run wineries with stops to savour regional wines and traditional Sicilian specialities, fully sign posted circular route starting from main piazza in Salemi’s historic centre descending toward modern Piazza Liberta, first major climb with well-earned glass of fizz at top, mix of gravel and sealed roads weaving through finest vineyards, restaurants and local producers, valley floor with Scavi di Mokarta prehistoric village, long gradual climb back toward Salemi through yet more vineyards.

Intimate Community: With 100 to 999 participants, event created intimate atmosphere with authentic Italian atmosphere, live music, warm Sicilian hospitality at stations celebrating region’s culture and flavors and award-winning wine.

After Party in Castle: Post-race celebrations in castle epic setting to unwind and celebrate accomplishment Sicilian style, with entry to official after party included.

Cultural Location: Salemi picturesque mountain town in western Sicily located about one hour southwest of Palermo in heart of Belice Valley, offering access to nearby towns Gibellina, Castelvetrano and Marsala, with charming B&Bs, boutique stays and agriturismi.

Official tickets

Official Website: https://worldsmarathons.com/marathon/maratona-di-salemi and https://maratonadisalemi.com/

Registration: Registration closes September 30, with tickets 70 EUR standard approximately $76 USD to $81 USD. Refundable booking option available.

Included: Finisher medal, timing chip single use, pre-race meal communal pasta dinner beneath castle, drink stations with wine, nutrition stations with traditional food, medical assistance, entry to official after party in castle, fully sign posted course.

How to Get There: Salemi best accessed by car, Trapani and Palermo both have international airports about 1 hour from Salemi, parking details provided in runners guide.

Authenticity: Purchase only via official Worldsmarathons page and maratonadisalemi.com to guarantee genuine entry, wine tastings and after party.

Location

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