Overview
The Maratona di Catania draws approximately 1,500 finishers each December on a coastal urban road in Catania, Italy. Views toward Mount Etna make the race visually unmistakable. The route passes Ionian waterfront roads and city sections with Etna in the distance. Ionian waterfront roads and city sections with Mount Etna in the distance make December's Sicilian race visually unmistakable on a mostly flat coastal route.
Maratona di Catania is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Maratona di Catania 2026 race day
The next Maratona di Catania is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Maratona di Catania course route
Starts and finishes on Catania's seafront. The route passes Ionian waterfront roads and city sections with Etna in the distance. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Maratona di Catania elevation profile
The Maratona di Catania course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Maratona di Catania uses open online registration at maratonadicatania.it with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the December race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Maratona di Catania elevation profile?
- The Maratona di Catania has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Maratona di Catania?
- The Maratona di Catania is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal urban road starting and finishing on Catania's seafront.
- What time does the Maratona di Catania start?
- The 2026 Maratona di Catania starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.maratonadicatania.it/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Maratona di Catania start and finish?
- Starts and finishes on Catania's seafront. Updated course maps are published at https://www.maratonadicatania.it/ each year.
- When is the Maratona di Catania and how do I register?
- Maratona di Catania is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://www.maratonadicatania.it/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Maratona di Catania course flat?
- Yes. Maratona di Catania is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Maratona di Catania pass?
- The route passes Ionian waterfront roads and city sections with Etna in the distance.
- What weather should runners expect at Maratona di Catania?
- Usually mild with marine humidity and gentle winter temperatures.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Catania.
Valletta, Port Region, Malta· 184 km away
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The Malta Marathon is the Mediterranean island's flagship running event, drawing about 2,500 finishers each March on a course linking Valletta, Sliema, and the coast. Runners experience sea views, historic fortifications, and Malta's compact island terrain with rolling coastal roads. March mild Mediterranean weather makes it a popular early-spring destination race.
Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027
Tunis, Tunis Governorate, Tunisia· 441 km away
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The Tunis-Carthage COMAR Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each October on an urban road in Tunis, Tunisia. It is Tunisia's flagship road marathon and carries World Athletics and AIMS recognition. The route passes broad avenues, coastal-capital neighborhoods, and Mediterranean-influenced city sections. Broad avenues and coastal-capital neighborhoods carry October's World Athletics-recognized flagship Tunisian road marathon through Mediterranean-influenced city sections on a largely flat course.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
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