On the Island of Elba, sport becomes a treat for the eyes of professional and amateur runners of 17 different nationalities who want to compete and have fun among the idyllic views of the Costa del Sole and the unspoiled nature of Chiessi, at the western end of the island. The date is next May 7, when the seventh edition of the Elba Marathon will kick off, a unique opportunity to combine adrenaline and wonder.

The event, organized by Asd Elba Runners, will be at the starting line with 3 competitive and 4 amateur races. The day's program will see competitive runners compete in the marathon, half marathon and 10 km. Starting from Marina di Campo's Mibelli Promenade, the marathon continues through the town center before winding along the scenic Costa del Sole. After reaching the resort town of Chiessi for the turnaround, we return to Marina di Campo. The half-marathon, on the other hand, completes its turnaround in the town of Seccheto and from there crosses the Costa del Sole provincial road before arriving at the final finish line. Finally, the 10 km starts from Piazza Vittoria in Marina di Campo, traverses the town trails and its waterfront before reaching its center.

Amateurs, on the other hand, can participate in Nordic Walking, the Family Run, the non-competitive 10 km and the Kids Run. While the former consists of an approximately 3-hour hike on the mostly dirt roads completely immersed in the nature of Marina di Campo in the company of a local guide, the Family Run, on the other hand, is an outdoor recreational time along an entirely flat 5-kilometer route that connects the waterfront to the heart of the resort. For younger children-particularly children and teens ages 4 to 17-is the Kids Run, scheduled for early afternoon on Saturday, May 6, with start and finish at Marina di Campo's main square.

The paths of the route

Over the years, the Elban trails have been able to fascinate for being both challenging and scenic, showing all the beauty of the area among diverse scenery, heady scents and brilliant colors. One of the most striking stretches of coastline where the race takes center stage is the renowned Costa del Sole, whose name pays homage to the mild climate that kisses the golden sandy beaches, natural crystal-clear water pools and sheer granite cliffs. Not to mention the quaint little villages of Pomonte and Chiessi. While the former is strongly linked to fishing and wine production, the latter makes nature its compass. Also known for their prime location on the sea, the two resorts offer views of Pianosa and Corsica, from where to enjoy one of Elba's most beautiful sunsets, with the sun dipping behind the French island.

"By renewing its willingness to host the event, the Island of Elba confirms its vocation for sports, warmly welcoming all the athletes who will feel at home here thanks also to the help of many volunteers" - comments Damiano Di Cicco, president of Asd Elba Runners - "After having reached 950 participants last year, the 2023 edition aims to exceed 1,000 entries, thanks in part to the arrival on the island of some important athletes: Salvatore Franzese, middle distance runner class '91, Lorenzo Lotti, marathon runner class '86 and Stefano Velatta, marathon runner class '75."

Registration and information

One can register online on this page by May 5, or on the day of the competition from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. at Marina di Campo on the Mibelli Promenade.

More details on the official page of the event

Departure Sunday, May 7, from 9 a.m. in Marina di Campo on the Mibelli Promenade