Rome and Naples host major marathon and half marathon events

Major long-distance running events took place in Rome and Naples on October 18, 2026.

The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon saw 40,000 participants, with Kenyan runner Filex Kibet setting a new course record with a time of 59:22. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Netsanet Desta secured victory in 1:07:26. Italian runners Ahmed Ouhda and Giovanna Epis placed 11th and 5th respectively in the overall standings.

In Naples, the sixth edition of the Neapolis Marathon and Half Marathon featured approximately 8,000 participants. Joel Kipsang Kositany won the full marathon with a new event record of 2:12:32. The event also included the Neapolis Half Marathon and a non-competitive sea run. Local festivities in Naples included the Piano City festival, featuring numerous classical and jazz performances across various basilicas and museums.