Palermo Marathon

Running through the medieval markets and Arab-Norman domes of Palermo, with the city all to yourself in November, is an experience no major European marathon can offer you. Eighteen degrees, fewer tourists, a UNESCO World Heritage city centre that becomes your race course. You can choose between the half marathon and the full marathon — same magic, different distance.

Palermo hasn't made it onto the European running radar yet: the race exists almost only on regional Italian portals, all communication is in Italian, and international visibility is zero. Those who discover it now have the advantage.

RunAway takes you into this weekend at the right pace. We'll stay in a 3-star hotel in the heart of the city, steps away from the markets and alleyways you'll run through on race day. The days before aren't just waiting: dawn yoga by the sea, a trip to Mondello, a food and wine tour through Sicilian delicacies to carb-load properly — fried or not fried, that's up to you — and a masterclass with experts on running technique and sports nutrition.