The 2025 edition of the Chianti Classico Marathon exceeded all expectations, confirming itself as an international sports and cultural event of great significance.
The seventh edition recorded over 1,400 participants across the three scheduled distances – Ultra Trail 53 km, Trail 22 km, and the non-competitive 10 km “Passo Libero” – with athletes coming from 44 different countries, reflecting an ever-growing global enthusiasm and passion.
ULTRA TRAIL 53 km
After two third-place finishes, Emanuele Quercioli (Polisportiva Ellera) claimed victory in the 53 km.
Among the women, Chiara Vitale (Tricolore Sport Marathon ASD) took first place, finishing sixth overall.
Alessia Merz (ASD Città di Trento), second in the senior category, won the 3rd “Sara Bartoli Memorial Trophy” as the youngest female athlete to reach the finish line first.
TRAIL 21.8 km
Matteo Rossi from Orecchiella Garfagnana repeated his success from last year.
In the women’s race, Norwegian runner Ingrid Hegertun took the win.
10 km Passo Libero – A Collective Embrace of the Territory
This walk, open to everyone, saw a wide and diverse turnout, gifting participants emotions and wonder along a route immersed in nature.
A major highlight was the food and wine stop at Fattoria di Querceto, featuring live music, Chianti Classico wine, and a selection of Tuscan delicacies that delighted all participants, who crossed the finish line happy and smiling.
A Ruota Libera
A 2025 novelty was “A Ruota Libera” – the inclusive walk dedicated to wheelchair users, who experienced the same breathtaking landscapes and warm welcome in an accessible, joyful, and inclusive atmosphere.
A symbolic moment of sport and inclusion, the event featured the participation of Paralympic world champion tennis player Marco Innocenti and Yuri Sabatelli.
The Largest Team
The prize for the largest team went to the Cimavilla Running Team from Treviso, who also stood out for their energy and presence in Mercatale’s central Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
Exclusive Race Pack and Lunch for Athletes
A rich race pack made the experience even more special: a collectible technical shirt, a bottle of Chianti Classico DOCG, and other goodies.
Athletes participating in the competitive races also received a complimentary lunch, offered at the town’s two historic community centers – the MCL Club and the Casa del Popolo in Mercatale – showcasing the typical Chianti warmth and hospitality.
A Route Through Castles, Vineyards, and History
The Chianti Classico Marathon course passed through places of extraordinary beauty and historical value, including Castello di Gabbiano, Castello di Verrazzano, the vineyard where the famous Tignanello is produced, the Antinori Winery in Chianti Classico, the medieval hamlet of Montefioralle, Badia a Passignano, Villa Sant’Andrea, and the scenic hills surrounding Mercatale Val di Pesa, the start and finish point for all distances.
Breathtaking views turned each step into a fully immersive experience of Chianti’s nature, history, and culture.
Side Events: Wine, Flavors, and Community Spirit
The weekend was enriched by a series of events that made the marathon experience even more complete.
On Saturday afternoon, a kids’ fun run brought joy and smiles to the town center, engaging many families and young runners.
In Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the Slow Food “Mercato della Terra” showcased a wide selection of local and seasonal zero-mile products, delighting visitors and participants alike.
Wine lovers also enjoyed tastings at Villa Sant’Andrea and Castello di Gabbiano, turning the event into a real celebration of Chianti’s excellence.
A Growing Event
“In seven years, the race has more than doubled its number of participants,” said the organizers. “This year, we had outstanding attendance from Northern Europe, confirming the international appeal of the event. Local participation also grew, with hundreds of walkers and families taking part.”
A Great Team Effort
The event was made possible thanks to the collaboration between the sports associations Podistica Valdipesa and Unione Polisportiva Tavarnelle, the municipalities of San Casciano, Greve in Chianti, and Barberino Tavarnelle, with the patronage of the Tuscany Region, the Regional Council Presidency, and the Metropolitan City of Florence.
Thanks to Longtime Sponsors and Supporters
The event received vital support from Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico, ChiantiBanca, Unipol Chianti Valdelsa, Peragnoli Scar, Poggio Torselli, Castello di Gabbiano, Castello di Verrazzano, Villa Sant’Andrea, Fattoria San Michele a Torri, Pastificio Artigianale Fabbri, Tenuta del Palagio, I Greppi di Silli, Fattoria Rignana, Frantoio del Grevepesa, Fattoria di Querceto, Villa Licia, the Mercatale Coop, technical sponsor Salomon with Motus Sport, and many others who made the race course magical and the award ceremonies unforgettable.
A Special Thanks
To the volunteers, local associations, Civil Protection, law enforcement, and all those who gave their time, energy, and heart. Without them, this celebration of sport would not have been possible.
Chianti Classico Marathon 2025: emotions, flavors, nature, and hospitality… a journey into the heart of Chianti that continues to inspire and enchant.
