More than 1,350 participants from 41 countries for one of Italy’s most popular trail events
The 2026 Chianti Classico Marathon once again confirmed its strength and appeal with an eighth edition marked by record participation, exceeding 1,350 registered runners and bringing athletes from 41 different countries to Mercatale Val di Pesa. An increasingly international event that remains deeply rooted in its local identity, transforming the Chianti hills into a spectacular setting for sport, conviviality and unforgettable experiences.
The countries most strongly represented were England, Estonia, the United States, Finland and Norway, while Italian participation was equally impressive, with runners arriving from many different regions and particularly strong representation from Lazio and Lombardy. Among the largest groups were the Runners Valbossa from Azzate, near Varese, by now regular and enthusiastic participants in the event.
It was a result that once again demonstrated the CCM’s ability to combine sport with tourism and local culture, bringing people from different regions and countries together in the heart of Chianti.
A tough challenge in the rain: an edition made even more demanding by the weather
Race day tested both participants and the organisation. Rain began falling at around 8 a.m. and continued almost uninterrupted until approximately 2 p.m.
The rainfall significantly changed the conditions of the courses. In several sections, the white roads and trails became muddy and more technical, increasing the difficulty, particularly for athletes taking on the longer distances.
Yet the weather did not dampen the enthusiasm. On the contrary, the rain added another challenge to a day in which the athletes demonstrated determination, adaptability and a genuine passion for running.
The response was also remarkable in the 10 km Leisure Run and Nordic Walking event: more than 400 people took part despite the difficult weather, confirming the open and inclusive character of this distance, designed not only for competitive runners but for anyone wishing to experience the territory through sport, movement and conviviality.
47 km UltraTrail: Marco Biondi takes the overall victory, Anna Turrini wins the women’s race
The most demanding event of the programme, the 47 km UltraTrail, was won by Marco Biondi, who was enjoying a particularly successful period of the season. Before his victory in Chianti, Biondi had already won the Tuscany Crossing 100 Miles and the Brunello Crossing in February, completing a significant hat-trick of victories in Tuscany.
Biondi finished in 3:46:04, ahead of Emanuele Quercioli of Polisportiva Ellera, winner of the 2025 Chianti Classico Marathon on the previous 53 km course, and Michele Mugnaini of Podistica Val di Pesa. Marco Bellini of Polisportiva Unione 90 finished fourth.
The women’s race was won by Anna Turrini of Isolotto A.P.D., who crossed the finish line in 5:16:28. She was followed by Marta Doko of GS Lamone ASD and Alice Ferro of CB Sport Podistica.
One of the most memorable stories of the 47 km race was also linked to the Sara Bartoli Memorial, awarded to the youngest female athlete to complete the distance. The prize went to 24-year-old Cecilia Salvati from Milan, who successfully completed the long course despite the particularly challenging weather conditions.
22 km Trail: Filippo Bianchi and Sofia De Lucis take the honours
The 22 km Trail provided an equally competitive race and saw Filippo Bianchi of Il Ponte Scandicci return to victory, completing the course in 1:39:26.
He was followed by Alessandro Magni and Andrea Mazzone, both representing Podistica Val di Pesa.
The women’s race was won by Sofia De Lucis, from Chiavari, who stopped the clock at 2:05:14. Luisa Gasparini finished second, while third place went to Slovak athlete Janka Cingelová.
At the finish, many participants praised both the organisation and the beauty of the courses, appreciating in particular the opportunity to run through such a unique landscape as the Chianti hills, even when the weather made the experience considerably more demanding.
More than running: tastings, local culture and the Chianti experience
The Chianti Classico Marathon is increasingly becoming an event that brings together sport, territory and food and wine culture.
The weekend began on Friday with tastings and activities organised by local farms and agricultural businesses, including visits, walks through vineyards and olive groves, and tastings of wine, extra virgin olive oil and typical Chianti products.
On Saturday, the centre of Mercatale Val di Pesa came alive with the Slow Food Earth Market, held in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Local producers and food artisans presented their products, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the area’s specialities and traditions at first hand.
The programme also included a blind tasting and competition for the best schiacciata with olive oil, hosted by Giuseppe Scialabba, celebrating one of the most recognisable elements of traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Saturday afternoon was dedicated to younger participants with the Mini Trail, a free race for children aged 5 to 12. The event was designed to introduce children to sport while bringing families and young participants into the heart of the marathon weekend.
An increasingly international and inclusive event
One of the most significant features of the Chianti Classico Marathon is its ability to create a genuine community around the event. This is also demonstrated by the many participants who return to Chianti year after year, travelling from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
Once again in 2026, a special award was presented to several long-standing participants: Lorenza Abati from Emilia-Romagna, Mikus Melderis from Munich, Gina Schmutz and Ilan Giuli from Vienna, and Yuichi Ohashi from Japan.
Their presence is a clear example of how the CCM has become more than simply a race: it is an event capable of creating connections and bringing together people who share a passion for running.
Particularly meaningful was the Mystery Box, awarded to two visually impaired athletes, Ivan Cappellari and Anna Lia Chiti, who competed together with their guides. The recognition highlighted the value of sport as a means of participation, inclusion and overcoming barriers.
And because every finish deserves to be celebrated, a special award was also presented to the last athletes to cross the finish line. The prize, offered by Luigi Cappellini of Castello di Verrazzano, went to Stefano Fedrigo and Damiano Giainetti of Polisportiva Ellera.
Aid stations and local food: experiencing Chianti through its flavours
The aid stations are among the most distinctive features of the CCM. They are not simply places where runners can refuel and recover, but also opportunities to discover the local food culture.
Bread, extra virgin olive oil, Chianti Classico wine, fruit, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, crostini and traditional desserts accompanied athletes along the courses, turning the race into an experience that engages not only the legs, but also the senses.
The post-race lunch was also particularly appreciated. It was organised at the two local clubs in Mercatale, which welcomed the athletes after their races.
The menu included penne alla carrettiera, pappa al pomodoro, porchetta, beans dressed with olive oil and spinach, followed by cantucci and Vin Santo, together with water, bread and Chianti Classico wine.
It was a convivial moment that was warmly appreciated by participants and provided the perfect opportunity to conclude the day by sharing the emotions of the race around the table.
A special thank you to volunteers, collaborators, partners and sponsors
Behind an event of this scale lies the work of a large team. The success of the 2026 Chianti Classico Marathon was made possible by the commitment of volunteers, collaborators, associations, partners and sponsors, whose contribution was fundamental.
A special thank you goes to the volunteers, who guaranteed their presence along the courses and at key points of the event even on a day marked by rain, mud and challenging weather conditions. Safety, assistance, aid stations, logistics and hospitality required constant commitment, all carried out with generosity and passion.
The support of sponsors and partners was equally important. They chose to stand alongside the CCM by sharing its values and helping to create an event capable of bringing together sport, local culture, tourism, hospitality and food and wine traditions.
Looking ahead to the future
The eighth edition leaves behind an impressive record of participation, sporting achievements, international involvement and, above all, countless personal stories.
The rain made the race harder, but it did not diminish the enthusiasm of those who chose to take part. If anything, it made the experience even more authentic, highlighting the special relationship between the event, its landscape and the territory in which it takes place.
The Chianti Classico Marathon continues to be an event where competition meets discovery, sporting performance meets conviviality, and international participation meets the unmistakable character of Tuscany.
And while the memories of the 2026 edition are still fresh, attention is already turning towards the next adventure in the heart of Chianti. 🍇🏃♀️🏃♂️
