Running in spring in Liguria
Flower Riviera, Genoa and surroundings, Portofino and the Tigullio
Liguria is the perfect region for running in spring. Here are some of the most exciting races! Action-packed challenges close to the sea, races through stunning villages, and historic, traditional events organised by local associations. Whether you're aiming for your best time yet, training, or simply looking to be part of the group, these events offer something for everyone. You can also enjoy beautiful scenery and take part in a celebration of sport and passion. In Genoa and the surrounding area, don't miss the races of the Grand Prix of the 2 Valleys: run through Vallescrivia and Valpolcevera. Below is a list of races across all of Liguria.
The stages
17th Salita alla GuardiaMarch of the 5 Bell Towers
20th Imperia Stage Race
Traversata della Valbisagno
6th Run for the Whales Half Marathon
16th 21 Km del Biologico
17th Salita alla Guardia
Gaiazza - Ceranesi , 12 may
A race of emotion and devotion: the Salita alla Guardia, a 6.6 km race from Gaiazza (Ceranesi) to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Guardia, takes place on the former funicular route to the sanctuary. The ascent is challenging but steady, allowing participants to set their own pace, whether competitively or as a leisurely walk, all the way to the top of Monte Figogna, a place dear to the people of Genoa. The event takes place on May 12, with both competitive and non-competitive categories.
For information and registration: http://salitaallaguardia.blogspot.com/
March of the 5 Bell Towers
Now in its 46th edition, the March of the 5 Bell Towers is one of the most beloved events of the season, organised by Zoagli Pro Loco in collaboration with Sportseventi Srl. It features both a competitive and a non-competitive version, open to all participants. This year, it will take place on Sunday 19th of May.
20th Imperia Stage Race
A true stage race, with fast sections, climbs, and always battling against the clock. From the heart of the Impero Valley, surrounded by olive groves, the race climbs from Vasia to Monte Acquarone and continues down to the seafront and urban park of Imperia. Three days of sport and celebration, reminding everyone that running is good for both the body and the spirit!
https://www.imperiacorre.it
Traversata della Valbisagno
One of the historic races of Genoa, uniting the city centre with its outskirts in a joyful celebration for 51 years. The race starts from the centre of Genoa and ascends the Valbisagno, from Corte Lambruschini to Prato, Piazza Suppini 4, for a total distance of 10.3 km. It's somewhat of a journey through time: from modern skyscrapers to rural houses along the Historic Aqueduct; from the hustle and bustle of the city centre to the 1970s working-class districts and rural Genoa. The race takes place in the evening at sunset (starting at 20:30), avoiding the daytime heat. In recent years, it has become a battleground for the top runners of the region and Italy.
https://www.genovasport2024.it/eventi/traversata-della-valbisagno
6th Run for the Whales Half Marathon
Run for the Whales is the running event on Saturday, June 15, in Sanremo, celebrating the Cetacean Sanctuary. The event takes place along the Area 24 cycle path, right in front of the stretch of sea between Liguria and Corsica, where whales are often spotted. The start times are 18:30 for the 21 km, 18:40 for the 10 km, and 18:50 for the 3 km, all from the Pian di Poma Athletics Field.
http://www.runforthewhales.it/
16th 21 Km del Biologico
Varese Ligure, Sunday 9th of June
Run through the valley of organic farming, breathing pure and healthy air: this is what makes the "21 km del biologico" a fixed appointment for runners every June in Varese Ligure.
Info and registration: 21 km del biologico
