NAPLES – On Sunday, February 23, 2025, elite runners from across the globe will gather at the starting line of the Napoli City Half Marathon. Among them are Italian marathon national record holders Yohanes Chiappinelli and Sofiia Yaremchuk. Spectators can look forward to witnessing numerous top athletes from Europe, Africa, and Asia aiming to shatter personal bests.
This prestigious race, renowned for its fast course and breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples, marks the opening of the 2025 RunCzech season. The event continues to attract a strong international field.
Men’s Category: Yohanes Chiappinelli Eyes National Record, Czech Talent Damián Vích Joins Elite Lineup
Italian runner Yohanes Chiappinelli, the national marathon record holder (2:05:24), is set to challenge the national half-marathon record. A bronze medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2018 European Championships, Chiappinelli will face stiff competition.
His main rivals include Kenyan Andrew Lorot, whose 59:54 makes him currently the fastest half-marathoner in the field, and Edward Konana Koonyo with a time of 1:00:00 in Gentbrugge, Ethiopia’s Haftamu Abadi Gebresilase (personal best: 1:00:27), and Israel’s Maru Teferi, the silver medalist in the marathon at the 2023 World Championships (personal best: 1:00:52). Other notable competitors include Italian Daniele Meucci, a 2014 European marathon champion and Olympian (personal best: 1:01:06), and Burundi’s national record holder, Therence Bizoza (personal best: 1:01:30).
Women’s Category: Sofiia Yaremchuk Leads the Elite Women’s Field
Italian star Sofiia Yaremchuk, co-holder of the national half-marathon record (1:08:27) and national marathon record holder (2:23:16), headlines the women’s race. Fresh from competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Yaremchuk returns to Naples following her record-breaking performance last year.
Her challengers include Kenya’s Gladys Longari Cherop (personal best: 1:07:28) and Ethiopia’s Alemitu Olana Tariku, a former African U20 champion (personal best: 1:07:49).
Other contenders are Burundi’s Elvanie Nimbona (personal best: 1:10:32), aiming to replicate her career-best performance from 2018, and Poland’s Aleksandra Lisowska, the reigning European marathon champion (personal best: 1:12:06). Italy’s Aurora Bado, a bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters at the 2023 European Championships, will make her Naples debut with a half-marathon personal best of 1:12:33.
With such a strong lineup, the Napoli City Half Marathon promises fast times and thrilling competition.
Weekend Highlights
The race weekend kicks off on Saturday, February 22, with the Family Run & Friends, a fun 2 km non-competitive event for all ages. Participants will receive a medal, a t-shirt, and refreshments, with free entry for children under 10.
The half-marathon follows on Sunday, February 23. Known for its flat and fast course, the event has helped many runners achieve personal bests. Participants can also opt for the Charity Relay program, sharing the half-marathon distance with a partner.
Registration
Online registration is open until February 19, 2025, or until the race reaches capacity. A special package is available for participants who also register for the Run Rome The Marathon on March 16, 2025. More information, including registration itself, is available at napolirunning.com.
Unique Course and the Beauty of Naples
The Napoli City Half Marathon offers runners a flat, fast course, with 16 of the 21 kilometers running along the Mediterranean coastline. Fans of football will appreciate the start and finish line at the iconic Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Favorable weather, with temperatures between 12°C and 15°C, provides ideal conditions for record-breaking performances.
Beyond the race, Naples boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and unique landmarks. Visitors can explore Europe’s largest UNESCO historic city center, marvel at the still-active Mount Vesuvius, and savor the world-famous Neapolitan pizza. With world-class athletes and a stunning racecourse, the Napoli City Half Marathon guarantees an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.
