8 Maratona dell'Isola d'Elba

Held on the island of Elba off the coast of Italy, the Maratona dell'Isola d'Elba takes place in the charming coastal town of Marina di Campo each May. The setting is quintessentially Mediterranean, with the race serving as a chance to explore one of Italy's most appealing islands while testing yourself over 42 kilometres. The island's character and natural beauty form the backdrop for what organisers describe as a spectacular and memorable experience, drawing runners who want more than just another road marathon. The course is a trail-based route that demands respect for its hilly terrain, gaining around 800 metres over the distance with elevation shifts that keep you working throughout. Runners will climb between sea level and just under 100 metres multiple times, meaning there's no flat section to recover on. This is a race for those comfortable with sustained climbing and descending on uneven ground rather than a fast, predictable effort. The combination of hills and trail running makes it more physically demanding than the distance alone might suggest, so training on similar terrain beforehand is worthwhile. Expect a workout that rewards patience and steady pacing over speed.