The city of ramparts is preparing for a weekend entirely dedicated to athletics and hospitality. On the occasion of the ninth edition of the Alghero Half Marathon, one of the most prominent road races on both the Sardinian and national running scenes, the Catalan town will host the Sport & Beach Italian Tour. Born from the collaboration between the municipal administration and La Gazzetta dello Sport within the G20S network—the alliance of Italy's leading seaside destinations—the initiative aims to leverage sports practice to boost visitor numbers beyond the summer months.
Adding prestige to the event will be an exceptional ambassador: Antonella Palmisano, Olympic champion in the 20 km race walk at Tokyo 2020 and one of the most representative faces of Italian athletics. Palmisano takes the baton from sprinter Dalia Kaddari, the star of last year's stage. The participation of the Italian race walker reinforces the spirit of an event designed to bring together elite athletes, families, and young people, bridging competitive racing with the scenic beauty of the Alghero coastline.
The sporting core of the event will unfold along a certified road circuit approved by FIDAL [1.1.1]. The program includes two competitive races—the 21.097-kilometer half marathon and the 10-kilometer race, reserved for FIDAL members, foreign federation athletes, and Runcard holders—alongside several formats open to all running enthusiasts. In addition to the non-competitive 10-kilometer run and the 5-kilometer Family Run, the schedule introduces the new feature of the 2026 edition: a non-competitive 21-kilometer tourist run, designed for those who wish to complete the route free from the constraints of the stopwatch while taking in the city's sights by walking or running.
The strong link between hospitality and physical activity was reaffirmed by Mayor Raimondo Cacciotto: “We are investing with conviction in sports because we recognize its social and educational value, as well as its great ability to promote Alghero”. Along the same lines, Tourism Councillor Ornella Piras pointed out that “Sports and tourism represent a winning combination in which Alghero can play an important role”. The shared objective is to extend the season and promote the destination year-round, integrating major running events into the broader calendar of major events and tourist attractions capable of drawing visitors to Alghero.