Italy·2026

Messina

Messina sits on the Strait of Sicily facing Calabria across the water, and running here means dealing with steep climbs inland and flat seafront routes along the Tyrrhenian coast. La Mezza dello Stretto is the anchor race — a half-marathon that threads through the city's tight streets and waterfront before heading toward the Peloro headland to the north. Cyclists find the terrain punishing: the hills rise quickly from sea level, but the coastal road north toward Capo Peloro and the Aeolian Islands views reward the effort, while the flat stretches along the strait suit tempo work or recovery rides.