by InTrieste
The city of Trieste played host to one of the largest running events in the region on Sunday, as thousands of athletes, families, and tourists took part in the Trieste Spring Run, a day-long festival of sport, health, and community engagement.
With over 10,000 participants across several races and side events, the day marked a major promotional opportunity for the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, according to regional officials. The highlight events included the Trieste 21K, which began in Duino and drew 2,500 runners, and the Bavisela Family Run, which started at Miramare Castle and brought in 5,500 participants.
The main event, a 21-kilometer half marathon, saw Kenyan runner Elvis Ntabo finish first in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 53 seconds. Italy’s Michele Belluschi and Morocco’s Oussama El Aoufi followed in second and third. Among the women, Kenya’s Ivyne Lagat took the top spot, ahead of Italians Elisa Palmero and Alessia Tuccitto. Caterina Stenta scored the gold in 21k, crowning another great race in her hometown.
While elite runners led the field, the race also featured hundreds of amateurs and recreational runners, many from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Local clubs and schools were well-represented, adding to the communal spirit of the event.
A 7K non-competitive race open to families and casual runners brought in more than 1,300 participants, turning the city center into a festival of sport and inclusion. Organizers noted a rise in international registrations, reflecting Trieste’s growing appeal as a spring running destination.
