A river of runners, animated by a vibrant enthusiasm, flooded the streets of the splendid Napoli, caressed by a warm winter sun.
Yesterday morning the eleventh edition of the Napoli City Half Marathon took place, a true celebration of sport that has now entered the hearts of thousands of passionate runners. Attracted by the splendid route and the magical Neapolitan atmosphere, at 9:00 sharp, the participants began their unforgettable experience branded 2025, with departure and arrival in viale Kennedy, one of the main arteries of the Fuorigrotta neighborhood.
The massive participation not only confirmed the success of past years, but also consolidated the presence of athletes from almost half of the countries in the world, precisely 101 nations. Among the most numerous foreign runners were those from France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States. Others even came from far away New Zealand.
The large numbers recorded translate into a favourable impact on the city and on Neapolitan tourism, with a significant increase in attendance at local accommodation facilities and restaurants.
The half marathon is therefore not just a race, but an important factor capable of strengthening the bond between sport and territory, offering an extraordinary opportunity to discover and celebrate Neapolitan culture.
In the ambitious and valid program of the Napoli City Half Marathon, the solidarity objective was also perfectly achieved thanks to the Staffetta Charity Program. An intent, that of the organization, aimed at supporting the various projects of the non-profit organizations that joined.
The distance of 21 km was therefore covered in two sections – one of 10 km and the other of 11,097 km – by pairs of runners, who thus created an occasion of true solidarity, having fun and enjoying themselves in complete well-being.
The Napoli City Half Marathon has thought of everyone. Another key element of its program was the Family Run & Friends, organized to involve the entire community. An opportunity for adults and children to compete in a 2 km walk in the name of pure fun, on the afternoon of Saturday, February 22. An initiative created in collaboration with SOS Sostenitori Ospedale Santobono Ets, to which part of the proceeds will be donated.
The podium, won by Kenyan athletes, attests to their great performances. The winner of the 2025 edition of the Naples City Half Marathon was Emmanuel Waffula, who with an incredible pace finished with a time of 59:42, also establishing his new personal best.
In second place, with a time of 1:00:26, Simon Maywa; in third place, Edward Konana Koonyo, crossed the finish line in 1:00:37. Furthermore, after a comeback race from eighth place, the Italian Yohanes Chiappinelli, with 1:01:01, positioned himself in fourth place, resulting in being the first Italian.
In first place in the women's race was Kenyan Sheila Jerotich with 1:08:08, followed by Elvanie Nimbona (Burundi) with 1:09:14 and Nelly Jeptoo (Kenya) with 1:09:14. Sofiia Yaremchuk, holder of the Italian half marathon record at the 2024 Napoli City Half Marathon, came in fourth with 1:09:21.
Article published on 24 February 2025 - 07:27
The event in Naples was a great success and brought many visitors to the city. It would be interesting to know if there have been other similar events that have had a positive impact on tourism, because the link between sport and the city is important.
I like the idea of engaging the community with the Family Run, but I wonder if there were any organizational issues during the event. It is essential that everyone can participate safely.