The Napoli City Half Marathon, set to take place on February 23, will attract top runners from around the world.

The fast course promises outstanding performances and possibly even record-breaking moments. Among the favourites in the men’s race are European record holder Julien Wanders, experienced Italian runner Daniele Meucci, World Championships silver medallist Maru Teferi from Israel, and talented Kenyan Andrew Lorot. Italy’s biggest hope is Yohanes Chiappinelli, who will attempt to set a new national half marathon record.

A fierce competition is also expected in the women’s race, where ten elite runners will compete for victory. Among them is Sofiia Yaremchuk, co-holder of the Italian half marathon record, and Poland’s Angelika Mach, who aims to defend her 2023 title.

The starting lineup for the Men's Elite Race will feature five Italian runners, joined by five Kenyans, three Ethiopians, two athletes from Burundi, and one representative each from Estonia, Israel, Rwanda, and Switzerland. A total of 19 elite men are set to light up the streets of Naples.

The man to beat is Switzerland’s Julien Wanders, National Champion in the 1500m and 5000m (2016 and 2017), eighth in the European Half Marathon Championships in 2018, silver medallist in the European 5000m in 2019, and holder of the European half marathon record since 2019, when he finished in 59:13 in Ras Al Khaimah. Wanders is familiar with the streets of Naples, having placed sixth in the 2022 edition of the Napoli City Half Marathon, the same year that Italian runner Yemaneberhan Crippa set the national record.

Second fastest runner in the starting field is Kenyan Andrew Lorot, who boasts a personal best of 59:54, set in Marugame (JPN) in 2023. His compatriot, Edward Konana Koonyo, follows closely behind, having recorded a time of exactly 60:00 in Gentbrugge (BEL) last year.

Another Italian hopeful, Daniele Meucci (CS Esercito), is also in the mix. Meucci, one of Italy’s most accomplished distance runners, has competed in three Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, and Paris 2024) and has a decorated career including a European Marathon Championship gold (Zurich 2014), three European Championship medals (silver in the 10,000m at Helsinki 2012 and bronzes in the 10,000m at Barcelona 2010 and the half marathon in Amsterdam 2016), and 10 national titles across five disciplines. His half marathon PB is 60:11, achieved in Rome in 2021.

Yohanes Chiappinelli is another strong Italian contender with a 60:45 personal best from Pisa 2022. His career highlights include multiple European medals in the 3000m steeplechase at the U20 (2015) and U23 (2017) Championships, as well as a bronze at the 2018 European Championships in Berlin. His marathon record suggests he is ready to shine in Naples.

Chiappinelli says: “In December, I trained in Ethiopia, and in January, I was in Siena at the Tuscany Camp, working to be in the best possible shape—lots of hills, descents, and strength training.

“I want to have a great race, a satisfying one, and I also hope to surprise myself. The record? To achieve an exceptional time, everything has to align perfectly on the day. I always give my best in every race, and I will do my utmost."

A major star of the event is Maru Teferi from Israel, with a half marathon PB of 60:52 and a marathon best of 2:04:44 (Valencia 2024), which is also the Israeli national record. Teferi, the 2023 World Championship marathon silver medallist, also placed fourth in the European Half Marathon Championships (Rome 2024) and won silver in the 2022 European Marathon Championships (Munich). He is aiming for victory and a new Israeli half marathon record.

The field also includes Kenyan Emmanuel Wafula (6th in the 2022 U20 World Championships 3000m steeplechase, 2023 U20 African Champion in the event, and a 61:10 finisher in Rome), and fellow Kenyan Zacharia Krop, who made his debut in Trento last year with a 61:19. Burundian Therence Bizoza, who holds his country’s half marathon record (61:30 in Arezzo, 2022), and Ethiopian Teka Asefa Baryau (61:47 PB in Casablanca, 2023) will also challenge for strong performances.

In the Women’s Elite Race Ten women will compete for victory, representing Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Poland, and Italy.

Italy’s top contender is Sofiia Yaremchuk (CS Esercito), co-holder of the national half marathon record (1:08:27), set in Naples last year. "I have undergone intense training at high altitude in Kenya in recent weeks,” says Yaremchuk. 

“I returned a week ago, and this race will be a test to assess my athletic condition after altitude training. Everything is similar to last year, so I expect a great race."

She will face Kenya’s Gladys Longari Cherop (1:07:28 PB from Milan 2023) and Ethiopia’s Alemitu Olana Tariku, who won U20 African gold in the 3000m and bronze in the 5000m in 2019. Tariku has a half marathon best of 1:07:49 from Madrid 2023.

Kenya’s Nelly Jeptoo (1:09:49 PB from Venlo 2023), Ethiopia’s Meselu Berhe Kahsay (1:10:21 from Huangshi 2024), and Burundi’s Elvanie Nimbona (1:10:32 PB from Udine 2018) will also be in contention. Angelika Mach from Poland (1:11:07 PB) returns after her thrilling 2023 win, while fellow Pole Alexandra Lisowska, the 2022 European Marathon Champion, will also compete. Italy’s Aurora Bado (bronze medallist at the 2023 European 10,000m Championships, 1:12:33 PB in Berlin) will make her debut on the streets of Naples.

The Race Weekend kicks off tomorrow (Saturday, February 22), with the Family Run & Friends, a non-competitive 2 km race open to all ages. Participants will receive a t-shirt, medal, and refreshments. Registration is free for children under 10 and can be done online or at the Expo Village today (Friday, February 21), or Saturday, February 22.

On Sunday, February 23, 2025, runners will take on the Napoli City Half Marathon, while teams can participate in the Charity Relay, splitting the race into 10 km and 11.0975 km segments. The Napoli Half Marathon is a must-experience race that blends record-breaking performances with breathtaking scenery.

As one of the fastest courses in Italy, it has witnessed remarkable national records, including Sofiia Yaremchuk’s 1:08:27 and Yeman Crippa’s 59:26. What sets this event apart is its stunning route, with 16 of the 21 kilometres running along the picturesque seaside, offering runners unforgettable views of the iconic Vesuvius and the vibrant city of Naples — birthplace of the pizza!