In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, an unparalleled adventure winds its way through turquoise seas, mysterious plateaus and fiery peaks: this is the Cursa di Ciclopi, Europe’s longest single-stage footrace, an extreme challenge that crosses north-eastern Sicily revealing all its wild and hidden beauty. Approximately 500 km in length and more than 20,000 metres of positive altitude difference, this endurance trail represents not only an athletic test at the limits of human endurance, but also a deep immersion in the island’s history, nature and most authentic identity.
The Cursa di Ciclopi was inspired by the legendary mountain ultramarathons of the TORX® eXperience international circuit. The project took shape with a ‘Zero Edition’ held between May and June 2022, an invitation-only test to test the route and service points. The official debut came in the spring of 2023: from 22 to 29 April, 59 athletes from 17 nations took part in this epic crossing from Cefalù to Mount Etna and back, along a route of 508.7 km with 20,500 metres of altitude difference. The participants, nicknamed ‘the cyclops’, had 168 hours (seven days) to complete the feat.
Only 38 of them succeeded. Among them were the winners: the Italian Marco Gubert (86h28′) and the Briton Sabrina Verjee (109h48′). The last cyclist to cross the finish line was the Sicilian Francesco Cesare, after an impressive 171 hours of walking. A race that requires stamina, mental strength and a spirit of exploration.
The route of the Cursa is designed as a loop that begins and ends in the beautiful coastal town of Cefalù, dominated by the magnificent Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here one immediately enters the Madonie Park, with its mountain landscape characterised by dense forests, the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna and peaks such as Pizzo Carbonara, the second highest peak on the island.
The villages of Isnello, Petralia Soprana and Gangi – listed among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy‘ – form the backdrop to a Sicily where time seems to stand still. After passing through the Sambuchetti Reserve, the route enters the Nebrodi Park, the largest on the island, with volcanic lakes such as the Biviere di Cesarò and extraordinary views as far as the Peloritani and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, is the symbolic and physical culmination of the route. The path reaches altitudes of over 2,800 metres, touching on the Pizzi Deneri volcanological observatory and the lava expanses of Piano Provenzana. In this area, the landscape changes radically: the vegetation gives way to dark rocks, in an almost lunar environment, where you can feel the deep breath of the earth.
Cursa di Ciclopi Myths, stones and contemporary art
The descent to the Alcantara valley introduces another wonder: the lava gorges sculpted by water, a geological phenomenon unique in Europe. The villages of Francavilla di Sicilia and Castiglione di Sicilia, guardians of ancient traditions, also stand here.
On the Argimusco Plateau, known as the ‘Sicilian Stonehenge’, megaliths with enigmatic shapes, resembling human and animal figures, emerge in a landscape that seems suspended in time. Not far away is Montalbano Elicona, a medieval village with a Swabian castle dominating the valley.
The final stretch leads back towards the Tyrrhenian Sea, along the beaches of Capo d’Orlando, Sant’Agata di Militello and Santo Stefano di Camastra, famous for its artistic ceramics. The last great symbol along the route is the Pyramid of the 38th Parallel, an artistic installation dominating Fiumara d’Arte, an open-air gallery of nature and creativity.
Then, through villages such as Pettineo, Castelbuono and Geraci Siculo, we finally return to Cefalù, where the feat ends in front of the Norman cathedral, in the same spot where it all began.
In addition to the athletic challenge, the Cursa di Ciclopi is distinguished by its attention to environmental protection: it is absolutely forbidden to abandon waste along the route, under penalty of immediate disqualification. A strong message, consistent with the motto ‘don’t litter’, which reflects the event’s green soul.
Eight ‘life bases’ are set up along the route, real refuges with food, accommodation and medical assistance, run by dozens of volunteers, including members of the European Solidarity Corps and Alpine Rescue. The event also awards 20 PAX points, valid for qualification for the Tor des Géants®, thus consolidating the link with the international TORX® circuit.
After the success of the first edition in 2023, the expectations for the second one were very high. However, the 2024 edition, initially scheduled from 19 to 28 April, was cancelled for technical and organisational reasons. The organisers have confirmed their willingness to resume the project, envisaging a new edition starting in 2025.
In the meantime, the legend of the Cursa di Ciclopi continues to grow, fuelled by the stories of those who have walked those ancient paths, touched the sky on Mount Etna and listened to the silence of the Sicilian mountains. A rare and all-encompassing experience that invites those who love to travel slowly and with an open mind to discover a Sicily that cannot be forgotten.
Would you like to explore Sicily along the path of the giants?