The picturesque race returns to the streets of Naples on February 23
The Napoli City Half Marathon is set to take place this weekend (February 23) as the fast course attracts top runners from around the world.
It is known as one of the quickest courses in Italy and has witnessed a lot of national records, including Sofiia Yaremchuk’s 68:27 and Yeman Crippa’s 59:26.
Among the favourites in the men’s elite race is European record-holder Julien Wanders from Switzerland, who ran 59:13 in Ras Al Khaimah six years ago. He holds 1500m and 5000m national titles from 2016 and 2017 and is also a European 5000m silver medallist.
Wanders will be familiar with the streets of Naples, having placed sixth in the 2022 edition of the same event, the same year that Italian runner Yemaneberhan Crippa set an Italian national record.
The second fastest runner in the starting field is Kenya’s Andrew Lorot, who boasts a personal best of 59:54, set in Japan in 2023. His compatriot, Edward Konana Koonyo, follows closely behind, having recorded a time of 60:00 in Belgium last year.
Daniele Meucci (Getty)
Another Italian hopeful, Daniele Meucci is also in the mix. Meucci is one of Italy’s most accomplished distance runners and has competed in three Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, and Paris 2024).
His decorated career includes a European marathon gold medal in 2014, plus three other European individual medals. Meucci’s half-marathon personal best is 60:11, achieved in Rome in 2021.
Yohanes Chaippinelli 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 under-20 and under-23 championships, as well as a bronze medal at the 2018 European Championships in Berlin.
“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,” said Chiappinelli.
“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.”
Maru Teferi (Getty)
Another one to keep your eye on is Maru Teferi from Israel, with a half-marathon best of 60:52 and a marathon best of 2:04:44 (Valencia 2024), the latter of which is an Israeli national record.
The field also includes Kenyan’s Emmanuel Wafula (61:10) and Zacharia Krop (61:19). Burundian Therence Bizoza, who is his country’s half-marathon record (61:30), and Ethiopian Teka Asefa Baryau (61:47) will also likely put in strong performances.
In the women’s field, Italy’s top contender is Sofiia Yaremchuk, co-holder of the national half marathon record (68:27), set in Naples last year.
Sofiia Yaremchuk
“I have undergone intense training at high altitude in Kenya in recent weeks. 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,” said Yaremchuk.
She will face Kenya’s Gladys Longari Cherop (67:28) and Ethiopia’s Alemitu Olana Tariku, who won under-20 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 (69:49), Ethiopia’s Meselu Berhe Kahsay (1:10:21), and Burundi’s Elvanie Nimbona (1:10:32) will also be in contention.
Angelika Mach from Poland (1:11:07) returns after her thrilling 2023 win, while fellow Pole Alexandra Lisowska, the 2022 European Marathon Champion, will also be in the field.
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