by InTrieste
In Trieste, one of the Adriatic’s most picturesque port cities, a long-running athletic tradition is set to reach a milestone. The event once known locally as the “Bavisela,” now rebranded as the Trieste Spring Run, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026 with the return of the full marathon, reintroducing a distance that has been absent in recent editions.
Scheduled for Sunday, May 3, the race will feature three main events: a full marathon (42 kilometers), a half marathon (21 kilometers), and the Family Run, a noncompetitive race open to participants of all ages and abilities. Organizers have also confirmed the return of the “Young” race for schoolchildren, set to take place on April 30.
While detailed course maps have yet to be released, organizers say the routes will once again highlight the city’s defining features — from its historic center to the sweeping coastal road that runs along the Adriatic Sea. The official presentation, including route specifics, is expected in the coming weeks.
First held in 1994, the original Bavisela combined a footrace with a rowing regatta in the seaside district of Barcola. Over time, the event expanded to include both a half marathon and a full marathon, becoming one of the most widely attended running events in northeastern Italy.
Like many public gatherings, the race faced disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the 2020 edition canceled and the 2021 event only partially held. Its return to a full program this year signals a renewed sense of continuity for both organizers and participants.
Registrations are already underway, with runners signed up from a range of countries, reflecting the event’s growing international reach. Additional information is available on the official website, triestespringrun.com.
As the city prepares for the anniversary edition, May 3 is expected to once again draw residents and visitors alike to its streets and shoreline — not only to compete, but also to take part in a tradition that has become a fixture of Trieste’s spring calendar.
