Meda – More than 2,500 runners will take part in the 5th Meda Urban Race this coming weekend. The event will take place on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026, in the Lombard town of Meda, combining competitive sports with health promotion. It is organized by the Auxologico IRCCS Medical Institute in collaboration with the Municipality of Meda.
According to the RunToDay press office, the official 21.097-kilometer half marathon—certified by the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL)—is returning to the program this year. A new addition this year is a competitive 10-kilometer race. The course is described as very fast and flat and runs through the towns of Meda, Cabiate, and Seregno, as well as through La Porada Park.
What races are offered?
In addition to the two races, the Meda Urban Race also offers several untimed runs. These include 20- and 10-kilometer courses for recreational runners and walkers. Particularly popular are the 5-kilometer Family Run, which is aimed at children, families, and school classes, as well as the 5-kilometer Dogs Run for participants with their dogs.
The event is intended as a public health and social inclusion initiative. The goal is to raise awareness in the community about the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition in order to prevent cardiovascular disease. The event is supported by, among others, the AVIS Meda Blood Donation Association and the Italian Paralympic Committee.
The field of participants is international, with runners from 19 countries, including Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Romania, and Albania. According to the organizers, women make up 42 percent of the registered participants. Most of the Italian participants come from Lombardy, Piedmont, and Emilia-Romagna.
Who are the favorites to win?
In the men’s half marathon, Luca Rossetto (CUS Bergamo) is considered one of the top contenders. He set his personal best of 1:09:15 in February 2026. His competitors include Andrea Manzotti (S.O.I. Inveruno), with a personal best of 1:13:55, and Mirko Colangelo (3Life), with a personal best of 1:12:54.
In the women’s race, a rematch of the 2023 showdown between Federica Meroni (Pol. Moving SSD) and Loredana Talarico (ASD DK Runners) is expected. Meroni enters the race with a personal best of 1:24:44, while Talarico’s personal best stands at 1:27:20.
In the new 10-kilometer race, former triathlete Lorenzo Brambillaschi (Zerotriuno Triathlon Team Como) is among the favorites in the men’s division. His personal best is 32:03 minutes. He’ll face competition from Tommaso Gatti (ASD Breva Running) and Luca Venier (Runners Legnano). In the women’s race, Martina Maria Cimnaghi (Atletica Vigevano) and Anna Lietti (3Life) are considered the top contenders.
What happens during race weekend?
The race weekend kicks off on Saturday, October 17, with the opening of the Expo Village in the Auxologico parking lot. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will be a variety of activities featuring sports, games, and health prevention programs, including free health screenings. Participants can pick up their race packets there.
On Sunday, October 18, the races will start in waves. The half marathon begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 20-kilometer race at 9:05 a.m. The 10-kilometer races start at 9:20 a.m., and the 5-kilometer races for families and dogs begin at 9:30 a.m. The official awards ceremony is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.
Late registration is still possible on Saturday at the Expo Village, provided there are still spots available. All participants also receive discounted rates for medical examinations and specialist care at Auxologico.
Dates, start times, and entry fees are subject to change. The information on the organizer's official website is authoritative.
