The inaugural Stramilano Half Marathon in 1976
Plaque name: Stramilano Half Marathon
Location: Viale Giorgio Byron, 2, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
Plaque awarded: 11/03/2025
Reason: Plaque Category – Competition
The location for the first sub-60mins run in history, the ‘fastest course in Italy’ as the Stramilano was once dubbed has welcomed the world’s very best runners during its first 50 years among which Grete Waitz, Rosa Mota, Priscah Jeptoo, Ruth Chepngetich, Rob de Castella, Gelindo Bordin, Moses Tanui, and Paul Tergat.
The annual half marathon which was founded in 1976 and today includes supporting 5 & 10km runs for the public, is a Milanese sporting institution. The city has taken the event to its heart with the supporting 5 & 10km runs for the public starting in the Piazza del Duomo, towered over by its world-famous cathedral, while the Pizza del Castello is the departure point for the famous elite half marathon itself.
The event’s all-time place in running history was secured in 1993 when Moses Tanui ran 59:47, becoming the first person to break the one-hour barrier for the distance. Two-time World Half Marathon champion Paul Tergat’s six consecutive race victories between 1994 and 1999, including a world record in 1998 which went unbeaten for seven years, further cemented Stramilano’s historic reputation.