The Route

Setting off from Lungomare Lepanto while darkness still hangs over the sea, the opening kilometers run flat down to San Girio. From there, the road tilts upward toward Potenza Picena, rolling across continuous ups and downs all the way to Macerata. A quick descent takes you to Pollenza, continuing along the flat to Tolentino and its iconic Rancia Castle.

From here, Le Marche turns into true mountain country. Climb toward San Ginesio, officially one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, then descend to Sarnano before setting your sights on Sassotetto—the first of the day's two Hors Catégorie climbs. This 13-kilometer ascent brings you to the Santa Maria Maddalena pass at 1,445 meters. Right at kilometer 100, this is the high point of the route and the very heart of the Sibillini Mountains.

A long descent leads down to Lake Fiastra, a vivid blue gem nestled in the mountains. From there, climb back up to Fiastra and head toward the university city of Camerino, where the road stretches out as you make your way toward Matelica.

At Matelica, with about 90 kilometers left to the finish, the second Hors Catégorie climb begins: 13 panoramic yet grueling kilometers leading toward the slopes of Mount San Vicino and Pian dell’Elmo. Once past the summit, descend toward Apiro and the Castreccioni Dam, followed by one final steep ramp up to Cingoli—the famous "Balcony of Le Marche."

From Cingoli, the most forgiving stretch of the 5Mila begins. A long, rewarding descent leads into the rolling hills of Filottrano and Osimo, followed by Montefano and Recanati—the hometown of poet Giacomo Leopardi. Climbing out of Recanati brings you to Loreto, with a spectacular ride through Piazza della Madonna, where the sea suddenly reappears before your eyes: the Conero Riviera, the Adriatic, and Porto Recanati waiting down below. All that remains are the final, glorious kilometers along the seafront toward Piazza Brancondi. The finish line. The celebration.

What's included in the entry fee

• Goodie Bag
• Pre-race Breakfast
• Five refreshment points (four along the route, one at the finish)
• Vehicle recovery service
• Mechanical assistance at the refreshment points
• Health service
• Real-time geolocation
• T-shirt (guaranteed for registrations by August 28)
• Custom finisher certificate
• Finisher medal
• Name on the finisher list on the official website
• Shower service
  
  

Are you there?
Registration is capped at 150. You can even set off alone, but you are never alone: the road fills with fellow travelers, and the organization follows you from the start to the finish line.