The Milano21 Half Marathon delivered thrilling racing on November 23rd as over 4,400 runners took to Milan’s fast, flat streets for one of Italy’s premier autumn racing events. Italy’s Rene’ Cuneaz and Sara Galimberti claimed victories in what proved to be a showcase of Italian distance running talent.
Men’s Half Marathon: Four-Second Victory Margin
The men’s race produced one of the closest finishes of the season, with Rene’ Cuneaz edging Morocco’s Khalil Yassin El by a mere four seconds. Cuneaz crossed the finish line in 1:06:05, with El hot on his heels in 1:06:09, making for a dramatic sprint to the finish through Milan’s historic center.
Italy dominated the podium, with Davide Raineri securing third place in 1:09:20. The competitive field showcased the depth of Italian distance running, with Enrico Imberciadori and Luca Tocco both finishing in 1:09:32 to round out the top five.
Men’s Half Marathon Top Results:
- 1st Place: Rene’ Cuneaz (Italy) – 1:06:05
- 2nd Place: Khalil Yassin El (Morocco) – 1:06:09
- 3rd Place: Davide Raineri (Italy) – 1:09:20
- 4th Place: Enrico Imberciadori (Italy) – 1:09:32
- 5th Place: Luca Tocco (Italy) – 1:09:32
Women’s Half Marathon: Galimberti’s Commanding Victory
Sara Galimberti put on a dominant performance in the women’s race, winning in 1:16:42. Unlike the tight men’s finish, Galimberti established clear separation from the field, crossing the line nearly two minutes ahead of runner-up Silvia Radaelli.
The women’s race was an all-Italian affair on the podium, with Radaelli finishing in 1:18:30 and Elisabetta Manenti taking third in 1:21:11. The strong showing from Italian women continued deeper into the results, with Lisa Migliorini (1:23:07) and Giulia Sommi (1:23:42) completing an all-Italian top five.
Women’s Half Marathon Top Results:
- 1st Place: Sara Galimberti (Italy) – 1:16:42
- 2nd Place: Silvia Radaelli (Italy) – 1:18:30
- 3rd Place: Elisabetta Manenti (Italy) – 1:21:11
- 4th Place: Lisa Migliorini (Italy) – 1:23:07
- 5th Place: Giulia Sommi (Italy) – 1:23:42
The 10K: Speed on Display
The accompanying 10-kilometer race showcased pure speed through Milan’s streets, with Leo Paglione taking top honors in the men’s race with a time of 31:20. Samuel Medolago finished second in 31:53, while Manuel Togni claimed third in 31:55.
Men’s 10K Top Results:
- 1st Place: Leo Paglione (Italy) – 31:20
- 2nd Place: Samuel Medolago (Italy) – 31:53
- 3rd Place: Manuel Togni (Italy) – 31:55
- 4th Place: Mattia Moretti (Italy) – 32:14
- 5th Place: Aymen Ayachi (Tunisia) – 32:23
In the women’s 10K, Sara Dossena claimed victory in 34:21, ahead of Claudia Gelsomino in 36:10 and Najla Aqdeir in 37:16.
Women’s 10K Top Results:
- 1st Place: Sara Dossena (Italy) – 34:21
- 2nd Place: Claudia Gelsomino (Italy) – 36:10
- 3rd Place: Najla Aqdeir (Italy) – 37:16
- 4th Place: Carolina Sofia Chisale’ (Italy) – 37:41
- 5th Place: Marta Latino (Italy) – 38:01
The Perfect Course for Personal Bests
Milano21 has earned its reputation as one of Italy’s fastest courses, and the 2025 edition reinforced that status. The AIMS-certified route winds through the heart of Milan’s fashion and business capital, offering runners an ideal combination of flat terrain and enthusiastic crowd support.
The course showcases Milan’s most iconic landmarks, taking runners past:
- The magnificent Duomo cathedral
- Sforzesco Castle
- CityLife district
- Sempione Park
- The charming Darsena canals
November’s crisp autumn air provided ideal racing conditions, allowing runners to push for personal records without the oppressive heat of summer racing. The flat profile makes Milano21 a favorite among runners targeting specific time goals or qualifying standards for major marathons.
Rock Your Race: A Unique Racing Experience
Milano21 isn’t just about fast timesâit’s also about atmosphere. The 2025 edition featured the “Rock Your Race” format, with over 150 musicians from Rockin’ 1000âthe world’s largest rock bandâenergizing runners along the course. This unique element adds an adrenaline boost that few other races can match.
The combination of Milan’s stunning architecture, enthusiastic crowds lining the streets, and live music creates an electric atmosphere that pushes runners to perform at their best. It’s no wonder the event has grown from strength to strength, welcoming over 11,000 runners in the previous year.
Part of the Follow Your Passion Circuit
Milano21 is part of the FollowYourPassion circuit by MG Sport, which connects top-tier endurance races across Italy. The event has earned AIMS certification, making it an internationally recognized race that attracts runners from around the world.
The race offers both competitive and non-competitive options, with the 10K available in both timed and untimed versions. This flexibility allows runners to choose their experienceâwhether they’re chasing a PR or simply enjoying a scenic tour of Milan’s most beautiful locations.
Italian Dominance on Home Soil
The 2025 results showcased the strength of Italian distance running, with home nation athletes sweeping both half marathon podiums and dominating the 10K races. While Khalil Yassin El provided Morocco with representation in the men’s half marathon runner-up spot, and Tunisia’s Aymen Ayachi cracked the men’s 10K top five, the day largely belonged to Italy.
This strong showing from Italian runners reflects the country’s growing depth in distance running and the quality of domestic racing opportunities like Milano21 that help develop talent.
The Perfect Season-Closer
Held in late November, Milano21 serves as the ideal way to close out the racing season. The fast course allows runners to cap their year with a strong performance, while Milan’s location makes it an attractive destination race for international participants looking to combine competition with a European city break.
With pre-race expo festivities and vibrant post-race celebrations surrounded by Milanese style and tradition, the event offers a complete racing experience that extends beyond the finish line.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2025 Milano21 continues to build the event’s reputation as one of Europe’s premier autumn half marathons. The combination of a lightning-fast course, world-class organization, iconic urban scenery, and unique entertainment elements ensures that Milano21 will remain a fixture on runners’ calendars.
For those inspired by this year’s results, Milano21 returns in November 2026, offering another opportunity to test yourself against one of Italy’s fastest courses while experiencing the energy and elegance of Milan. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or seeking an unforgettable European racing experience, Milano21 delivers on all fronts.
