Sirmione Photo Marathon 2026

One-day photo marathon on Lake Garda, run by the Municipality of Sirmione as part of the 17th Sirmione Award for Photography. On Sunday 11 October 2026 a maximum of 250 registered photographers meet at 9am in Piazza Carducci and then have eight hours, from 10am to 6pm, to interpret four themes announced by the jury on the day — one photograph per theme, all of it shot inside the marathon window, delivered digitally by 18 October. Reflex, compact and phone cameras are all admitted, and the jury explicitly rewards spontaneity and a photographer's relationship with the place. First prize is €1,500, second €500, third a two-night stay for two in Sirmione, and the best image in each individual theme takes €250. Registration costs €12 and is online only — it closes on 4 October, cannot be done on the day, and places are limited; accompanied minors take part free. Images may be optimised to the author's taste but not distorted: adding or removing key elements, or using generative AI to enlarge, enhance or insert unreal elements, means exclusion, and originals can be requested.