Bucci Runner Memorial — Fossacesia Night Run

The Fossacesia Night Run: Running and Remembrance

The Bucci Runner Memorial — Fossacesia Night Run is one of the most popular evening road races along the Costa dei Trabocchi in the town of Fossacesia, located in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. The event was created to honor Antonio Bucci, a passionate local runner who passed away prematurely and remains in the hearts of all who shared races and training sessions with him. Every year, in the early days of August, friends, family, and hundreds of athletes from across Abruzzo gather to run in his memory.

A route between the town center and the Abbey

The event is organized by Atletica Fossacesia in partnership with ASD I Lupi d'Abruzzo, with the support of the Fossacesia municipal administration, and is part of the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit. The highlight of the evening is the 10 km competitive race, which follows a town circuit appreciated for its manageable elevation and its passage near the famous Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, one of the region's iconic monuments overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

An evening for everyone

The race day follows a well-established tradition: gathering in Piazza Fantini in the late afternoon, a visit to the cemetery to pay respects to Antonio Bucci, the youth races for the little ones, and finally, the start of the main night-time race. Alongside the competitive event, there is a non-competitive fun run, open to families and enthusiasts who want to soak up the atmosphere without the pressure of a stopwatch.

• Where: Historic center of Fossacesia (Chieti), Abruzzo, with start and finish in Piazza Fantini
• Competitive distance: 10 km on a town circuit
• Format: Night-time race, youth races, and non-competitive walk
• Circuit: Corrilabruzzo UISP

Sport, community, and territory

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Fossacesia Night Run has become a defining event for the local community: a way to combine a passion for running with the promotion of the village and its heritage, from the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere to the panoramic views of the Costa dei Trabocchi. Participation has grown steadily year after year, reaching record numbers in 2025 with hundreds of runners at the starting line and numerous Abruzzo sports clubs in attendance.