Corri a Ceglie
The road race that kicks off the Apulian running season
About Corri a Ceglie
A race in the heart of the Itria Valley
The Corri a Ceglie has become a staple of the Apulian running calendar: held every year in mid-January, it symbolically opens the road racing season in Salento and throughout Puglia. Organized by ASD Atletica Ceglie Messapica, the race winds for about 9.5 kilometers along the city streets and the distinctive historic center of Ceglie Messapica, one of the oldest white-washed villages in the Itria Valley, in the province of Brindisi.
Starting and finishing on Via San Rocco, the route traverses alleys, squares, and scenic corners of the old town, offering participants a route that is as challenging as it is picturesque. The event is registered in the FIDAL (Italian Athletics Federation) calendar and serves as the first stage of the provincial circuit "Sulle Vie del Brento," which accompanies runners in the Brindisi area for much of the year.
More than just competition: families and children celebrating
Corri a Ceglie is not just a competitive race. Alongside the approximately five hundred competitive athletes, there are "casual" non-registered runners participating in the "Corri libero a Ceglie" event, as well as families involved in the non-competitive 3 km walk along an easier track. In total, the event attracts nearly 800 participants each year.
The Sports Festival is dedicated to children under 13, featuring short races of a few hundred meters in Piazza Plebiscito. The event also has a strong charitable focus thanks to collaborations with Avis and Aido, offering awards for donors and free blood glucose and blood pressure screenings.
Ceglie Messapica, the city of gastronomy
Running in Ceglie Messapica also means discovering one of the most fascinating centers in Upper Salento, known as the "city of gastronomy" for its culinary tradition. The village, with its ducal castle and lime-washed alleys, provides the perfect backdrop for a day of sport, social interaction, and promotion of the Itria Valley and the province of Brindisi, in Puglia.
Corri a Ceglie — edition 2026
The 11th edition of the Corri a Ceglie kicked off the Apulian running season on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The competitive road race, covering approximately 9.5-10 km, traversed the city streets and the historic center, starting from Via San Rocco at 9:30 AM.
In addition to being the first stage of the "Sulle Vie del Brento" provincial circuit, the 2026 edition awarded the V Avis Trophy and the XI Sant'Antonio Abate Trophy in the Itria Valley «Amici del Borgo Antico». The charitable and family-oriented aspects were also confirmed, with the non-competitive walk and the Sports Festival for children.
Programme Corri a Ceglie 2026
Sunday, January 18, 2026
- 9:30 AM — Start and finish on Via San Rocco for the competitive road race of approximately 9.5 km, through the city streets and the historic center of Ceglie Messapica
- "Vacci piano con lo smartphone" non-competitive walk for families, on an easier 3 km route
- "Corri libero a Ceglie", event open to non-registered runners
- Sports Festival in Piazza Plebiscito, with races of a few hundred meters for children under 13
The race was valid as the 1st stage of the "Sulle Vie del Brento" provincial circuit, the V Avis Trophy, and the XI Sant'Antonio Abate Trophy in the Itria Valley «Amici del Borgo Antico». Provided by Agifar, free blood glucose and blood pressure screenings were available.
Highlights Corri a Ceglie 2026
Prices Corri a Ceglie 2026
Practical information — Corri a Ceglie
Where and when
The race takes place in Ceglie Messapica (BR), in Puglia, with the start and finish line on Via San Rocco. The event is held in mid-January, traditionally on a Sunday morning.
How to participate
The competitive road race is open to FIDAL-registered athletes, RUNCARD holders, and EPS members, while non-registered runners can sign up for the "Corri libero a Ceglie" event. Families can take part in the non-competitive walk. Registration closes in the days leading up to the race and can be completed through running clubs or the channels indicated by the organizers.
How to get there
Ceglie Messapica can be reached by car via the SS7 and the main roads connecting Brindisi, Taranto, and the Itria Valley. The train station is served by Ferrovie del Sud Est.
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Where does it take place — Corri a Ceglie
Via San Rocco
Via San Rocco, 72013 Ceglie Messapica