Corsa della Cuccuascia

The San Cassiano running race

The Corsa della Cuccuascia is the annual running event that brings the streets of San Cassiano to life. This town of just under two thousand inhabitants is located in the province of Lecce, in the lower Salento region of Puglia. The event is organized by ASD Tre Casali, a local sports association presided over by Gianluca Quarta, with the approval of the FIDAL provincial committee of Lecce and the patronage of the Municipality of San Cassiano. Over the years, the race has established itself as one of the most popular events on the Salento running calendar, gathering up to four hundred athletes from across Puglia.

A name that tells the story of Salento

The name of the race is no coincidence: the cuccuascia is the owl in the Salento dialect, a small nocturnal bird of prey deeply linked to the region's popular traditions. Choosing this symbol connects the event to the village's identity and its cultural heritage, blending local proverbs with rural life. The race thus becomes a way to showcase San Cassiano and its roots, combining sport with the promotion of local heritage.

The route and distances

The competitive track measures approximately 8 kilometers and follows a repeated loop that crosses the town center and the surrounding countryside, amidst the dry-stone walls and olive groves typical of the Salento landscape. The race is FIDAL-approved and open to all categories (Allievi, Juniores, Promesse, Seniores, and Runcard holders). Over the years, the race has been included in various local running circuits, including Salento Gold, the Grande Salento circuit, and the CSI Salento Grand Prix. Alongside the competitive race, a non-competitive fun run is also offered, open to families and enthusiasts.

History of the event

The first edition took place on August 1st, 2019, and for several years the race was held during the summer, on August evenings. Subsequent editions confirmed the growing popularity of the event, with record numbers of entries and the participation of prominent regional athletes. In 2024, the men's race was won by Gianluca Tundo and the women's by Agnese De Luca, in front of about four hundred participants. With its sixth edition, the event moved to the winter season.

San Cassiano, an authentic village of lower Salento

San Cassiano is located in the southeastern part of the Salento peninsula, at an altitude of about 89 meters. It is part of the Union of Municipalities of the Terre di Mezzo and the 'Borghi Autentici d'Italia' (Authentic Villages of Italy) club. Established as an independent municipality in 1975 after separating from Nociglia, it retains a compact historic center and a strong bond with the traditions of the Salento region of Puglia. The Corsa della Cuccuascia represents a moment of celebration and attraction for the town, capable of bringing hundreds of athletes and enthusiasts to its streets.

The 2026 edition

The dates for the 2026 edition of the Corsa della Cuccuascia have not yet been announced. To find out the day, start times, and registration procedures, it is best to follow the channels of ASD Tre Casali and the Municipality of San Cassiano, as well as portals dedicated to Salento running events.