Fonteviva Run

A May Day race in the heart of Lunigiana

The Fonteviva Run is the footrace that brings the village of Barbarasco, in the municipality of Tresana (Massa-Carrara province), to life every May 1st in the green heart of the Tuscan Lunigiana. Though established only recently, it has quickly become a highly anticipated event for runners from across Tuscany and neighboring Liguria, thanks to its unique ability to combine a passion for road and trail running with a strong spirit of solidarity.

The event serves as the first stage of the Corrilunigiana circuit, the historic calendar of running races conceived by Franco Codeluppi in 1987 and now held in his memory. Starting the circuit in Barbarasco, at the foot of the Malaspina Castle of Tresana, gives the race a special charm: runners start in the village and climb toward the medieval fortress that overlooks the valley, traversing a mix of asphalt and dirt paths immersed in nature.

Sport and solidarity for the Meyer Hospital

The defining feature of the Fonteviva Run is its charitable soul. All proceeds from the race are donated to the Meyer Pediatric Hospital Foundation in Florence, one of Italy's centers of excellence for pediatric care. The race is accompanied by the Sindaci for Meyer (Mayors for Meyer) initiative, which involves local administrators and mayors from across the Lunigiana region: a friendly competition between local leaders that has raised thousands of euros for the hospital over the years.

This bond between Lunigiana and Florence, between a small village community and a major pediatric hospital, is what makes the Fonteviva Run much more than just a race: it is a community event where running, having fun, and doing good go hand in hand.

A route through village, castle, and woods

The approximately nine-kilometer course starts in the village of Barbarasco, heads toward Tresana, reaches the foot of the Malaspina Castle, and returns via forest trails and dirt paths, with various elevation changes that challenge even the most seasoned runners. Before the main event, youth races are held for children, making the morning a true celebration for families.

Surrounding the race, the Municipality of Tresana and local associations organize social gatherings with food stands featuring typical Lunigiana products, a land of testaroli, panigacci, and authentic flavors. Participants also get to discover a lesser-known corner of Tuscany, filled with castles, parish churches, and ancient villages.