Francigena Tuscany Marathon
The non-competitive walk along the Via Francigena from Pietrasanta to Lucca
About Francigena Tuscany Marathon
A walk in the footsteps of pilgrims
The Francigena Tuscany Marathon is a non-competitive recreational walking event held annually in late September in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. The event begins in the heart of Pietrasanta, the "Little Athens" of Versilia, and follows the ancient Via Francigena all the way to Lucca, ending in front of the Cathedral of San Martino. This is not a running race; it is a walk open to everyone, from experienced hikers to families, designed to rediscover the landscapes, villages, and history of this corner of Tuscany on foot.
The route and distances
The full route covers approximately 44 kilometers, largely following the original path of the northern Via Francigena and passing through the picturesque towns of the Versilia and Lucca hinterland. To ensure everyone can participate, the route is divided into several stages and distances:
- Family Marathon — Pietrasanta to Camaiore, approx. 11.8 km
- Half Marathon — Pietrasanta to Valpromaro, approx. 26.7 km
- Marathon — Pietrasanta to Lucca, approx. 44.8 km (the full route)
- San Macario Route — San Macario to Lucca, approx. 10 km, ideal for those who only wish to experience the final stretch
The main start is located in Piazza del Duomo in Pietrasanta, with planned stops along the way in Camaiore and Valpromaro, where the famous pasta party is held. The Francigena Special is also available, which, thanks to single-wheel joelettes, allows those with mobility impairments to participate.
The tenth edition: Gold Edition
The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone: the tenth edition, dubbed the Gold Edition. The chosen theme is "Pilgrims of Hope," in harmony with the spirit of the Francigena path and pilgrimage. Over the first nine editions, the event has already attracted over 14,000 participants from across Italy and abroad, confirming its status as one of Tuscany's most beloved walking events and a key opportunity for tourism promotion for Pietrasanta, Camaiore, Lucca, and all the municipalities along the route.
A local event
The Francigena Tuscany Marathon is organized by ASD Francigena Pietrasanta with the support of the local municipalities and numerous volunteers. Beyond its sporting and tourism aspects, the initiative holds great value for heritage preservation: the Via Francigena is one of the most important historical and cultural routes in Europe, walked for centuries by pilgrims heading to Rome. Walking it today means combining wellness, exploration of the territory, and tradition.
Francigena Tuscany Marathon — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Francigena Tuscany Marathon celebrates the tenth anniversary of the event with the Gold Edition, under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." The date is Sunday, September 27, 2026: the major non-competitive walk starts from Piazza del Duomo in Pietrasanta and reaches the Cathedral of San Martino in Lucca, retracing the ancient Via Francigena through the villages of Versilia and the Lucchesia region.
The multi-route format is confirmed, offering various lengths from the Family Marathon to the full marathon, allowing everyone to choose the distance that suits them best. A day of gentle sport, nature, and tradition in the heart of Tuscany.
Programme Francigena Tuscany Marathon 2026
Sunday, September 27, 2026 — Gold Edition
Theme of the edition: "Pilgrims of Hope". Non-competitive recreational walk on the Via Francigena, from Pietrasanta to Lucca.
The routes
- Family Marathon — Pietrasanta-Camaiore, approx. 11.8 km
- Half Marathon — Pietrasanta-Valpromaro, approx. 26.7 km
- Marathon — Pietrasanta-Lucca, approx. 44.8 km (full route)
- San Macario-Lucca — approx. 10 km, to experience the final stretch of the path
- Francigena Special — participation with single-wheel joelettes for those with mobility impairments
Bib collection
- Saturday, September 26 — Salita della Rocca, Pietrasanta, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday, September 27 — same location, from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM
- For the start from San Macario (Family): collection on-site at the Church one hour before the start
Stages and services
- Pasta party in Valpromaro along the route
- Refreshment points along the track
- Return shuttles included in the registration
Highlights Francigena Tuscany Marathon 2026
- Tenth edition: the Gold Edition with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope"
- Four routes on the Via Francigena, from 10 km to the full marathon of approx. 44.8 km
- Start from Piazza del Duomo in Pietrasanta, finish at the Cathedral of San Martino in Lucca
- Francigena Special with joelettes for the participation of people with mobility impairments
- Pasta party in Valpromaro and return shuttles included
Prices Francigena Tuscany Marathon 2026
Practical information — Francigena Tuscany Marathon
How to get there
Pietrasanta is easily accessible by train (station on the Pisa-Genoa line) and by car via the A12 motorway, Versilia exit. Lucca, the arrival point, is connected to Pietrasanta by public transport and event-dedicated shuttles.
Registration and bib collection
Registration is done online via the official website; the fee is approximately 28 euros and includes return shuttles. Bib collection takes place on the Saturday before the event at Salita della Rocca in Pietrasanta from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sunday morning from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM.
Tips
Trekking or walking shoes, layered clothing, and a water bottle are recommended. Refreshment points and the pasta party in Valpromaro are set up along the route.
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Where does it take place — Francigena Tuscany Marathon
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, 55045 Pietrasanta