Friendship Road Race
Road race part of the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit in Santa Maria Imbaro
About Friendship Road Race
A race in the heart of the Frentano area
The Friendship Road Race is a staple of the Abruzzo summer running calendar, bringing the streets of Santa Maria Imbaro to life. Located in the province of Chieti, this small town overlooks the hills of the Frentano region in Abruzzo. Organized by the Gruppo Podistico Il Crampo, led by Giuseppe Menna, the event is part of the regional Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit, which hosts dozens of road races throughout the region during the season.
The course and races
The highlight of the day is the 11.5 km competitive race, consisting of two laps of approximately 5.7 km each through the town streets. The start is scheduled for the late afternoon, as the summer heat begins to fade, with the traditional meeting point at via Piane. Alongside the main event, there is a non-competitive race open to everyone and youth categories for under-16s, with shorter distances designed for children and teenagers, highlighting the inclusive and family-friendly nature of the event.
A tribute to memory
The event carries the value of friendship in its name and was born as a gathering point for Abruzzo's running clubs. It is dedicated to the memory of Roberto Pierini and Giorgio Manzi, historical figures of the Lanciano running community and members of the association, remembered every year by the organizers and the many athletes who return to Santa Maria Imbaro.
Awards and conviviality
Awards are presented to the top three overall finishers, the three clubs with the highest number of registered participants, and a special recognition for the best out-of-region club, underscoring the race's appeal beyond Abruzzo's borders. To close the evening, the customary pasta party brings together runners, supporters, and volunteers in a convivial atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of the race.
A local event
Part of the busy summer schedule of the Municipality of Santa Maria Imbaro and the Abruzzo Region, the Friendship Road Race combines sport, tradition, and a sense of community. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Chieti hinterland and enjoy an evening of running and celebration with the regional running community.
Friendship Road Race — edition 2026
The fourth edition, organized by the Gruppo Podistico Il Crampo, took place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, with a meeting at 5:30 PM in via Piane. The youth races for under-16s started at 6:50 PM, while the 11.5 km competitive race kicked off at 7:30 PM alongside the non-competitive run.
The men's race was won by Sergio Serraiocco (Daunia Running) in 35'16", ahead of Alessandro Finoli (Gruppo Podistico Il Crampo) and Umberto D'Agostino (Podisti Frentani). In the women's category, Luisella Masciangelo (Let's Run for Solidarity) triumphed in 49'24", followed by Manuela Di Tella (Runners Pescara) and Mariana Mitrofanschi (Atletica Val Tavo). The most represented clubs were Atletica Rapino, Atletica Val Tavo, Runners Pescara, Podisti Frentani, and Progetto Running. The evening concluded with the pasta party.
Programme Friendship Road Race 2026
Sunday, July 5, 2026
- 5:30 PM — Meeting in via Piane
- 6:50 PM — Youth races for under-16s
- 7:30 PM — Start of competitive race (11.5 km, two laps of 5.7 km) and non-competitive run
- Followed by — Awards ceremony and pasta party
Highlights Friendship Road Race 2026
- 11.5 km competitive race of the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit
- Victories by Sergio Serraiocco and Luisella Masciangelo
- Youth races for under-16s and non-competitive run
- Final pasta party
Prices Friendship Road Race 2026
Practical information — Friendship Road Race
Where
Santa Maria Imbaro (CH), Abruzzo. Meeting point and start in via Piane. The town can be reached by car from the A14 Lanciano-Val di Sangro motorway exit, just a few kilometers from the town center.
When
Annual race, usually on the first Sunday of July, in the late afternoon (meeting at 5:30 PM, starts in the evening).
Registration
Registrations are managed by running clubs according to the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit procedures. For information, please contact the Gruppo Podistico Il Crampo.
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Where does it take place — Friendship Road Race
Via Piane