Galaverna
The historic fun-run on the Bolognese hills of Pianoro
About Galaverna
The Galaverna of Pianoro
Galaverna is one of the most beloved winter walks in the Bolognese Apennines. It is a non-competitive fun-run, open to everyone, which every January brings thousands of walkers and runners to the hills of Pianoro, a municipality in the metropolitan area of Bologna in Emilia-Romagna. The event, which in 2026 will reach its 54th edition, is organised by Avis Pianoro together with the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Pianoro, with the support of the Public Assistance and Civil Protection.
The Routes
The heart of Galaverna are the hilly routes of medium-high difficulty, traced through asphalt, dirt tracks, and trails, in the picturesque hills of Pianoro. The distances are designed for every fitness level:
- 20 km — the longest and most challenging route;
- 16 km — for trained walkers;
- 10 km — the intermediate route;
- 3.5 km — the soft walk, suitable for everyone;
- Galaverna Junior — a 3.5 km walk at a free pace dedicated to children.
Sport, Nature, and Solidarity
Galaverna is not just an opportunity to get active outdoors during the winter months: it is also a charity event. Part of the proceeds are donated to the Fondazione ANT Franco Pannuti ETS, for cancer prevention and care activities, and to the Associazione Amici di Tamara e Davide Odv, to support integration and after-school projects. The day concludes with a great convivial moment at the Centro Arcipelago: the pasta party and final refreshment organised by the Pro Loco, with a roaring fire and the classic mulled wine.
A Pianoro Tradition
Born in the seventies, Galaverna has become a fixed event in the Bolognese running and tourism calendar, attracting between 1,600 and 2,400 participants each year. Its name refers to the winter frost that whitens the hills, a perfect image of an event that takes place in the heart of winter, amidst natural landscapes and the hospitality of the Pianoro community.
Galaverna — edition 2026
Galaverna 2026 — 54th Edition
The 54th Galaverna was held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Pianoro. Registration from 7 AM at the Centro Arcipelago, Holy Mass at 8 AM, and the official start at 9 AM, followed by the junior start at 9:05 AM. Approximately 1,600 participants tackled the hilly routes of 20, 16, 10, and 3.5 km, in addition to the Galaverna Junior. The testimonial for this edition was Giorgio Comaschi, an actor and author from Bologna. The event concluded with a pasta party and mulled wine organised by the Pro Loco, with part of the proceeds donated to Fondazione ANT and the Associazione Amici di Tamara e Davide.
Programme Galaverna 2026
- Wed–Fri, Jan 14–16, 9 AM–1 PM: bib and t-shirt collection at the Town Hall (individuals).
- Saturday, Jan 17, 2:30 PM–6:30 PM: bib collection at Sala Arcipelago (individuals and groups).
- Sunday, Jan 18: registration from 7 AM at Centro Arcipelago; 8 AM Holy Mass; 9 AM official start; 9:05 AM junior start.
- Routes of 20, 16, 10, and 3.5 km + Galaverna Junior (3.5 km at a free pace).
- Following: pasta party and final refreshment with mulled wine.
Highlights Galaverna 2026
- 54th edition of a Pianoro winter tradition.
- Four hilly routes (3.5–20 km) across asphalt, dirt tracks, and trails.
- Testimonial Giorgio Comaschi.
- Charity for Fondazione ANT and Amici di Tamara e Davide.
- Final refreshment with pasta party and mulled wine.
Prices Galaverna 2026
Practical information — Galaverna
How to get there
The meeting point and start are at the Centro Arcipelago in Pianoro, at via Resistenza 201. Pianoro is reachable by car from the SS65 della Futa or the A1 motorway (Bologna exit), and by train on the Bologna–Florence line (Pianoro station).
Registration and Fees
Group bib €2.50, individual bib €3.00, official t-shirt + bib €12.00. Group registrations by calling Avis Pianoro; individuals can also register shortly before the start. Bibs and t-shirts can be collected in the preceding days at the Town Hall and the Arcipelago Hall.
Tips
Winter sportswear, trail shoes for the longer dirt routes. Early morning start, final refreshment included.
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Where does it take place — Galaverna
Centro Arcipelago
Via Resistenza 201, 40065 Pianoro