Giro delle Contrade

A community run in the center of Intra

The Giro delle Contrade is one of the most beloved and well-attended events in Verbania, the capital city of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province in Piedmont, overlooking the western shore of Lake Maggiore. Every year, at the beginning of May, the streets of the historic center of the Intra district fill with thousands of people for a non-competitive fun run that has become a true local tradition. It is not a race for athletes, but a festival open to everyone: families, children, the elderly, and casual runners jog or walk side-by-side along the 6.24 kilometers that wind through the most beautiful neighborhoods and squares of Intra.

The spirit of charity

What makes the Giro delle Contrade special is its charitable soul. The event is organized by the Associazione Corso di Corsa, a non-profit association created specifically to promote charity events, in collaboration with the Comitato Manifestazioni Pacian da Intra. The entire proceeds, after organizational expenses, are donated annually to local projects: in recent editions, funds have supported volunteer associations, the VCO School Project for the purchase of educational materials, and psychological and social support initiatives such as the Progetto Arcobaleno, dedicated to kidney patients and their families.

The bond with San Vittore

The Giro delle Contrade is part of the rich calendar of patronal festivities for San Vittore, the patron saint of Intra, and represents one of the moments most cherished by the local community. The evening start from the evocative Piazza San Vittore, dominated by the basilica, creates a unique atmosphere: the illuminated historic center, the crowds lining the route, and the runners parading through the ancient districts make this evening an event of strong local identity.

An event for everyone

• Main non-competitive run of 6.24 km in the historic center of Intra
• MiniGiro dedicated to children (shortened route of approximately 1.6 km)
• Thousands of participants: recent editions have exceeded 2,000 registrants
• Technical event t-shirt and commemorative medals for children
• Participation fee via voluntary donation (symbolic minimum) entirely donated to charity

The Giro delle Contrade is much more than a run: it is an opportunity to experience the center of Intra, discover Verbania and its lake, and participate in a gesture of solidarity shared by the entire Verbano-Cusio-Ossola community.