Gissi Tour — Road Race

The Gissi Tour, the summer race in Gissi

The Gissi Tour is the annual running event that transforms the village of Gissi, in the province of Chieti, into a vibrant stage for road racing in the heart of summer. Set against the backdrop of the historic center and the hilly roads of the Vastese area in Abruzzo, the event blends the competitive spirit of a race with the festive atmosphere of a local village gathering, drawing athletes and enthusiasts from all over the region.

A 7.5-kilometer course

The race follows a competitive 7.5-kilometer route that winds through the town and the surrounding countryside. The varied, undulating course tests both amateur and professional runners, showcasing the beauty of the Abruzzo hinterland, characterized by the hills, olive groves, and vineyards typical of the Vastese district.

A stage of the Corri l'Abruzzo circuit

The Gissi Tour is part of the Corri l'Abruzzo regional circuit, a calendar of road races that brings together the main running events in the region. Participation in the circuit gives the race significance in the general standings and integrates it into a network of events that accompanies Abruzzo's athletes throughout the summer season.

Alberico Di Cecco, a special guest

One of the hallmarks of the Gissi Tour is the participation of Alberico Di Cecco, an Olympic marathoner from Abruzzo and a regular fixture at the event. His presence links the race to the region's rich tradition of long-distance running and serves as an inspiration for young local athletes.

Sports and summer festivities in Gissi

The race is part of the broader Gissi Summer program, a series of cultural, musical, traditional, and sporting events promoted by the Municipality of Gissi during the summer months. The evening of the race becomes a moment of community gathering, with spectators cheering on the runners along the course and the awards ceremony concluding the event in the main square.

Gissi and the Vastese area

Gissi is a village in the Vastese hinterland, overlooking the hills that slope down toward the Adriatic Sea. A land of olive trees, vineyards, and local products, the town preserves a rich tapestry of popular traditions, to which the Gissi Tour has added, for several editions now, the most anticipated summer sporting event, helping to promote the area through the sport of running.