Guardiagrele Night Run – Rolando Scioli Memorial
The evening road race in the village known as the terrace over the Maiella
About Guardiagrele Night Run
The evening race in the Maiella village
The Guardiagrele Night Run – Rolando Scioli Memorial is one of the most anticipated running events in the Abruzzo calendar. Every late May, the race turns the spotlight on the historic center of Guardiagrele, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, nestled on the slopes of the Maiella mountains and nicknamed the terrace over the Maiella. The event takes place in the municipality of Guardiagrele, in the province of Chieti, in the heart of Abruzzo.
A technical and evocative city circuit
The competitive race takes place on a city loop completely closed to traffic, to be completed three times: each lap measures approximately 2.96 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 80 meters, for a total of just under 10 kilometers. The mixed and technical route winds through the streets and squares of the village, offering athletes and spectators the charm of running at sunset among the historic views of the town. Each athlete is timed via microchip.
A festival open to all
The event is not reserved for competitive runners only. The program also includes youth races, with categories ranging from the youngest children up to fifteen years old on progressive distances (from 100 to 1500 meters), and a non-competitive walk of one or two laps, designed for families and enthusiasts. Every year, the Night Run attracts about five hundred participants in total, including adults, walkers, and young athletes under 16.
Organization and circuit
The Night Run is organized by A.S.D. Progetto Running, chaired by Franco Giurastante, with the patronage of the Municipality of Guardiagrele and the support of dozens of volunteers and local law enforcement. The race is part of the CorrilAbruzzo UISP circuit, of which it is traditionally one of the first evening stages of the season. The meeting point and start are set in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, the monumental heart of the village.
Why participate
- Run in the evening through the historic streets of one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy
- A technical and scenic route at the foot of the Maiella
- Races for all ages, from children to competitive athletes
- A historic stage of the CorrilAbruzzo UISP circuit
- Festive atmosphere in the center of Guardiagrele
Guardiagrele Night Run — edition 2026
11th edition – May 30, 2026
The 11th Guardiagrele Night Run – Rolando Scioli Memorial was held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, once again transforming the village streets into the terrace over the Maiella. With a meeting point in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore from 5:30 PM, the day began at 6:30 PM with the youth races, followed at 7:30 PM by the start of the competitive race and the non-competitive walk.
Among the men, local favorite Nunzio Gabriele (Mistercamp Castelfrentano) won, completing the three laps in 28'56", repeating his 2025 success; Pardo La Serra and marathon runner Alberico Di Cecco also reached the podium. In the women's field, Melissa Palanza (Let's Run for Solidarity) won in 32'11", ahead of Barbara Mariano and Antonia Falasca. The team with the highest number of participants was Atletica Rapino with 24 registered members.
Programme Guardiagrele Night Run 2026
Program 11th edition (May 30, 2026)
- 5:30 PM – Meeting and bib collection in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore
- 6:30 PM – Start of youth races (categories up to 15 years, distances 100–1500 m)
- 7:30 PM – Start of competitive race (approx. 9.5 km, three laps) and non-competitive walk
- 8:30 PM – Awards ceremony
Highlights Guardiagrele Night Run 2026
Prices Guardiagrele Night Run 2026
Practical information — Guardiagrele Night Run
How to get there
Guardiagrele can be reached by car from the Val di Sangro motorway exit (A14) or from Chieti along the SS81. The reference train station is Chieti, with onward travel by bus or car towards the village.
Meeting point and times
Meeting point in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore from 5:30 PM; start of youth races at 6:30 PM, start of the competitive and non-competitive race at 7:30 PM, awards ceremony at approximately 8:30 PM.
Registration
Online registration on the www.timingrun.it platform (email [email protected]). Entry fee of approximately 10 euros for the competitive and non-competitive race (including race pack), 5 euros for youth races. On-site registration is available until one hour before the start.
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Where does it take place — Guardiagrele Night Run
Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore
Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, 66016 Guardiagrele