Imperial Run

A race to bid farewell to summer in Francavilla Fontana

The Imperial Run is the non-competitive foot race that, for several years now, has marked the end of summer in Francavilla Fontana, a city in the province of Brindisi in the heart of Salento. The name reflects the city's very identity, tied to the noble Imperiali family who shaped its history and made it one of the most important centers in inland Puglia. Every September, the streets of the center fill with runners, amateur joggers, walkers, and families participating in a morning dedicated to sports open to everyone.

The course and the non-competitive format

The event features a city course of approximately 10 kilometers, starting from Piazza Umberto I, the beating heart of Francavilla Fontana and a natural meeting point for city life. As it is a non-competitive race, the Imperial Run is not designed only for trained athletes: those who wish can run the entire loop, while walkers and families can tackle the route at their own pace, enjoying views of the historic center, its churches, palaces, and squares. It is an inclusive format that prioritizes participation over rankings.

In the spirit of Sport City Day

The Imperial Run is part of the Sport City Day program, a day dedicated to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, which in Francavilla Fontana coincides with the closing of the summer event calendar. The race thus becomes much more than a foot race: it is a community moment where sports associations, citizens, and visitors share public space and rediscover the pleasure of moving outdoors through the city streets.

Organizers

The event is organized by the sports association A.S.D. Urban Runner, a local running group, with the patronage of the Municipality of Francavilla Fontana and the approval of the Brindisi provincial committees of FIDAL and CSEN. Registrations are managed through the Cronogare circuit, which also handles technical and organizational aspects.

The 2026 edition

The dates for the 2026 edition of the Imperial Run have not yet been officially announced by the organizers. Based on previous editions, the event is traditionally held in the second half of September, closing the city's summer season. The detailed program, including start time, registration fee, and course, will be published by A.S.D. Urban Runner in the weeks leading up to the event: we recommend checking the association's official channels for updates.