International May 1st March
Edition 2026 Folk traditions Family Sport

International May 1st March

The historic non-competitive march of Fiorenzuola d'Arda, through the city and countryside of Val d'Arda

Fiorenzuola d'Arda — Piacenza (033) Since 1969
Dates 01 May — 01 May 2026
Location Fiorenzuola d'Arda (033)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About May 1st March

Every May 1st, Fiorenzuola d'Arda fills with walkers, runners, and families for the International May 1st March, a non-competitive fun run organized by the Millepiedi Running Group since 1969. Five routes from 4 to 22 kilometers wind through the historic center, the countryside of Val d'Arda, and the green spaces along the Trebbia River, with flexible start times from the Cappuccini Shopping Center. A free event open to all ages, it has become a true local tradition in the Piacenza area.

A Tradition Since 1969

The International May 1st March is one of the most established events in the calendar of Fiorenzuola d'Arda, in the province of Piacenza, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. Founded in 1969, it celebrated its 50th edition in 2019 and its 55th edition in 2026, confirming itself as one of the longest-running and most popular non-competitive marches in Val d'Arda.

It is organized by the Gruppo Podistico Millepiedi (Millepiedi Running Group), with the patronage of the Municipal Administration of Fiorenzuola d'Arda and the support of Coop Alleanza 3.0. It is not a race: it is a free-pace fun run, where the goal is not the stopwatch but walking, running, or strolling together, immersed in the landscape of the Piacenza plain.

Five Routes for Everyone

The strength of the event lies in the variety of its routes: you can choose from five routes of 4, 6, 13, 18, and 22 kilometers, designed to satisfy both those who want a relaxed family walk and those looking for a more challenging workout. The longer routes go beyond the town center and traverse the countryside of Val d'Arda, the green spaces, and the areas along the Trebbia River, offering a direct view of the rural Piacenza territory.

A Village Festival on May 1st

More than just a race, the May 1st March is now a collective ritual for Fiorenzuola: every year it attracts around 1,700 participants, including athletes, running groups, families, and citizens of all ages. The day begins early, with staggered starts from the morning, and continues with refreshment points along the route and convivial moments at the finish, in the true spirit of a popular festival.

For Fiorenzuola d'Arda and the entire Val d'Arda, the march represents a simple and free way to experience May 1st outdoors, rediscovering the city streets and the paths of the surrounding countryside on foot.

May 1st March — edition 2026

The 55th edition of the International May 1st March took place on Friday, May 1st, 2026, in Fiorenzuola d'Arda, with approximately 1,700 participants: the highest number since the resumption after the pandemic. The five routes of 4, 6, 13, 18, and 22 km were confirmed, along with the start from the Cappuccini Shopping Center.

2026 Edition — The 55th

The 2026 edition of the May 1st March was a great public success, with around 1,700 participants including walkers, runners, and families, the highest figure since the resumption of activities after the pandemic period. Organized by the Gruppo Podistico Millepiedi with the patronage of the Municipality of Fiorenzuola d'Arda and the support of Coop Alleanza 3.0, it confirmed the proven formula of the non-competitive march.

Programme May 1st March 2026

Friday, May 1st, 2026

  • 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM — Flexible individual pace starts from the Cappuccini Shopping Center
  • Five routes to choose from: 4, 6, 13, 18, and 22 km through the city center, the countryside of Val d'Arda, and green areas along the Trebbia
  • Refreshment points along the routes
  • Convivial moment at the finish

Non-competitive fun run, open to all ages.

Highlights May 1st March 2026

Approximately 1,700 participants, a record since the post-pandemic recovery; five routes from 4 to 22 km; start from the Cappuccini Shopping Center.

Prices May 1st March 2026

Free event, open to all. For any registration contributions, contact the Gruppo Podistico Millepiedi.

Practical information — May 1st March

When and Where

The march takes place every year on May 1st, with flexible start times from the Cappuccini Shopping Center in Fiorenzuola d'Arda (PC). Starts are typically staggered from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

How to Get There

Fiorenzuola d'Arda is easily accessible by car from the A1 motorway (Fiorenzuola exit) and by train via the station on the Milan-Bologna line. From the town center, the Cappuccini Shopping Center can be reached in a few minutes.

Registration and Routes

This is a non-competitive, free-pace march, open to all ages. Five routes are available (4, 6, 13, 18, and 22 km). For registration details and any symbolic contributions, it is advisable to contact the Gruppo Podistico Millepiedi or the Municipal Administration of Fiorenzuola d'Arda.

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Where does it take place — May 1st March

Centro Commerciale Cappuccini

Centro Commerciale Cappuccini, 29017 Fiorenzuola d'Arda

May 1st March in brief

Folk traditions Family Sport Trail Outdoor Free Participatory International Piacenza

History of May 1st March