Italian Rice Marathon
The race through the rice paddies of Santhià, in the heart of the Vercelli area
About Rice Marathon
A marathon in the heart of the Vercelli rice fields
The Italian Rice Marathon, simply called the Rice Marathon by everyone, is a young yet already beloved running event that brings Santhià, a town in the Province of Vercelli, Piedmont, to life every May 1st. Established in 2025, it is organized by the Club Super Marathon Italia with the support of the Municipality of Santhià, local volunteer associations, and the regional Pro Loco. In just a few editions, it has become a benchmark for runners across the region and beyond: the second edition saw over 700 athletes, some traveling from outside Italy to participate.
Three distances plus a charity run
The race offers three official distances included in the national FIDAL calendar, all starting at 9:00 AM from Piazza Zapelloni (the historic Market Square):
- Marathon — 42.195 km, the premier event
- Half-marathon — 21.097 km
- 10 km — the most accessible distance, perfect for those new to road running
Alongside the competitive races, there is the Corri-Santhià, a non-competitive fun run where proceeds are donated to charity, specifically the Fondo Edo Tempia and the Telethon Foundation. It is the perfect way to join the festivities even without a competitive bib.
The Waterway Villages
What makes this race unique is the course through the rice paddies of the Vercelli plains. The route passes through the so-called Borghi delle Vie d'Acqua — Tronzano Vercellese, Bianzè, Crova, Salasco, and San Germano Vercellese — before returning to Santhià. It is a journey into the landscape that has made this part of Italy famous: flooded fields reflecting the sky, irrigation ditches, and canals that have fed rice cultivation for centuries. Running here means crossing a piece of Piedmont's agricultural history and culture.
Finishing with panissa
The event's signature comes at the finish line: every participant is offered a plate of panissa, the typical Vercelli dish made with rice, beans, pork rinds, and salame della duja. This is no ordinary gastronomic detail; it is the bond between the race and the land of rice, and one of the reasons many athletes return every year. A race pack, technical jersey, and medal complete the experience, making the Rice Marathon a day of sport, community, and great food.
Rice Marathon — edition 2026
The second edition of the Italian Rice Marathon took place on May 1st, 2026, in Santhià, setting a participation record with over 700 athletes. The day, marked by strong gusts of wind, did not discourage the runners, who were welcomed at the finish line by the customary plate of panissa. The Corri-Santhià, a non-competitive walk, brought together 140 people and raised 820 euros donated to the Fondo Edo Tempia and the Telethon Foundation.
The course crossed the Borghi delle Vie d'Acqua — Tronzano Vercellese, Bianzè, Crova, Salasco, and San Germano Vercellese — among the rice paddies of the plain, before returning to Santhià. The organization was managed by the Club Super Marathon Italia with the support of local institutions, volunteer associations, and local businesses.
Programme Rice Marathon 2026
Friday, May 1st, 2026
- 09:00 AM — Single start from Piazza Zapelloni for the marathon (42.195 km), half-marathon (21.097 km), and 10 km
- Morning — Corri-Santhià non-competitive fun walk (charity collection)
- Along the route — Crossing the Borghi delle Vie d'Acqua: Tronzano Vercellese, Bianzè, Crova, Salasco, San Germano Vercellese
- At the finish — Distribution of panissa to all participants, awards ceremony
Winners
Marathon — Men: Luca Tomatis (Podistica Valle Grana) 2:53:46; Women: Serena Piana (Atletica Santhià) 3:25:39.
Half-marathon — Men: Cristian Conte (ASD Atletica Roata Chiusani) 1:16:36; Women: Amelita Benchimol Ferreira (Alzaia Naviglio Runners) 1:27:59.
10 km — Men: Matteo Riva (Futura Atletica Piemonte) 33:55; Women: Cristina Ballabio (Atletica Casone Noceto) 37:03.
Highlights Rice Marathon 2026
Prices Rice Marathon 2026
Practical information — Rice Marathon
Getting there
Santhià is located along the A4 Turin-Milan motorway (Santhià exit) and the A5 towards Aosta. It is well-served by train: the Santhià station is on the Turin-Milan line. The start and finish are in Piazza Zapelloni, in the town center.
Registration and fees
Register online on the official website (maratonadelriso.piemonte.it). Indicative fees for the 2026 edition: marathon from €50 to €70 depending on the date, half-marathon from €20 to €30, 10 km from €15 to €20 (prices increase as the race approaches). Discounts available for club members. All registrants receive a race pack, technical jersey, medal, and a plate of panissa.
Tips
The race takes place on May 1st: the weather in the Po Valley can be variable, with wind and intense sun. Bring a cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Info: [email protected].
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Rice Marathon
Piazza Zapelloni (Piazza del Mercato)
Piazza Zapelloni, 13048 Santhià