La Gelsi
Evening road race in memory of Daniele Cortolezzis
About La Gelsi
Valenza's race of the heart
La Gelsi is much more than just a road race: it is a defining event for the city of Valenza, in the Province of Alessandria, in the heart of eastern Piedmont. Every year in May, the town's streets come alive for an 8-kilometer evening run that brings together competitive athletes, sports clubs, and casual walking enthusiasts in a festive atmosphere that involves the entire neighborhood.
A history dating back to 2005
The event was born in 2005 from the vision of Daniele "Danny" Cortolezzis and a group of local runners, becoming a permanent fixture on the May calendar for many years. Starting from the historic Fogliabella district is the race's hallmark. Following the founder's passing in 2019, La Gelsi has continued to be run in his memory, preserving the community spirit that Cortolezzis fostered around the event.
The route and format
The course covers approximately 8 kilometers with a varied profile, starting at 8:00 PM from Viale Fogliabella. The format follows the classic Piedmontese road race style: a competitive race with age-group rankings alongside a non-competitive route open to walkers and families. The gathering in the late afternoon turns the district into a major meeting point for the local sports community.
Prizes and categories
La Gelsi awards the top three overall men and women, as well as the top three in each age category, with local products. Special recognition is reserved for the largest participating teams, confirming the race's popular and inclusive nature.
A celebration of sport and memory
Organized by the runners of Valenza with the technical support of the 0131 Run Of Made group, La Gelsi is one of the most heartfelt events in the Alessandria running scene. It is an evening that weaves together competition, community participation, and remembrance, bringing hundreds of people onto the streets of Valenza every year.
La Gelsi — edition 2026
La 14ª edizione de La Gelsi, mercoledì 20 maggio 2026, ha riportato la corsa alla sua partenza originaria dal Quartiere Fogliabella di Valenza, nella Provincia di Alessandria. Il ritrovo è stato fissato alle 18:00, con partenza alle 20:00 da viale Fogliabella per gli 8 chilometri di gara. La serata ha registrato una grande partecipazione, con oltre 500 presenze tra atleti competitivi e camminatori, e la vedova del fondatore, Marianna, ad accogliere i podisti prima del via in memoria di Daniele Cortolezzis.
Programme La Gelsi 2026
Mercoledì 20 maggio 2026
- 18:00 — Ritrovo e ritiro pettorali al Quartiere Fogliabella
- fino alle 19:45 — Iscrizioni sul posto
- 20:00 — Partenza della gara competitiva e della camminata non agonistica (8 km)
- a seguire — Premiazioni
La corsa si è sviluppata su un percorso di 8 km dal profilo non del tutto pianeggiante, con partenza da viale Fogliabella.
Highlights La Gelsi 2026
Vincitori 2026: Gianfranco Cucco (Frecce Bianche) in 27'37" tra gli uomini e Ilaria Zavanone (Brancaleone Asti) in 32'46" tra le donne. Registrati 196 arrivati nella gara competitiva, su un totale di oltre 500 partecipanti. Una coppa speciale è stata dedicata ai non competitivi nel ricordo del fondatore Daniele Cortolezzis.
Prices La Gelsi 2026
Practical information — La Gelsi
When
In May, in the evening: start at 8:00 PM, with a gathering in the late afternoon at the Fogliabella district.
Where
Start and finish at the Fogliabella district (Viale Fogliabella), Valenza (AL), Piedmont. Approximately 8 km route through the city streets.
How to get there
Valenza can be reached by car from the A26 (Casale Monferrato Sud exit) or the A21; the Valenza train station is connected to the Alessandria-Mortara line. It is about 15 km from Alessandria.
Registration
Online registration within the deadlines set by the regulations; on-site registration is possible until a few minutes before the start, with a small surcharge. The race is open to registered competitive runners and non-competitive walkers.
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Where does it take place — La Gelsi
Quartiere Fogliabella
Viale Fogliabella, 15048 Valenza