The Apricena city road race, in the heart of the Capitanata region
The Madrepietra Run is the running event that brings the streets of Apricena to life. Located in the Province of Foggia at the foot of the Gargano, in the heart of the Capitanata region, the race is organized by ASD Atletica Apricena with the patronage of the Municipality of Apricena and technical approval from FIDAL Foggia. Established in 2024, it has quickly become one of the most anticipated fixtures on the northern Puglia running calendar.
The competitive race covers a road circuit of approximately 9.9 km, consisting of two traffic-free urban loops through the center of Apricena. The maximum time allowed to complete the race is one hour and thirty minutes. Alongside the official competition, reserved for FIDAL members, affiliated sports organizations, and Runcard holders, there is a non-competitive version over the same distance and a 5 km Run & Fun, designed for families, enthusiasts, and walkers. Timing is managed via a chip system.
The Madrepietra Run is part of the Grand Prix Capitanata, a circuit featuring the main road races in the Foggia area, offering both individual and team rankings. This prestigious setting draws hundreds of runners to Apricena from across Puglia and neighboring regions, turning the day into a celebration of popular sport that involves the entire local community.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Madrepietra Run is a moment of community gathering for Apricena: the town center streets fill with spectators, association volunteers manage the course, and the event takes on a charitable dimension, with rankings dedicated to clubs and groups involved in volunteering and blood donation. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the urban landscape of the city of stone—the famous Pietra di Apricena that gives the race its name—while enjoying outdoor sports in the authentic setting of the Capitanata.
The third edition of the Madrepietra Run took place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, through the streets of Apricena, with the start time pushed back to 6:30 PM to take advantage of the cooler evening hours. The 9.9 km competitive race, consisting of two traffic-free urban loops, was part of the Grand Prix Capitanata 2026 circuit. The event also featured a non-competitive version over the same distance and a 5 km Run & Fun, attracting runners of all levels.
Winners: in the men's category, Samuele Mastropasqua (Atl. Sprint Barletta) triumphed with a time of 33'54"; in the women's category, Filomena Casaluce (Nuova Atletica Bitonto) won in 43'51".
Victory for Samuele Mastropasqua (Atl. Sprint Barletta, 33'54") in the men's race and Filomena Casaluce (Nuova Atletica Bitonto, 43'51") in the women's race. Evening start at 6:30 PM and event valid for the Grand Prix Capitanata 2026.
The Madrepietra Run takes place in the historic center of Apricena (FG), in Puglia. The start and finish lines are located in the town's central streets, with the course closed to traffic.
Apricena is accessible by car via the SS16 Adriatica and the A14 motorway (Poggio Imperiale or San Severo exits). The Apricena-Lesina railway station is served by the Adriatic line. Parking is indicated by the organizers near the start area.
Registrations are handled via the portal indicated by the organizers by the established deadline. The entry fee is 10 euros with a race pack and 7 euros without; a mandatory Unique Bib (10 euros) and a daily bib for athletes from outside the region (2 euros) are required. A valid medical certificate for competitive sports is required for the competitive race.
Chip timing, medical assistance with ambulance, restrooms near the start, and signposted parking are provided.
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Centro storico di Apricena