The May Day run in the heart of Teramo, blending sport with the anticipation of the Virtù feast
The Maratonina Pretuziana May 1st Race is one of the most cherished sporting and cultural events in Teramo, the provincial capital in the heart of Abruzzo. Organized by the Gruppo Podistico Amatori Teramo, active since 1979 in promoting local sports and well-being, the event transforms the city's historic center into a vibrant space for running, community, and celebration every year. The name pays homage to the Pretuzi, the ancient Italic people who gave Teramo its name (Interamnia of the Pretuzi), grounding the event in the city's historical identity.
The Maratonina Pretuziana features two distinct moments on the same day. In the morning, the 5 km non-competitive run takes place, starting at 9:30 AM from Piazza Martiri della Libertà: it is open to people of all ages and abilities, including children accompanied by adults, and focuses on the joy of gathering rather than rankings. In the afternoon, the spotlight shifts to the competitive race, which sees registered athletes racing through the city center in a more demanding challenge.
May 1st in Teramo is inextricably linked to the culinary tradition of the Virtù, a rich soup made of legumes, vegetables, and pasta, served in restaurants and homes across the city on this very date. The Maratonina has become the event that kicks off and accompanies this anticipation: those who run in the morning gather around the table for the signature dish of Teramo's gastronomy, in a unique blend of sport and food culture.
Beyond its sporting dimension, the Maratonina Pretuziana is a moment of strong popular participation: adults, families, children, and even dogs parade along the route, sharing messages of inclusion and social connection. Over the years, the event has consistently exceeded two thousand participants, confirming its status as one of the most popular city runs in Abruzzo and a symbol of Teramo's pride.
The event involves local associations and sports groups from Teramo and the surrounding province, creating an appointment that combines the promotion of amateur running with the enhancement of the historic center. The Maratonina Pretuziana is much more than a race: it is a collective ritual that marks the beginning of the beautiful season in the Abruzzese capital.
The 45th edition of the Maratonina Pretuziana took place on May 1st, 2026, in Teramo, attracting over 2,000 participants. The 5 km non-competitive run started at 9:30 AM from Piazza Martiri della Libertà, open to adults, families, children, and even dogs. In the afternoon, about 400 athletes took part in the competitive race, with the participation of middle-distance runner Gaia Sabbatini on the 10 km course.
The 2026 edition was marked by a strong message of peace: the University of Teramo participated with the slogan "We Are Peace," led by Rector Christian Corsi alongside faculty, students, and staff. In the non-competitive run, the first to cross the finish line were Fabrizio Di Saverio among the men and Antonia Di Giuseppe among the women. Despite uncertain weather, the event maintained its festive and communal spirit, featuring a flashmob dedicated to the memory of Mimmo Sciamanna.
The Maratonina Pretuziana takes place every May 1st, starting from Piazza Martiri della Libertà in the historic center of Teramo (Abruzzo). The 5 km non-competitive run starts at 9:30 AM; the competitive race takes place in the afternoon.
Registration for the non-competitive run is handled online via the dedicated timing service, closing once the participant limit is reached. Bib collection takes place in the days leading up to the race at the location indicated by the organizers.
Teramo is accessible by car via the A24 motorway (Teramo exit) and connected by the Teramo-Mare expressway (SS80). The Teramo train station is served by regional connections; the nearest airport is Pescara (Abruzzo Airport), about an hour away.
Gruppo Podistico Amatori Teramo — Via L. Tripoti 2, 64100 Teramo. Tel. +39 0861 190139, e-mail [email protected].
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Piazza Martiri della Libertà
Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 64100 Teramo