Marcialonga di San Giuseppe

The San Giuseppe race in the heart of the Murgia

The Marcialonga di San Giuseppe is one of the most beloved running events in Puglia, an annual appointment that brings the streets of Putignano to life—a town in the Metropolitan City of Bari famous throughout Italy for its Carnival. Organized by the ASD Amatori Putignano, a sports association founded in 1979 that now boasts over 2,500 members, the race is held on the Sunday closest to March 19th, the day tradition celebrates Saint Joseph, a figure deeply revered in Southern Italy.

A race open to everyone

The Marcialonga is more than just a competition; it is a genuine community celebration. At the starting line in Largo Porta Nuova, competitive FIDAL-registered athletes stand side-by-side with thousands of "open" participants who tackle the course at their own pace, whether walking or running, without the pressure of the clock. Each edition draws thousands of registrants of all ages, filling the historic center and streets of Putignano with an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

The course

The route spans approximately eight kilometers, fully marked and monitored by local authorities and volunteers. The race starts at Largo Porta Nuova and winds through the main town arteries—including Via Castellana and Viale Cristoforo Colombo—with a maximum time limit of one and a half hours to complete the loop. For competitive runners, the distance extends to approximately ten kilometers on a nationally certified track.

Awards and spirit of the event

• Trophies for the largest sports groups
• Recognition for participating schools
• Special awards for the youngest and oldest competitors
• Prize draw for all registered participants

The registration fee includes a race bib, an official technical t-shirt, and a refreshment pack, as well as medical assistance and insurance coverage along the entire route.

A weekend of sport in Putignano

The Marcialonga is the centerpiece of an entire weekend dedicated to running. On the preceding Saturday, the Amatori Putignano organizes the "6 Ore di San Giuseppe," an ultramarathon on a circuit of just over one kilometer in the historic center. This double event confirms Putignano's status as one of the regional capitals of road running.