Maria SS. del Ponte Road Race Trophy

A race in the heart of Partinico

The Maria SS. del Ponte Road Race Trophy is one of the most deeply rooted road races in the Province of Palermo. It takes place in Partinico, a town in the Sicilian hinterland, along a city circuit winding through the historic center, with the start and finish line in Piazza Duomo. Reaching its 44th edition in 2025, the event is organized by ASD Sportamatori Partinico under the aegis of the ACSI Territorial Committee of Palermo.

Sport and local devotion

The race is not just a standalone event; it is held on the first Sunday of August as part of the celebrations dedicated to Maria Santissima del Ponte, the patron saint of Partinico, venerated in the sanctuary of the same name which dates back to the Cistercian monks of the 14th century. The race thus becomes an appointment that intertwines sporting tradition with civic identity, bringing together athletes, families, and residents for an evening of celebration.

The course and categories

The route consists of an urban circuit of approximately 2,180 meters to be repeated four times, for a total distance of about 7.5 kilometers. The program is divided into several stages:

• in the late afternoon, the youth races, reserved for the youngest categories;
• in the evening, the main event for Senior and Master categories, with the start scheduled around 7:00 PM.

The event is a regular fixture in the regional Sicilian running circuits and includes awards for the top three finishers in each category, as well as the overall male and female winners.

An event with strong community value

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Trophy retains a sentimental and commemorative dimension: in recent editions, the race has been dedicated to the memory of the local marathon runner Piero Galati. At the end of the races, it is tradition to enjoy a refreshment break with gelato and fresh seasonal fruit, a convivial moment that closes the evening. For those visiting Partinico in early August, the Maria SS. del Ponte Trophy is the perfect opportunity to experience popular sport within one of the community's most heartfelt traditions.