Mezza del Marchesato
The half marathon through the orchards and castles of Monviso in Saluzzo
About Mezza del Marchesato
The Mezza del Marchesato in Saluzzo
The Mezza del Marchesato is a competitive half marathon held in Saluzzo, a city of art nestled at the foot of Monviso in the province of Cuneo, in the heart of Piedmont. Established in 2015, the event has quickly become one of the most beloved late-winter running classics in the Cuneo area, attracting over a thousand participants thanks to a fast, scenic course perfectly integrated into the landscape of the historic Marchesato di Saluzzo.
A course through orchards, castles, and Monviso
The race follows the classic half marathon distance of 21.097 km, certified by FIDAL. The start is located on Corso Italia, near Piazza Vineis, while the finish line is in the historic center at Piazza Cavour, next to the event village. The route is almost entirely flat and passes through four municipalities of the Saluzzo plains: Saluzzo, Manta, Verzuolo, and Lagnasco. Runners glide through the famous orchards of the Monviso plains and beneath the medieval castles that define this corner of Piedmont, with the massive silhouette of Monviso always visible on the horizon.
A celebration for the city
The Mezza del Marchesato is more than just a race; it is a day of celebration for Saluzzo and the towns of the Marchesato. Organized by Atletica Saluzzo and Podistica Valle Varaita with the support of local administrations, volunteer associations, and numerous partners, the event involves approximately 160 volunteers each year. The day traditionally concludes with a polenta party, a social gathering for athletes and volunteers, followed by the official awards ceremony in the heart of the city.
A sustainable race
In recent years, the Mezza del Marchesato has focused on sustainable mobility. Among the event's innovations is a partnership with railway services to facilitate participant arrival, reducing car usage and highlighting the connection between Cuneo and Saluzzo. This commitment complements the event’s deep local roots, successfully blending sport, landscape, and Piedmontese tradition.
Mezza del Marchesato — edition 2026
11th Edition — February 22, 2026
The 2026 edition of the Mezza del Marchesato set a registration record with approximately 1,150 participants starting on Corso Italia in Saluzzo. The race began at 9:30 AM with the starting gun fired by Mayor Franco Demaria, with the first finishers expected in Piazza Cavour around 10:35 AM and a maximum race time set at 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The Winners
In the men's category, Gianluca Ferrato (Atletica Saluzzo) triumphed in 1h07'39", ahead of his teammate Andrea Rostan (1h08'08") and Mustapha Boussifi (1h08'21"). Among the women, Atletica Saluzzo dominated the entire podium: first place went to Noemi Bogiatto in 1h16'50", second to Arianna Dentis (1h17'21"), and third to Noemi Bouchard (1h20'43").
A local celebration
Among the new features of this edition was the partnership with the railway service to offer free train travel on the Cuneo–Saluzzo line to those who presented their registration. The event concluded with the awards ceremony and the traditional polenta party for athletes and volunteers.
Programme Mezza del Marchesato 2026
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM — Bib collection at the race office in Piazza Cavour
- 9:30 AM — Start from Corso Italia (Piazza Vineis)
- From 10:35 AM — Finishers arrive in Piazza Cavour
- 12:15 PM — Maximum race time (2h45')
- Following — Awards ceremony and polenta party
Highlights Mezza del Marchesato 2026
- 21.097 km FIDAL-certified course
- Record attendance: approximately 1,150 participants
- Route through Saluzzo, Manta, Verzuolo, and Lagnasco
- Orchards, medieval castles, and views of Monviso
- Final polenta party for athletes and volunteers
Prices Mezza del Marchesato 2026
Practical information — Mezza del Marchesato
When
The event takes place on a Sunday morning in late February. The start is scheduled for 9:30 AM.
Where
Start on Corso Italia (Piazza Vineis) and finish in Piazza Cavour, in the historic center of Saluzzo (CN), Piedmont.
Registration and bibs
Bib collection takes place on the morning of the race at the race office in Piazza Cavour, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Registration and details are available on the official website lamezzadelmarchesato.it and via email at [email protected].
How to get there
Saluzzo is accessible by car from the Cuneo highway exits and by train via the Cuneo–Saluzzo line. Traffic restrictions will be in place in the city center during the race.
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Where does it take place — Mezza del Marchesato
Corso Italia (partenza) — Piazza Cavour (arrivo)
Corso Italia, 12037 Saluzzo