Mezza di Signa – City of Straw

The Signa half marathon, a classic of Florentine running

The Mezza di Signa – City of Straw is one of the most deeply rooted events in the Province of Florence running calendar. Organized by G.S. Atletica Leggera Signa, the race attracts hundreds of runners from all over Tuscany every year, drawn by a fast, smooth course and a festive atmosphere that involves the entire Municipality of Signa.

The heart of the event is the 21.097 km competitive half marathon, a route designed entirely within the municipal territory on roads closed to traffic. The mostly flat city circuit is appreciated by athletes for its speed: past editions have seen winning times of around 1h10' for men and 1h34' for women.

Three races for everyone

The day is not just for specialists. Alongside the half marathon, the event offers:

• a 9.3 km non-competitive race, open to runners of all levels;
• a 4 km fun run, designed for families, walkers, and fitwalking enthusiasts.

The meeting point is at the Stato Libero dei Renai, within the large river park along the Arno, with a late morning start. At the end, category awards and generous race packs are part of the tradition: recent editions have featured food prizes (wheels of Grana Padano) and numerous awards for different age groups.

Signa, the City of Straw

The subtitle "City of Straw" is no coincidence. Signa has been linked for centuries to the art of straw weaving and hat production, an artisanal excellence that has made this Tuscan town famous worldwide. During the race weekend, the organizers highlight this heritage: in the past, free entry has been offered to the Straw Museum, the Railway Museum, and the Montefortini Etruscan Tumulus, turning the race into an opportunity to discover the history and culture of the area.

A special edition for the 50th anniversary

After the 2025 edition was transformed into a 10 km race starting from the historic center for organizational reasons, the 2026 event returns to its classic format with the restoration of the 21 km half marathon. The event coincides with an important anniversary: the 50 years of activity of G.S. Atletica Leggera Signa, a milestone that makes the 2026 edition particularly anticipated by enthusiasts.