The road race through the narrow alleys of Casalbordino's historic center
The Pi Li Ruell di Lu Casal – Vini Alberto Tiberio Trophy is a road race held in the historic center of Casalbordino, a town in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. The event's name is drawn from the local dialect and means "through the village alleys": a choice that captures the very soul of the event, a city circuit that unfolds through narrow streets, sharp turns, and the picturesque lanes of the Abruzzese village, all completely closed to traffic for the occasion.
The race features a city loop of just under two kilometers to be repeated several times. The competitive race consists of four laps for a total of approximately 7 kilometers—a short but technical and demanding track, characterized by constant changes in pace, curves, and narrow sections that test the athletes' race management skills. Alongside the competition, there is a non-competitive walk of about 4 kilometers, open to all, for those who want to experience the event's atmosphere without the pressure of the clock.
The Pi Li Ruell di Lu Casal holds a special place in the local sports scene: traditionally held in early January, it opens the UISP running calendar for the season, attracting runners and clubs from all over Abruzzo and neighboring Molise. In just a few editions, it has become a fixed and beloved appointment, capable of combining the pleasure of running with community spirit at the start of the new year.
The event is organized by the Polisportiva Casalbike, led by Bruno Fantini, in close collaboration with the municipal administration of Casalbordino. The race benefits from the valuable support of the Local Police and Civil Protection volunteers, who ensure safety along the entire route. The trophy is named after the local winery Vini Alberto Tiberio, one of the event's historic sponsors alongside other local businesses.
Running through the alleys of Casalbordino's historic center means discovering the most authentic face of this Abruzzese village overlooking the Trabocchi Coast, nestled between the hills of the Chieti province and the Adriatic Sea. Beyond its competitive value, the event is an opportunity to highlight the town's urban heritage and enjoy a morning of sport and community in a stunning setting.
The 4th edition of the Pi Li Ruell di Lu Casal – Vini Alberto Tiberio Trophy was held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Casalbordino, in the province of Chieti, opening the UISP running season. The route, a city circuit of about 1,500 meters to be repeated five times for a total of approximately 7.5 kilometers, proved to be particularly technical and demanding, with constant changes in pace, curves, and narrow sections through the village alleys.
Among the men, Pardo La Serra (Gruppo Podistico La Sorgente di Larino) took the win, finishing in under twenty minutes, ahead of Francesco D'Agostino and Matteo Cilli (Atletica Vomano). In the women's category, victory went to Claudia Pasquale (Lupi d'Abruzzo, Atessa), followed by Antonella Sabatini and Mariana Mitrofanschi. About one hundred runners were at the start, with a strong presence of Abruzzese clubs such as Lupi d'Abruzzo, Podisti Frentani, and Runners Casalbordino.
Casalbordino is located in the province of Chieti, along the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo. By car: take the Vasto Nord exit on the A14 motorway, then follow signs for Casalbordino. By train: Casalbordino-Pollutri station on the Adriatic line, with connections to the town center. The race takes place in the historic center, which is closed to traffic during the event.
The event includes a competitive race of approximately 7 km and a non-competitive walk of about 4 km open to everyone. For information on registration, schedules, and fees, please contact the event organizer, Polisportiva Casalbike. The event is part of the official UISP calendar.
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Centro storico di Casalbordino