Podistica delle Contrade Road Race

The Podistica delle Contrade in Montemarcone di Atessa

The Podistica delle Contrade is one of the most deeply rooted road races in the Abruzzo running scene. It takes place in the Montemarcone district, a hamlet of the municipality of Atessa, in the province of Chieti. For over forty years, it has brought together runners, walkers, and families for a day of sport and celebration that involves the entire Val di Sangro community. The event is a fully-fledged part of the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit, the regional calendar that brings together the main road races in Abruzzo.

A tradition spanning over forty years

Founded in the late 1970s, the race reached its 46th edition in 2026, confirming a rare continuity in the landscape of road races. Much more than just a competition, the Podistica delle Contrade has become an identity-defining event for Montemarcone and Atessa: a moment when the district transforms into a race course and community spirit blends with a passion for running. The event also preserves the memory of figures dear to the area, with the Ivana Lannutti Trophy awarded to the overall winners and the memory of Duilio Fornarola linked to the non-competitive walk.

The races

The program is designed to welcome athletes of all levels and ages:

• 9.9 km competitive race, valid for the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit and the heart of the day;
• 4 km non-competitive walk, open to all enthusiasts and families;
• Youth races over distances from 80 to 1500 meters, reserved for under-16s and very popular with the local youngsters.

The competitive track winds along the streets of the district, featuring ups and downs and glimpses of the hilly landscape of the Chieti area, while award ceremonies and social gatherings mark the afternoon.

Sport, community, and territory

Organized by the Pro Loco Val di Sangro Atessa APS together with ASD I Lupi d'Abruzzo, with the support of the Municipality of Atessa, the Province of Chieti, and the Abruzzo Region, the Podistica delle Contrade is an example of how grassroots sport can become an opportunity for gathering and enhancing small villages. Each edition attracts numerous running clubs from Abruzzo and Molise, turning Montemarcone into a meeting point for hundreds of athletes and fans.

Why participate

Those looking for an authentic race, far from large city events but rich in human warmth, will find in the Podistica delle Contrade the perfect synthesis of competition and tradition. It is the ideal opportunity to discover a genuine corner of inland Abruzzo, run or walk through the districts, and experience the festive spirit that has accompanied this event in Atessa for decades.