Pontremoli Francigena Half Marathon

A walk in the footsteps of pilgrims

The Pontremoli Francigena Half Marathon is a non-competitive walking event held in the heart of Lunigiana, the northernmost corner of Tuscany, within the territory of the municipality of Pontremoli (Province of Massa-Carrara). The event retraces the entire Stage 22 of the Via Francigena, the ancient route that led pilgrims from Northern Europe to Rome, and concludes with the finish in Piazza della Repubblica, in the town's historic center.

Organized by the ASD Goodbike Pontremoli association, the event is not a race: it is designed for families and anyone who wants to enjoy wonderful places without the stress of a stopwatch. Walkers and runners can choose their own pace and immerse themselves in a landscape of mule tracks, ridges, ancient forests, medieval bridges, streams, and historic villages.

Three routes for every pace

The event offers three routes of varying length and difficulty, all finishing in Pontremoli:

• Long route (approx. 25 km) starting from the "Tugo" roadman's house in Berceto, the most challenging, with an elevation gain of over 1,000 meters across the Apennine ridge;
• Medium route (19.6 km) starting from the Passo della Cisa, the gateway to the Via Francigena between Emilia and Tuscany;
• Short route (8.8 km) starting from the Casalina area, ideal for families and less experienced walkers.

Refreshment points are set up along the route at Monte Cucchero, Casalina, and Crocetta, while a hearty meal awaits at the finish line in Piazza della Repubblica to help participants recover their energy.

The Via Francigena in Lunigiana

Lunigiana is one of the most evocative lands along the journey to Rome: a territory of Romanesque parish churches, Malaspina castles, and ancient paved mule tracks. Pontremoli, with its medieval historic center nestled between the Magra and Verde rivers, has been a fundamental stop for Francigena pilgrims for centuries. The event showcases this heritage, turning a day of gentle sport into an opportunity to discover the nature and history of this corner of Tuscany.

An event for the region

With several hundred participants in each edition, the Pontremoli Francigena Half Marathon is now a highly anticipated date on the Apuan running calendar and a driver for tourism in Pontremoli and the entire Lunigiana area.