Runner's Festival

The May Day race in the Prato plains

The Runner's Festival is one of the most beloved events in the Tuscan running calendar on May Day. Organized by the Podistica Pratese, the event takes place in the municipality of Poggio a Caiano, in the Province of Prato, in the heart of Tuscany, attracting hundreds of participants every year, including athletes, enthusiasts, and families. Founded over thirty years ago in Tavola di Prato thanks to the passion of Raffaele Moccia and his group, the race later moved to Poggio a Caiano for logistical reasons, while keeping the spirit of a popular local festival intact.

Three routes for everyone

The Runner's Festival format is designed to welcome both competitive athletes and those who simply want to spend a morning in the open air. Three routes are planned:

• 12 km competitive: the race reserved for registered athletes, valid for local running circuits;
• 7 km non-competitive: open to those who run for passion, without an official ranking;
• 2 km walk: a recreational walk ideal for families, children, and walkers.

The track winds between Seano and Poggio a Caiano, starting and finishing on Via del Bargo, in the area of the Ponte Manetti sports field. The route follows the secondary roads that connect to the Parco della Piana di Tavola, offering an open and flat setting, among green views and smooth stretches typical of the Prato plains landscape.

Trophies and awards

The event combines the race with several historic trophies that testify to its longevity: the Trofeo I'Vinaiolo, the Trofeo Adesint, and the Trofeo Creazioni Sonia, all of which have reached their many editions. At the end of the race, rich prizes are awarded by category, while an abundant refreshment area awaits all participants, in a festive atmosphere that combines sport and social interaction.

A community celebration

More than just a race, the Runner's Festival is a community event that involves the associative and institutional fabric of Poggio a Caiano. The presence of the municipal administration at the awards ceremony testifies to the event's deep roots in the territory. For those visiting Tuscany, it is also an opportunity to discover a less touristy but authentic area, just a stone's throw from the famous Villa Medicea di Poggio a Caiano, a UNESCO World Heritage Renaissance jewel.