San Giovanni Night Run
Cesena's most beloved night run, in the spirit of the patronal feast of San Giovanni
About San Giovanni Night Run
The Symbolic Running Race of Cesena
The Notturna di San Giovanni is one of the most established running events in Emilia-Romagna. Organized by the Gruppo Podistico Endas Cesena with the patronage of the Municipality of Cesena, in the Province of Forlì-Cesena, it has been held for over half a century: the first edition dates back to 1973, when a running race was created to promote Cesena and its hills. Since then, it has become a fixed event on the city calendar, linked to the patronal feast of Saint John the Baptist, celebrated at the end of June.
A Night of Sport in the Historic Center
The heart of the event is the evening race that starts at 8:00 PM from Piazza della Libertà, where the meeting and finish points are also located. The route winds from the center towards the southern outskirts and the surrounding countryside, with characteristic hilly sections that make the race technically challenging and evocative: you run as darkness falls, through the illuminated streets of the city and the country paths, in an atmosphere that blends athletic effort and popular celebration.
Who is it for?
The Notturna is not just for athletes: alongside the official competitive race, the day offers a non-competitive recreational walk open to everyone and a walk with tourist guides of about 3 km, perfect for those who want to discover corners of Cesena at a slow pace. It is this inclusive formula that has made the event a mid-June classic for runners, families, and the curious.
Romagnola Tradition and Identity
More than just a race, the Notturna di San Giovanni is a collective ritual that unites the Cesena community: the center fills with people from the late afternoon, the squares become meeting points, and the evening race serves as a backdrop to the patronal celebrations. Over the years, the event has attracted thousands of participants from all over Romagna and surrounding areas, confirming itself as one of the most cherished sporting and popular events in the region.
San Giovanni Night Run — edition 2026
52nd Notturna di San Giovanni — June 13, 2026
The 52nd edition of the Notturna di San Giovanni is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Cesena. The meeting point is in Piazza della Libertà from the afternoon, with the competitive race starting at 8:00 PM and finishing in the same square. The 2026 edition takes place under the banner of the 80th anniversary of the Constitution, in collaboration with the Historical Institute of the Resistance and the Contemporary Age of Forlì-Cesena.
The cross-country and hilly route covers a distance of approximately 11 km, winding from the historic center towards the countryside and returning to the city. As tradition dictates, in addition to the competitive race, a non-competitive recreational walk and a guided walk are planned, to involve runners, families, and enthusiasts of all levels.
Programme San Giovanni Night Run 2026
Saturday, June 13, 2026 — Cesena, Piazza della Libertà
- From the afternoon — Meeting and registrations in Piazza della Libertà; opening of preliminary operations
- Afternoon — Guided walk (approx. 3 km) with staggered starts
- 8:00 PM — Start of the competitive race, cross-country and hilly route of approx. 11 km, with start and finish in Piazza della Libertà
- Simultaneously — Non-competitive recreational walk/run of the same distance, open to all with free start
The 2026 edition is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Italian Constitution, in collaboration with the Historical Institute of the Resistance and the Contemporary Age of Forlì-Cesena. For updates on the definitive route and times, please refer to the official website of Gruppo Podistico Endas Cesena and the ENDU portal.
Highlights San Giovanni Night Run 2026
Prices San Giovanni Night Run 2026
Practical information — San Giovanni Night Run
When and Where
The Notturna di San Giovanni takes place in mid-June in Cesena (FC), in Emilia-Romagna. Meeting, start, and finish are in Piazza della Libertà, in the historic center. The competitive race starts at 8:00 PM.
How to Participate
Advance registration for the competitive race is done online on the www.endu.net portal within the days preceding the race; it is also possible to register on the day, generally until around 7:45 PM. The non-competitive recreational walk is open to everyone with a reduced fee, as is the 3 km guided walk.
How to Get There
Cesena is easily reachable from the A14 highway (Cesena exit) and the train station, a short distance from the center. During the event, traffic changes are expected in the streets of the center affected by the route: it is advisable to use the peripheral parking lots and reach Piazza della Libertà on foot.
Tips
As it is an evening race with hilly sections, appropriate sportswear is recommended. For updated details on the route, times, and registration, please refer to the official website of Gruppo Podistico Endas Cesena.
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Where does it take place — San Giovanni Night Run
Piazza della Libertà
Piazza della Libertà, 47521 Cesena