San Martino Race

The most popular road race in Abruzzo

The San Martino Race is much more than just a competition: it is the most crowded mass-participation sporting event in Abruzzo, attracting over three thousand participants—including professional athletes, amateur runners, and casual walkers—every year to Controguerra, a small town in the province of Teramo overlooking the Val Vibrata valley. Organized by GP Avis Val Vibrata, the event takes place annually on the weekend closest to Saint Martin's Day, when the Abruzzo hills are painted in autumn colors and local wineries celebrate the arrival of the new wine.

A race through the vineyards of Val Vibrata

The heart of the event is the 14.9 km competitive race, a FIDAL-certified event that winds through the vineyard rows of Val Vibrata. Starting from Piazza del Commercio, the route crosses the territory of Controguerra, passing through the nearby towns of Torano Nuovo and Nereto, and includes a challenging final climb that has become legendary among runners. Alongside the competitive race, the Mangialonga Run offers a non-competitive walk over 5 km and 8 km distances, designed for families, groups, and enthusiasts who want to enjoy the landscape without the pressure of a stopwatch. The Mangialonga is what truly boosts the event's numbers, making it a massive popular gathering.

Sports, wine, and tradition in Controguerra

What makes the San Martino Race unique is the fusion of competition and food-and-wine tradition. Controguerra is a land of wine, home to the Controguerra DOC, and the event takes great pride in this: arriving athletes can visit the municipal wine shop, participate in afternoon tours to discover the Val Vibrata, and experience the traditional Saint Martin's Festival in the historic center on Saturday night. Organized by the local Pro Loco, the evening festival features new wine, roasted chestnuts, and local cold cuts, accompanied by music, dancing, and a lively party that keeps the village streets buzzing until late.

An event loved throughout Abruzzo

Now with nearly thirty years of history, the San Martino Race has rightfully earned its place on the national running calendar and is one of the most anticipated events of the Abruzzo autumn. The combination of hospitality (including hotel packages, services for camper vans, showers, and changing rooms), the quality of the route, and the warmth of the welcome ensures that every year, Controguerra—along with the province of Teramo and the entire Abruzzo region—transforms into the capital of road running for a weekend.