Sant'Arpino Runs - Sant'Elpidio Trophy

Sant'Arpino Runs: A new classic of the Agro Atellano

The Sant'Elpidio Trophy, also known as Sant'Arpino Runs, is a road race that draws hundreds of runners to the town of Sant'Arpino, in the province of Caserta, Campania. Established in 2025 by the Associazione Podistica Sant'Arpino, with the patronage of the local municipality and under the aegis of the Italian Athletics Federation, the event has quickly secured a permanent spot on the regional racing calendar.

The trophy is named after Sant'Elpidio, a figure deeply tied to the town's religious and civic identity—a simple yet effective way to blend sport with local tradition in the heart of the Agro Atellano, an area that also includes Succivo, Orta di Atella, and Frattaminore.

The Course: Ten flat and fast kilometers

The route follows a 10 km flat urban circuit, with the meeting point, start, and finish located in Piazza Macrì, the event's logistical hub. City streets are closed to traffic for the duration of the race, thanks to the efforts of local police and dozens of volunteers. Every kilometer is marked, a feature highly appreciated by those chasing personal bests: the finish times speak for themselves, with winners capable of clocking in under 32 minutes.

• Distance: 10 km road race, urban circuit
• Elevation: Completely flat course
• Meeting point, start, and finish: Piazza Macrì, Sant'Arpino
• Timing: Managed by Icron
• Organization: Associazione Podistica Sant'Arpino

The 2026 Edition: A major step forward

The second edition took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, moving from its inaugural June date to a spring slot more favorable for performance. The result was a genuine boom in participation: 666 classified athletes (593 men and 73 women) representing dozens of clubs from across Campania.

In the men's race, Abdelmajid Benrkia (Runcard) took the win in 31'55", ahead of Marco Pascarella (Polisportiva Bellona, 32'38") and Francesco Di Puoti (Atletica Marcianise, 32'59"). The women's race was won by Francesca Palomba (Caivano Runners) in 38'00", who finished ahead of her sister Filomena Palomba (38'22"). In the team competition, Podistica Frattese dominated with 123 athletes at the start, followed by Amatori Marathon Frattese (88) and Atletica Marcianise (67).

More than just competition

The Sant'Elpidio Trophy is not just for elite runners; the race welcomes those who run for wellness and community, offering individual and team prizes, race packs, and refreshment stations along the route and at the finish line. The atmosphere is that of a typical Southern Italian town race, with families cheering on the sidelines, the announcer calling out names, and applause that never fades until the very last runner crosses the line.

Sant'Arpino: Between ancient memory and modern life

Sant'Arpino lies about fifteen kilometers from Naples and just minutes from Aversa, in one of the most densely populated areas of Campania, heir to the territory of the ancient Oscan Atella. Running here means traversing a vibrant urban fabric where a sporting event becomes an opportunity for collective identity for the town and the entire Atellano district.

Tips for participants

• The course is fast and flat: perfect for those aiming for a 10 km personal best.
• Arrive at Piazza Macrì well in advance to collect your bib and find parking.
• Registrations are managed online via the Icron platform and close in the days leading up to the race.
• Always check the date and start time each year: the event has already shifted its place on the calendar from June to March.