Scarpinata Farese

Scarpinata Farese: running in the shadow of the Maiella

The Scarpinata Farese is one of the most beloved road races in the Abruzzo hinterland. It takes place in Fara San Martino, a small village in the Province of Chieti, Abruzzo, nestled at an altitude of 440 meters on the eastern slopes of the Maiella, right at the entrance to the famous Santo Spirito gorges. The town is known worldwide as the capital of pasta, thanks to the pure waters of its springs and the presence of historic pasta factories like De Cecco, Delverde, and Cocco—an identity that can be felt throughout the race course.

Running, community, and tradition

Organized by the Gruppo Podistico La Sorgente with the support of the local municipality, the Scarpinata Farese is part of the regional Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit, a network of running events that traverses the villages of Abruzzo every summer. The event brings hundreds of runners and spectators to town, transforming the streets of Fara San Martino into a track animated by athletes, children, and families. It is more than just a competition: it is a celebration that unites sport with village life, complete with evening music and awards ceremonies to cap off the day.

The races

The program is structured across several levels. The 8 km competitive race is run on a town circuit repeated twice and attracts registered runners from all over Abruzzo. Alongside it, the 4 km non-competitive fun run is open to everyone, while the youth races reserved for younger runners (with distances ranging from 100 to 1200 meters depending on age) allow children to race in the early afternoon. The start and finish lines are located at the Villa Comunale, the heart of the event.

The De Cecco Pasta Festival

What makes the Scarpinata Farese unique is its bond with the De Cecco Pasta Festival, which takes place concurrently and involves the entire town. Every participant receives a generous race pack containing 3 kg of De Cecco pasta and a voucher to enjoy a plate of pasta at the festival: it is the perfect synthesis of the effort of the race and the pleasure of local gastronomic tradition. The event also preserves the memory of two figures dear to the community, with the Angela Paci Memorial and the Costantino Cipollone Memorial.

Why participate

Running the Scarpinata Farese means experiencing Fara San Martino on one of its most cherished days: a mountain village that rallies around sport, good food, and its own roots. Whether you want to challenge the clock on the 8 km course or simply walk through the town center, the Scarpinata is the ideal opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating villages in Abruzzo, between the slopes of the Maiella and the aroma of freshly cooked pasta.