Staffetta Sotto le Stelle

Staffetta Sotto le Stelle: sport and tradition in San Giovanni Valdarno

The Staffetta Sotto le Stelle is one of the fastest and most evocative road races in Tuscany, hosted every June in the historic center of San Giovanni Valdarno, in the province of Arezzo. Established in 2007 and organized by Atletica Sangiovannese 1967 in collaboration with the local municipality, the event has captured the hearts of athletes and spectators alike thanks to its spectacular format and unique setting.

The race format: a 2x2 relay in the city heart

The race follows a distinctive 2x2 format: each team consists of two athletes who alternate on a flat two-kilometer loop, entirely contained within the historic center. Staggered starts for each category begin near Piazza Cavour, while the finish line is located—as tradition dictates—beneath the magnificent Palazzo d'Arnolfo, the city's landmark. The race includes numerous categories for all ages: open, women's, mixed, veterans, silver (or gold), juniors, cadets, and youth.

A course through art and history

What sets the Staffetta Sotto le Stelle apart from a standard road race is its route: athletes run through the sites associated with the great Renaissance masters born or active in these lands—Masaccio, lo Scheggia, and Masolino da Panicale—navigating the 14th-century urban layout attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Held at night under the lights, the race combines athletic competition, entertainment, and the promotion of the historical and artistic heritage of San Giovanni Valdarno.

Record-breaking pace

The Staffetta Sotto le Stelle is famous for being one of the fastest tests in the region: the flat course and the relay dynamic push times to impressive levels. In recent editions, records have been repeatedly broken, with top teams completing the race in just over eleven minutes. The battle against the clock, combined with minimal gaps between the leading teams, creates heart-pounding finishes that are highly appreciated by the crowds lining the streets.

A highlight of the Giugno Sangiovannese

The event is part of the Giugno Sangiovannese, the summer calendar of events that brings the city to life, and represents one of the most cherished sporting appointments for the community. The race is also a valid stage of the provincial road running calendar, attracting clubs and athletes from across the Valdarno and the province of Arezzo. Beyond the competition, the evening is a popular celebration that fills the historic center with cheering, music, and conviviality.