Stracittadina Novolese

The race that runs through Novoli

The Stracittadina Novolese is one of the longest-running and most beloved road races in Salento. Every autumn, the streets of Novoli, a small town in the Province of Lecce in Puglia, transform into a race track that draws hundreds of runners: approximately 600 athletes, including competitive professionals, amateurs, and road running enthusiasts. With its 39th edition held in 2025, the Stracittadina has become a staple of the Apulian running calendar.

A route through the heart of the town

The race follows a 10-kilometre FIDAL-certified course that winds through both urban and suburban roads in the Novoli area. The start and finish are set in the central Piazza Regina Margherita, the beating heart of town life, under the supervision of local authorities and race judges. Along the route, refreshment points with water and medical assistance are provided before, during, and after the race, reflecting the organisation's commitment to participant safety.

Sport and solidarity

What makes the Stracittadina Novolese special is its deep connection to blood donation. The event is organised by A.S.D.P.S. AVIS Sport Novoli in collaboration with the local AVIS blood donor section: running here also means promoting a generous act that saves lives. This blend of athletics and volunteering forms the authentic soul of the event, uniting competition with a culture of solidarity.

Trophies and memorials

The race preserves the memory of several historic figures in Novoli's running scene. It features the "Michele Martella" Trophy and the "Giovanni Riccardi" Memorial, dedicated to unforgettable individuals linked to AVIS and the local race. The Stracittadina is also part of major regional running circuits, such as Corripuglia and Salento Street, placing it within a network of races followed by the entire Apulian amateur running community.

A heritage of the Novoli community

Patronised by the Puglia Region and the Municipality of Novoli, the Stracittadina Novolese is much more than just a race: it is a town festival that involves families, schools, and associations, drawing many spectators to the streets to cheer on the runners. For those visiting Salento, it is the perfect opportunity to discover Novoli—also famous for the Focara of Sant'Antonio Abate—in an authentic, warm, and sporty atmosphere.