StraFerrara
The non-competitive run-walk in the heart of Ferrara
About StraFerrara
StraFerrara, a celebration of sport and the city
StraFerrara is a non-competitive run-walk that transforms the historic center of Ferrara into a grand open-air stage every spring. Born as a moment of popular sport and community gathering, the event attracts thousands of participants who traverse together the streets, squares, and ramparts of one of the most beautiful art cities in Emilia-Romagna, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
An event for everyone
The spirit of StraFerrara is openly inclusive: there is no stopwatch, no timed rankings, only the desire to move together. The event is designed for runners, walkers, families with children and strollers, beginners, the elderly, people with disabilities, and even dogs on leashes. It is a collective celebration that unites generations and neighborhoods of the Este city.
The routes
The event offers two routes with start and finish in Piazza della Cattedrale:
- Short route (approx. 5-6 km): Easy and accessible, suitable for families, children, strollers, and those less accustomed to physical activity.
- Long route (approx. 13 km): More challenging, designed for those who run or walk regularly, through Sottomura, Porta Po, the Rampari di Belfiore, and the suggestive Prospettiva.
Both itineraries wind along the famous Sottomura di Ferrara, the green ring that surrounds the center between ancient walls and Renaissance fortifications, before returning to the historic heart through Corso della Giovecca and the city streets.
The atmosphere and the Active Day
The day doesn't end with the walk: after the run, the city comes alive with a big celebration, the Active Day, held in the central Piazza Trento e Trieste. With DJ sets, entertainment, fitness activities, and convivial moments, StraFerrara confirms its dual nature as a sporting event and a popular urban festival.
Ferrara, the Este city
Participating in StraFerrara also means discovering Ferrara at a different pace: the Este Castle, the Cathedral of San Giorgio, the monumental walls, and the Renaissance views of the historic center provide the backdrop for an event that showcases the heritage of the Province of Ferrara and the entire Emilia-Romagna region.
StraFerrara — edition 2026
StraFerrara 2026
The 2026 edition was held on Sunday, May 10, with gathering and start in Piazza della Cattedrale in Ferrara. Announced as a record edition, with great participation expected, the event re-proposed the now-established format of the non-competitive run-walk open to all.
The day began at 8:00 AM with the opening of the registration desk for the collection of bibs, technical t-shirts, and bags, followed by the fitness warm-up from 9:00-9:30 AM led by the coach. At 10:00 AM, the start for the two routes, 5 km and 13 km, along the Sottomura, the historic gates, and the city center streets, with a return to Piazza della Cattedrale.
In the afternoon, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the celebration continued with the Active Day in Piazza Trento e Trieste, featuring music, fitness, and convivial moments.
Programme StraFerrara 2026
StraFerrara 2026 Program — Sunday, May 10
- 08:00 AM — Registration opens, collection of bibs, t-shirts, and bags, last-minute registrations
- 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM — Pre-walk fitness warm-up with coach Massimo Pozzi
- 10:00 AM — Official start of the run and walk at a leisurely pace
- 12:00 PM — Awards for the largest groups
- 01:00 PM - 07:00 PM — Active Day in Piazza Trento e Trieste with DJ set, fitness, and food
The routes
- 5 km — Easy and accessible: historic center, Piazza Trento e Trieste, Porta Reno, Porta Paola, Sottomura
- 13 km — Challenging: Sottomura, Porta Po, Via Belvedere, Rampari di Belfiore, and the Prospettiva with stairs
Highlights StraFerrara 2026
- Start and finish in Piazza della Cattedrale, in the heart of Ferrara
- Two routes for everyone: 5 km accessible and 13 km challenging
- Collective fitness warm-up before the start
- Afternoon Active Day in Piazza Trento e Trieste
- Inclusive event: families, children, elderly, people with disabilities, and dogs on leash
Prices StraFerrara 2026
Practical information — StraFerrara
When and where
StraFerrara takes place in spring, with start and finish in Piazza della Cattedrale, in the historic center of Ferrara (44121).
Typical day's program
- 8:00 AM — Registration opens, collection of bibs, t-shirts, and bags, last-minute registrations
- 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM — Pre-race fitness warm-up with a coach
- 10:00 AM — Start of the run and walk at a leisurely pace
- 12:00 PM — Awards for the largest groups
- 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM — Active Day in Piazza Trento e Trieste
Registration
Registration fees increase by tier (generally from about 8 to 15 euros). The fee includes bib, technical t-shirt, bag, insurance, refreshments, bag check, and medical assistance. Online registration via the platform indicated by the organizers.
How to get there
Ferrara is reachable by train (Ferrara station on the Bologna-Padova line) and by car from the A13 Bologna-Padova highway. The historic center is largely pedestrian and cycle-friendly.
Contacts
Official website: straferrara.it — Email: [email protected] — Tel: +39 351 5952501
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Where does it take place — StraFerrara
Piazza della Cattedrale
Piazza della Cattedrale, 44121 Ferrara