StraMassafra 2.0
The historic Massafra road race blending sport, art, and charity
About StraMassafra 2.0
Running in the heart of the Land of Ravines
StraMassafra 2.0 is much more than just a road race: it is a true hub of events that brings Massafra to life every spring. This town in the province of Taranto is known as the "Thebaid of Italy" for its extraordinary heritage of rock-hewn churches and ravines. Organized by the A.S.D. Team Nuova Podistica Massafra, the event weaves sport, art, memory, and social commitment into a single calendar, attracting athletes and visitors from all over Puglia.
A history spanning over thirty years
The roots of the StraMassafra race trace back to 1988, when it was conceived by Antonio Martucci, a historic figure in the local running scene. After a long hiatus, the race has been revived in its "2.0" version, relaunching its original spirit and honoring the founder's memory with the Antonio Martucci Memorial. The track retains the technical characteristics of the historic editions, passing through the city's iconic landmarks: the old town, the districts, the squares, and above all the evocative medieval castle, which frames the runners' path.
More than just competition
The strength of StraMassafra 2.0 lies in its multidisciplinary nature. In addition to the national competitive race, valid for the FIDAL calendar, the program includes:
- StraMassafra 2.0 a colori, a one-mile non-competitive run dedicated to students, featuring music, games, and creativity;
- StraMassafra Underground, a fitwalking tour exploring the historic center, rock-hewn habitats, and the San Marco ravine, starting from the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala;
- StramassafrArte 2.0, an art competition with awards dedicated to the memory of the artist Andreace and a special section for guests of the Santi Medici day center.
Sport and heart
A distinctive feature of the event is its charitable vocation: part of the proceeds is donated to the projects of Sorriso Francescano Onlus, supporting the creation of a holiday home for children from the pediatric oncohematology ward of the Santissima Annunziata hospital in Taranto. StraMassafra 2.0 is sponsored by the Puglia Region, Sport e Salute, FIDAL, and the Municipality of Massafra, confirming its deep roots in the social and sporting fabric of the Ionian territory.
StraMassafra 2.0 — edition 2026
StraMassafra 2.0 — 2026 Edition
The 2026 edition confirmed the winning formula of the Massafra event, organized into four appointments between April and May. The highlight was the national race L'Originale – 4th Antonio Martucci Memorial on Sunday, May 17, which saw over 500 athletes from all over Puglia at the start of the technical 11.5 km course, including the famous passage at the foot of the medieval castle. Preceding it were the non-competitive events for schools, the Underground walk through the ravines, and the awards ceremony for the art competition, in a blend of sport, culture, and charity in favor of the Sorriso Francescano Onlus projects.
Programme StraMassafra 2.0 2026
April 17, 2026 — StramassafrArte 2.0
- 18:30 — Art competition awards ceremony at the Sacro Cuore church auditorium, with a tribute to the artist Andreace on the twelfth anniversary of his passing and a special section dedicated to guests of the Santi Medici day center.
April 22, 2026 — StraMassafra 2.0 a colori
- From 9:30 — Non-competitive event for students: one-mile urban circuit with musical entertainment, sports games, and the #SPORTACOLORI social contest in Piazza Blasi.
May 10, 2026 — StraMassafra Underground
- 9:00 — Inaugural fitwalking walk (non-competitive) starting from the square of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala. Mixed route between urban trail and nature, discovering the historic center and the San Marco ravine.
May 17, 2026 — L'Originale · 4th Antonio Martucci Memorial
- 9:00 — National FIDAL road race starting from Piazza Blasi, 11.5 km through the city's iconic landmarks and the passage by the medieval castle.
2026 Winners: Men: Pierluca Cardellicchio (Marathon Massafra) in 39'57"; Women: Giuseppina Magrì (Olimpia Grottaglie) in 47'41".
Highlights StraMassafra 2.0 2026
Prices StraMassafra 2.0 2026
Practical information — StraMassafra 2.0
Getting there
Massafra is located along the SS7 Appia road, about 20 km from Taranto. By car, it can be reached from the Massafra exit of the SS106 Jonica. The Massafra train station is served by the Taranto–Bari line. The nearest airports are Bari-Palese and Brindisi-Casale.
Start and meeting point
The main races start from Piazza Blasi, in the town center. The Underground walk starts from the square of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala.
Registration
The competitive race requires FIDAL or Runcard membership and registration through the organizing committee; non-competitive events and school runs are open to all. For up-to-date information on fees and registration methods, please contact the A.S.D. Team Nuova Podistica Massafra.
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Where does it take place — StraMassafra 2.0
Piazza Blasi
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele (Piazza Blasi), 74016 Massafra