Strapuntese
The 10km road race on the slopes of Mount Etna, a stage of the Etna Running circuit
About Strapuntese
Strapuntese: Running at the foot of Mount Etna
The Strapuntese is the signature road race of San Giovanni la Punta, located in the heart of the Etna region in the Province of Catania, Sicily. It is a competitive 10km race, certified by the FIDAL Judges Group and classified as a national Bronze-level event. For over fifteen years, it has been one of the most awaited dates on the Catania running calendar, drawing hundreds of runners from across Sicily.
A stage of the Etna Running circuit
Strapuntese is a key event in the Etna Running circuit, a series of road races that winds through the towns on the volcano's slopes, from Aci Castello to Sant'Alfio, and from Maletto to San Giovanni la Punta. To qualify for the final circuit rankings, participants must compete in at least three races, with their best three scores counted. The race also serves as a qualifying round for the Sicilian Absolute Regional Club Championships (10km), making it a crucial test for Sicilian teams.
The course
The route unfolds entirely through the town center of San Giovanni la Punta on a certified urban loop that athletes complete multiple times: the 10km distance is covered in five laps of 2,000 meters each. The course is designed to be fast and easily monitored, allowing spectators to watch the runners pass by several times throughout the morning.
An event for all ages
In addition to the 10km race for senior, master, promesse, and junior categories, Strapuntese dedicates significant space to youth athletics. Younger age groups—including allievi, cadetti, ragazzi, and esordienti—also compete on shorter distances tailored to their age. It is an inclusive, multi-generational event where seasoned athletes and young talents run side by side.
Organization and patronage
The race is organized by A.S.D. Scuola di Atletica Leggera Catania (Nissolino Sal Catania), led by Giuseppe Sciuto, in collaboration with the provincial FIDAL of Catania, the CSAIn Committee of Catania, and A.S.D. Puntese of San Giovanni la Punta. The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of San Giovanni la Punta and the Regional Department of Sport.
Strapuntese — edition 2026
The Strapuntese 2026 is confirmed for Sunday, November 15, 2026, in San Giovanni la Punta, Province of Catania, where it will serve as the fifth and final stage of the Etna Running 2026 circuit. The race maintains its traditional format: a 10km road race for absolute categories on an urban loop, with shorter distances for allievi, cadetti, ragazzi, and esordienti.
At this time, the organizing committee, A.S.D. Scuola di Atletica Leggera Catania, has announced the official date but not yet the detailed schedule, entry fees, or full regulations for the 2026 edition. These details will be published in the weeks preceding the race. For further information, please contact the coordinator, Giuseppe Sciuto.
Highlights Strapuntese 2026
Practical information — Strapuntese
How to get there
San Giovanni la Punta is located just a few kilometers north of Catania in the Etna region. By car, it can be reached from the Catania ring road (exit San Giovanni la Punta / Trecastagni) in about 20 minutes from the city center. Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is approximately 20 km away.
Registration and fees
The race is reserved for FIDAL-registered athletes and Runcard holders, upon presentation of a valid medical certificate for competitive athletics. Registration is handled via email at [email protected]. In recent editions, the entry fee was €15 for adults, €5 for allievi, and €3 for youth categories.
Bib collection
Bibs and race packs can be collected on the morning of the race at the designated area near the start/finish line in the center of San Giovanni la Punta.
Information
Organizing contact: Giuseppe Sciuto, tel. +39 349 181 9781, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Strapuntese
Centro storico di San Giovanni la Punta