StraScontrone

StraScontrone: A mountain race in the Alto Sangro

StraScontrone is a competitive road race held in Scontrone, a village in the Alta Val di Sangro perched at over 1,000 meters above sea level in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo. The village overlooks the valley carved by the Sangro River, on the borders of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, in one of the most evocative stretches of the central Apennines. Every year, the race attracts athletes and enthusiasts from across Abruzzo and neighboring Molise, set against a natural backdrop that blends the physical challenge of the race with the beauty of the mountain landscape.

The route: From Scontrone to Alfedena

The course covers approximately 12.5 km with an elevation gain of 225 meters, winding between Scontrone and Alfedena. These two neighboring towns are linked by this particularly demanding road race, which is highly regarded for its scenic value. The start is set in Piazza Sangro, the heart of the village. The race is FIDAL-recognized (Italian Athletics Federation), open to registered athletes and road running enthusiasts looking for a genuine course featuring climbs, descents, and high-altitude panoramas.

A community event for Scontrone

StraScontrone is organized by ASD Atletica Venafro in collaboration with the Zero Gravity association of Castel di Sangro, in support of the Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso di Scontrone, a historic local association. After a few years of hiatus, the event has returned as one of the most anticipated sporting highlights of the Alto Sangro summer calendar, effectively kicking off the village's event season alongside the Va' Sentiero Fest and local food festivals.

Sport and territory in the Alto Sangro

The race is part of a busy summer calendar that brings Scontrone and neighboring towns like Alfedena and Castel di Sangro to life between August and the warmer months. Surrounding the race are side initiatives dedicated to the value of sport as a driver for development in Abruzzo's inland areas—a territory where mountains, trails, and running traditions represent a heritage to be cherished. Running the StraScontrone means experiencing one of the most authentic corners of the province of L'Aquila on foot.