Stravilla – Road Race

Stravilla: Running and Community in Villa Santa Maria

Stravilla is the road running race that transforms Villa Santa Maria—a village of about 1,500 inhabitants in the province of Chieti—into a meeting point for running enthusiasts from across Abruzzo every summer. The event, reaching its twelfth edition in 2026, features a 9.3 km competitive race valid for the Corrilabruzzo UISP regional circuit, the calendar that brings together the most popular road races in the region.

A course through the village and the Majella hills

The route winds through the historic center and the roads surrounding the town, nestled at the foot of the Majella National Park, amidst the green hills of the upper Sangro-Aventino valley and not far from Lake Bomba. It is a varied course with both gentle stretches and more challenging sections, testing runners while offering stunning views of the Abruzzo landscape. Alongside the competitive race, the day traditionally includes youth races over shorter distances for children and a non-competitive walk open to families and enthusiasts, allowing everyone to enjoy the event without a competitive spirit.

Sport, memory, and solidarity

Stravilla is much more than just a race: it is an event that combines sport with the values of sharing and solidarity. The event is dedicated to the memory of a young local athlete, and this emotional bond with the community makes it a deeply felt occasion for the residents of Villa Santa Maria. Organized by the Municipality of Villa Santa Maria with the support of local entities and the technical assistance of Timingrun for timing and rankings, the race has attracted notable athletes from the national running scene over the years.

Villa Santa Maria, the village of chefs

Running in Villa Santa Maria means discovering one of the most unique villages in Abruzzo: it is home to one of Italy's oldest and most famous hotel schools, the "Giovanni Marchitelli" Institute, which is why the town is known as the "homeland of chefs". The village was the birthplace of Saint Francis Caracciolo, patron saint of chefs worldwide, and hosts a museum dedicated to great local chefs. Stravilla thus takes place in a setting where sport, culinary tradition, and hospitality intertwine, often concluding with social gatherings that celebrate the typical warmth of this corner of the Chieti province.

A summer highlight in the Chieti hinterland

Scheduled in the heart of summer, Stravilla is now a fixed date on the Abruzzo running calendar and an opportunity to experience the Majella hinterland in a festive atmosphere. Between competition, participation, and the promotion of the territory, the race represents an authentic way to get to know Villa Santa Maria and its community.