The Craziest Race in the World
Edition 2026 Folk traditions Family Playful

The Craziest Race in the World

Charity fun run in bizarre costumes for the Pediatrics Department of the Sant'Andrea Hospital in Vercelli

Santhià — Vercelli (002)
Dates 14 Jun — 14 Jun 2026
Location Santhià (002)
Prices
Status Finished

About The Craziest Race in the World

In Santhià, in the province of Vercelli, the 'Craziest Race in the World' returns: a sporting and charitable event organized by the Esercito di Cuori ODV association. Improbable costumes, colorful wigs, flippers, and masks accompany participants along two routes: a 7 km run with games and a 3 km walk suitable for everyone. More than just a race, it is a street festival where joy turns into charity: all proceeds go to the Pediatrics Department of the Sant'Andrea Hospital in Vercelli.

A race outside the box in Santhià

The Craziest Race in the World is a charity event that brings the streets and squares of Santhià to life, a town in the Province of Vercelli, in the heart of the rice-growing plains of Piedmont. The event, organized by the volunteer association Esercito di Cuori ODV, does not reward the clock but rather imagination: bizarre attire is mandatory, and strange hats, wigs, carnival costumes, flippers, and masks are an integral part of the day's spirit.

Two routes for everyone

The event offers two participation options designed to welcome amateur athletes, families, and curious people of all ages:

  • 50 Special — a route of approximately 7 km of running interspersed with games and challenges along the way;
  • Andamento Lento — a walk of approximately 3 km, also accompanied by games, ideal for those who prefer to experience the event at a relaxed pace and in good company.

The meeting point is set in Piazza Zapelloni, in the center of Santhià, from where both tracks start. The atmosphere is that of a great collective party, made of smiles, music, and the most improbable costumes.

Sport, solidarity, and community

The heart of the initiative is charity: the entire proceeds of the event are donated to the Pediatrics Department of the Sant'Andrea Hospital in Vercelli. Esercito di Cuori ODV, an association active in the Vercelli area, has been promoting sporting and recreational events for years to raise funds for the health of children and to support people and animals in difficulty.

An event that tells the story of the territory

The Craziest Race in the World is part of the rich calendar of events that animate Santhià, a town known throughout Piedmont for its historic Carnival and for events related to rice culture. It is an opportunity to experience the Municipality of Santhià in a lighthearted and participatory way, combining the pleasure of movement with the pride of contributing to an important cause for the entire Vercelli community.

The Craziest Race in the World — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the 'Craziest Race in the World' took place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Santhià (VC), with a meeting point at 2:00 PM in Piazza Zapelloni. Organized by Esercito di Cuori ODV, it featured the two traditional routes, '50 Special' (7 km run with games) and 'Andamento Lento' (3 km walk), with mandatory bizarre attire and proceeds donated to the Pediatrics Department of the Sant'Andrea Hospital in Vercelli.

The 2026 edition confirmed the charitable and fun-filled formula of the event, enlivening the center of Santhià with costumes, games, and plenty of solidarity.

Programme The Craziest Race in the World 2026

  • Meeting point in Piazza Zapelloni from 2:00 PM
  • '50 Special' route: 7 km run with games along the way
  • 'Andamento Lento' route: 3 km walk with games
  • Bizarre attire mandatory (hats, wigs, costumes, flippers, masks)

Highlights The Craziest Race in the World 2026

  • Two routes: 7 km run and 3 km walk
  • Mandatory costumes and festive atmosphere
  • All proceeds to the Pediatrics Department of the Sant'Andrea Hospital in Vercelli

Prices The Craziest Race in the World 2026

<p>Participation requires a charitable contribution; all proceeds are donated to the Pediatrics Department of the Sant'Andrea Hospital in Vercelli. For fees and registration methods, contact Esercito di Cuori ODV ([email protected], WhatsApp 340 3555265).</p>

Practical information — The Craziest Race in the World

Where

Meeting point and start in Piazza Zapelloni, in the center of Santhià (VC), Piedmont.

How to get there

By train: the Santhià station is an important hub on the Turin-Milan line, just a few minutes' walk from the center. By car: take the Santhià exit on the A4 Turin-Milan motorway; parking is available near the historic center.

Registration and contacts

Registration and information via the Esercito di Cuori ODV association: email [email protected] or WhatsApp at 340 3555265 (Erika). Bizarre clothing is required to participate. All proceeds are donated to the Pediatrics Department of the Sant'Andrea Hospital in Vercelli.

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Where does it take place — The Craziest Race in the World

Piazza Zapelloni

Piazza Generale Federico Zapelloni, 13048 Santhià

Contact The Craziest Race in the World

Tel
+39 340 3555265

The Craziest Race in the World in brief

Folk traditions Family Playful Sport Trail Solidarity Outdoor Free Participatory Vercelli

History of The Craziest Race in the World