The road race along the Mill Way, between the Arielli river and the villages of the Val di Foro
In Arielli, a tiny town in the province of Chieti nestled in the hills of the Val di Foro, Abruzzo, the Tre Mulini is much more than just a running race: it is a sporting celebration that unites the entire community around the history and landscapes of its territory. Brought back to the calendar after a few years' break thanks to the efforts of ASD Sporting La Leonessa and Atletica Rapino, the event immediately regained its audience and enthusiasm, becoming one of the most anticipated appointments in the Abruzzo running scene at the start of summer.
The 8.5-kilometer track is both challenging and evocative: a continuous series of rolling hills that alternates between asphalt and dirt, follows the course of the Arielli river, crosses a wooded area, and travels along the characteristic Via dei Mulini, with a short detour into the neighboring territory of Crecchio. Along the way, you encounter the remains of the ancient water mills of the valley, which gives the race its name: a path that combines athletic effort with the discovery of a still-authentic rural landscape, looping back into the heart of the town.
The Tre Mulini is not reserved for athletes alone. The program includes youth races dedicated to children and teenagers, the main competitive event, and a non-competitive walk of about 3 kilometers, designed for families, walkers, and enthusiasts who want to experience the event without the pressure of a stopwatch. It is this inclusive formula that makes the day a true village festival, with the start and finish in the center of Arielli.
The race is part of the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit, a network of running events that touches numerous towns in the province of Chieti and the entire region, attracting runners from all over Abruzzo to Arielli. It is an important showcase for a village of just a few hundred inhabitants, which for one day becomes the regional capital of running, blending sport, popular traditions, and the flavors of local cuisine.
The second edition of the Tre Mulini of Arielli, in the province of Chieti, took place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, confirming the enthusiasm that had accompanied the return of the race. The day began with youth races, followed by the main 8.5-kilometer competitive event and the classic non-competitive walk of about 3 kilometers.
The route, featuring rolling hills and alternating asphalt and dirt paths, followed the river and crossed the wooded area along the Via dei Mulini, with a detour into the territory of Crecchio. The race, valid for the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit, attracted runners from across the region.
The competitive track winds through hills, asphalt, and dirt paths along the Via dei Mulini, following the Arielli river and the Parco dei Mulini, with a short passage through the territory of Crecchio and a loop finish in the town center.
In the men's race, Stefano Massimi (Atletica Vomano) took the win, ahead of his teammate Lorenzo Dell'Orefice and Francesco Martina (ASD Vini Fantini). In the women's category, victory went to Sara Di Prinzio (Runners Chieti), followed by Daniela Romilio (ASD Vini Fantini) and Francesca Di Federico (Progetto Running).
The event takes place in Arielli (postal code 66030), in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. The meeting point, start, and finish are in the town center, at the Villa Comunale, with a loop closing in the area of Piazza Crognali.
Arielli can be reached by car from the Ortona motorway exit (A14) or from Lanciano, heading up the hills of the Val di Foro. The village is just a few kilometers from the towns of Crecchio, Poggiofiorito, and Orsogna.
Registration for the competitive race and the non-competitive walk is handled through the organizing clubs (ASD Sporting La Leonessa and Atletica Rapino) and the channels of the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit. Consult the circuit's website for fees, updated schedules, and registration procedures.
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Villa Comunale