Trofeo Città di Nola

The classic year-end road race

The Trofeo Città di Nola is the road race that closes the running season in Campania every December. Organized by ASD Atletica Nolana under the aegis of FIDAL and supported by the Municipality of Nola, the event takes place in the Nola area, in the province of Naples. It has grown into a major fixture, attracting over a thousand athletes from across the region and beyond. It is a true year-end classic that blends the competitive spirit of top specialists with the festive participation of hundreds of amateur runners.

Start and finish at Vulcano Buono

The race headquarters is the Vulcano Buono shopping center in the Boscofangone area. This massive crater-shaped structure, designed by Renzo Piano and inaugurated in 2007, has become an architectural landmark of the Nola region. The start and finish lines are located near Porta Sorrento, where the race village, bib collection, race pack distribution, warm-up area, and post-race refreshments are hosted. The venue's ample space and parking have been key to the event's recent growth.

A fast 9.9 km course

The course is almost entirely flat and winds through the roads surrounding Vulcano Buono for a total distance of 9.9 kilometers (in editions with a certified course, the official distance was 10 km, with times valid for national and international rankings). Athletes consider it one of the fastest in Southern Italy, making it a popular choice for those looking to set a personal best at the end of the season. The race is open to Allievi, Juniores, Promesse, Seniores, and Master categories, as well as FIDAL-registered athletes, RUNCARD holders, and international athletes in compliance with federal requirements.

Numbers and recent history

The event has consistently exceeded one thousand participants. The 2024 tenth edition, which served as the FIDAL Campania Individual and Club Regional Championship, saw over 1,300 entries from 128 clubs. In December 2025, the eleventh edition recorded over 1,400 entries with 1,240 finishers, featuring a new course record of 28'46" set by Moroccan athlete Yahya Kadiri, and a women's victory by Francesca Palomba in 34'38".

Prizes, services, and organization

The Trofeo is well-known for its generous participant perks. Recent editions have included:

• Cash prizes for the top overall finishers (men and women), with a dedicated ranking for Italian athletes;
• Sporting, food, and artisanal prizes for hundreds of ranked runners;
• Awards for the top ten clubs with the highest number of finishers;
• Electronic chip timing, real-time rankings, and a downloadable participation certificate;
• Personalized race bib, race pack, insurance, and medical assistance along the route;
• Intermediate refreshment station around the 5 km mark and a final refreshment area at the finish line.

Nola, the race, and the community

Nola, a city of art in Campania famous for the Festa dei Gigli and its historic center, embraces the Trofeo as a community event. Race Sunday draws families, spectators, and sports groups along the course, turning the awards ceremony into a collective celebration. The race also carries a sense of memory, with tributes dedicated to figures who have shaped its history. For those visiting the Nola area in December, the Trofeo Città di Nola is a perfect opportunity to discover a territory that blends popular tradition, archaeology, and a vibrant grassroots sports scene.