Trofeo dei Messapi

The Trofeo dei Messapi

The Trofeo dei Messapi is one of the most deep-rooted road races in the Salento, held in Cavallino, a town in the Province of Lecce just a few kilometers from the regional capital. Organized by ASD Tre Casali with the patronage of the Municipality of Cavallino, the event attracts hundreds of athletes from all over Puglia every year: competitive runners, masters, and casual road-running enthusiasts.

Running in the land of the Messapi

The event's name recalls the ancient origins of Cavallino, one of the main centers of the Messapian civilization. The route winds through the town and the areas of the Archaeological Park and the Museo Diffuso, where runners pass by the remains of the ancient fortified city: a race segment that combines athletic effort with the discovery of the Salento's historical heritage. In previous autumn editions, the race, dedicated to the memory of Mario Manni, was long included in regional running circuits, attracting up to six hundred participants.

The 2026 edition: Urban Trail and Family Run

In 2026, the Trofeo dei Messapi takes on a new look, becoming the opening event of the Estate Cavallinese, the Municipality's summer festival that brings theater, music, and dance to Cavallino and the hamlet of Castromediano from June 25th to September 13th. The race adopts an Urban Trail format and is accompanied by the Family Run, designed for families and children who want to enjoy the event in a non-competitive spirit. At the finish line, Piazza Sigismondo Castromediano comes alive with a pizzica concert by the group Makarìa, in true Salento style.

A community celebration

Between sport, folk tradition, and music, the Trofeo dei Messapi is much more than a race: it is a community celebration that showcases local talent and officially opens the summer season in Cavallino. As per tradition, the start is set in Piazza Sigismondo Castromediano, in the heart of the town, a meeting point for athletes, families, and spectators.