The world's oldest foot race

Verona (Italy), Sunday 18 March 2012

In bygone days, men had to run the Palio naked. Nowadays, they should wear clothes.

Dating back to the year 1208, the Palio del drappo verde ("Race of the green cloth") in the city of Verona in northern Italy is the world's oldest running race.

The run was staged annually until the end of the 18th century. After a break of more than 200 years, the event was revived in 2008.

Starting and finishing in the north-eastern part of the city, the route is a 10km-loop through Verona's historic centre. The course is certified and traffic-free.

Traditionally, the fastest man and woman are awarded the 'drappo verde', and like in medieval times the last male finisher receives a cock.

In 2011, the Palio had almost 600 participants. The winners were William Mascanzoni (31:39) and Daniela Paterlini (35:29).

Around 4000 runners and walkers took part in the non-competitive "Sgambada de San Giuseppe", which is held on the same day (6km, 10km, and 14km).

Country: Italy

Venue (Map): Verona (Venice 114km, Milan 166km, Trieste 261km, Rome 523km)

Date: 18 March 2012 (Sunday)

Race distance: 10km

Start time: 9.30

Start and finish: Via Guido d'Arezzo, Verona

Entries: by e-mail, fax or post; entrants may have to provide a medical certificate at registration; entries close 13 March 2012

Entry fees: 11/15/18 euros (until 19 February/4 March/13 March 2012)

Race centre: at Scuola Guarino, near the finish (on the day from 7.30)

You get: goody bag; timing chip rental; massage; a meal after the race

Prizes: "drappo verde" ("green cloth") to the first M/F and to the first in each category; a cock to the last male finisher; prize money to the first 10 M/F; product prizes to the first 10 in each category (prizes are not cumulative)

Showers, changing facilities, baggage storage: yes

Award ceremony: 11.30

Number of finishers 2011: 573

Event website: xoomer.virgilio.it/stscevar/sga-indice.html

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page! Please visit the official event website to verify the above information.