Corsa dei Ceri

Corsa dei Ceri
You might want to get your running gear on to keep up with this fast-paced festival, but it's more than worth it.
Every May, three teams race through the streets of Gubbio and up the slopes of Monte Ingino, holding a candle (ceri) for this crazy, but much-loved festival - the Corsa dei Ceri.  But these ceri's are no small candles, they are 4m-long wooden pillars weighing around 400kg, each bearing a statue of three separate saints. As the festival is held to celebrate the patron saint of Gubbio, it’s no surprise which saint wins – every year!
Beginning at 6, the sprint around the city commences, followed by a race up the hill to see who reaches the Basilica of St Ubaldo first. After an emotionally-charged race to the top, the winner is announced.
Gubbio is an imposing medieval city, full of architectural wonders and perched on a rather steep slope. If you haven't run the length of it chasing the Corsa dei Ceri, take a fun cable car ride to the top to appreciate the surrounding countryside. If you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, pull up a seat a pavement cafe or delightful Italian restaurant for some fine fare. Well, you are in Italy after all...