The Palio della Vittoria is an annual event held in Anghiari, a small town in Tuscany, Italy. More than just a race, it's a reenactment of the 1440 Battle of Anghiari, where the Florentine Republic defeated the Milanese league.

Runners jostle for position during the Palio della Vittoria.

Held annually on 29/6 or 2/7 (depending on local tradition), the race attracts around 100 runners representing towns in the Valtiberina valley, including Florence and Milan. They compete in a challenging 1,440-meter uphill race with a 13% incline, running from the San Lorenzo valley to the central Baldaccio square in the heart of historic Anghiari.

What makes the Palio della Vittoria unique is its unusual rule: shoving, pulling, tripping, and obstructing opponents are all allowed. After the starting shot from an antique gun, the course transforms into a chaotic free-for-all where strategy, strength, and cunning are key. It's not uncommon for frontrunners to be targeted and taken down immediately.

To avoid being grabbed, runners often remove their town-identifying shirts at the start and even oil their bodies to make it harder to be pulled down. Some wear medieval sandals as a nod to history.

Despite its intensity, the race retains a festive spirit. At the finish line, the atmosphere becomes celebratory with cheering crowds, waving yellow-red and white-blue flags, vibrant parades from participating towns, and a communal dinner on the medieval walls where everyone shares in the festivities, win or lose.

The Palio della Vittoria is more than just a peculiar race; it’s a vibrant symbol of Tuscan tradition, history, and community spirit. It's a race where participants don't just run—they battle, much like their ancestors did over 500 years ago.

The festival originated in 1441 to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Anghiari the previous year. The Palio della Vittoria race itself has been held annually since 2003.

Giulio Calli holds the record with three wins in 2004, 2006, and 2012, contributing three of Anghiari's five victories. Manuel Moriconi, representing Gubbio, set the race record of 5 minutes 28 seconds in 2023. This year, Luca Capacci (Anghiari) took the title with a time of 5 minutes 40 seconds.

Compiled by Hong Duy