SPAR Italy (locally known as DESPAR Italia) sponsors a 12 km run with the goal of raising much-needed funds for its charity partner, San Patrignano, a large rehabilitation centre in the countryside. The annual ‘We Free run’ of San Patrignano is part of the charity’s addiction prevention campaign, and usually takes place within the San Patrignano estate. This year due to the ongoing restrictions resulting from the pandemic, participants can run any day between 5 and 19 September at a location of their choice: the city, the seaside, in the mountains or even at the gym.

Participants who register online can donate a minimum fee of ten euros which will support the charity’s work and initiatives. After completing the run, each participant submits a form with their completion time for the 12 km race. Ensuring a fully inclusive competition, it is also possible to complete a 3,5 km walk and send in the time taken to complete the distance.

Winners will be recognised in a special award ceremony published on the event’s social media platforms and will receive a gift basket filled with delicacies produced in San Patrignano, such as fine wine and cheese, as well as a gift box from DESPAR Italia including a set of Bose Wireless SoundSport Free Earpods. All participants receive a complete digital package filled with surprises, and are invited to wear orange garments that symbolize the charity, have fun walking or running with their family or friends, and post a photo of themselves with the hashtag #wefreerun20.

DESPAR Italia is proud to support this event and promote healthy, active lifestyles, as well as promoting freedom from any addiction.

Source: DESPAR Italia

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About SPAR Italy

SPAR International first granted a licence for the operation of the SPAR Brand to SPAR Italy in 1959. The first store opened in the latter part of 1960 and with it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in Italy. SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.

The DESPAR Partners operate stores under three formats: DESPAR neighbourhood Supermarkets, EUROSPAR Supermarkets and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. Many of the larger format stores are company-owned, reflecting the scale of investment required. While the majority of the company’s turnover is acquired through these larger format stores, the independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets remain a key part of the business.

Promotional video of the event, with footage from the 2019 race: