Corri Roccagorga - Lidano Saputo Memorial

A race that is also a village festival

The Corri Roccagorga - Lidano Saputo Memorial is the summer running highlight in the town of Roccagorga, located in the heart of the Lepini Mountains in the province of Latina, southern Lazio. This is no ordinary road race: it is an evening where the entire village takes to the streets, leaning out from balconies to cheer on athletes along a route that passes by houses, churches, and the most picturesque corners of the village.

The event is organized by ASD Roccagorga and is dedicated to the memory of Lidano Saputo, the historic secretary of the sports club and one of the first to promote track and field in this corner of the Pontine province. The memorial keeps his memory alive with a spirit that prioritizes participation over finishing times.

The course: real elevation gain, scenery included

The route is what sets this race apart from the many flat runs in the Pontine plain. It unfolds entirely within and around the town, with a series of sections that test even the most trained runners:

• Steep climbs with gradients reaching approximately 25% at the toughest points;
• A long final descent that launches athletes toward the finish line;
• Finish in Piazza VI Gennaio, the village's main square, packed with spectators;
• Panoramic views over the valley and the Pontine plain, particularly striking in the sunset light.

The 7:00 PM evening start is no coincidence: it allows for running in manageable temperatures even on the hottest July days and provides a unique atmosphere, with the village lighting gradually turning on during the race.

The UISP circuit and technical level

The race is part of the Grande Slam UISP "Natalino Nocera" circuit of the UISP Latina Committee, the calendar that brings together the main amateur road races in the province. This ensures a large and qualified turnout: in the 2025 edition, over 250 athletes crossed the finish line, coming from all over Lazio and neighboring regions. The rankings are managed with electronic timing.

Awards for everyone, not just the leaders

One of the most appreciated features of the Corri Roccagorga is the inclusive philosophy of the awards. In addition to honors for the top male and female finishers and category prizes, the organizers provide:

• participation medals for all finishers;
• special prizes for the largest teams;
• awards dedicated to AVIS donors, in collaboration with local associations;
• surprise prizes for unique performances or noteworthy stories.

After the finish line: the pasta party

The social aspect is anything but secondary. At the end of the race, Piazza VI Gennaio hosts the pasta party, featuring traditional Lepini products: alongside pasta, there is bread soup, beer, and watermelon juice—simple and perfect after an evening spent running uphill.

Roccagorga and the Lepini Mountains

Roccagorga is a village of just over four thousand inhabitants perched on the slopes of the Lepini Mountains, a short distance from Priverno, Sezze, and Maenza. The historic center preserves its medieval layout, with narrow alleys and staircases, overlooking the Pontine plain from above. The Lazio Region hosts many summer running events, but few manage to blend the sporting dimension with a community festival like this one: here, the race is the pretext for an entire village to come together.

For those visiting the area, the race evening is also a great opportunity to discover a territory off the beaten path, featuring Lepini hiking trails, medieval abbeys, and authentic rural cuisine.