Corsa dell'Orso

The Corsa dell'Orso in Campoli Appennino

The Corsa dell'Orso is the road race that draws runners and enthusiasts every summer to Campoli Appennino, a small town in the province of Frosinone nestled in the Comino Valley, on the eastern edge of Lazio, bordering Abruzzo. Originally a local event within the Estate Campolese festival, the race has become a staple of the regional running calendar, cherished for its night-time atmosphere and evocative course.

A unique route around the karst sinkhole

The race's uniqueness lies entirely in its track. Spanning 9.250 km on asphalt, the route consists of five laps around the karst sinkhole that defines the landscape of Campoli Appennino: a massive natural depression, one of the largest in Lazio and the only one with inhabited edges. Running at night along the rim of the sinkhole, winding through the ancient village and passing under the medieval tower, offers participants an experience that is as sporty as it is scenic.

The land of the bear and the truffle

Campoli Appennino is known as the "land of the bear and the truffle." Indeed, located right inside the sinkhole is the Marsican Brown Bear Wildlife Area, linked to the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park—a symbol that gives the race its name and strengthens its identity. The event thus becomes an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the central Apennines, between nature, folk traditions, and local flavors.

Sport, community, and tradition

The Corsa dell'Orso is organized by the ASD Campoli Appennino Running and is part of the Estate Campolese program, the season of events that enlivens the village during the summer months. Beyond the rankings, the race maintains a strong sense of community: it is a village festival that opens its streets to visitors, combining competition, conviviality, and the promotion of the historic center. A small but significant event that captures the sporty and welcoming soul of the Apennine Lazio.