Giro delle Torri

A race through the history of Formia

The Giro delle Torri is a road running event that the Municipality of Formia, in the province of Latina, southern Lazio, dedicates to road racing and its rich historical heritage. Organized by A.S.D. Poligolfo, the leading running club in the Gulf of Gaeta, the race takes place in April on a 9.5-kilometer undulating, fully paved course that winds through the city's oldest urban fabric.

The concept behind the event is simple and highly successful: to have athletes run where people usually walk—through the narrow alleys of the medieval village, beneath the towers that give the event its name, along the ancient walls, and beside the Roman monuments that dot the city. The result is a technically demanding course—with constant inclines and sharp turns—that offers a powerful emotional experience, as noted by participants of the inaugural edition.

The course: towers, walls, and the Appian Way

Formia is one of the most layered cities on the Lazio coast. It was an important Roman center and later a fortified village; today, that dual identity remains visible in the medieval towers that dominate the Castellone and Mola districts, the city walls, historic churches, and, above all, the Roman ruins. The Giro delle Torri route touches them one after another:

• the alleys and stairways of the ancient villages of Castellone and Mola;
• the towers and sections of walls that define the city's skyline;
• the Tomb of Cicero, the famous mausoleum standing along the Appian Way;
• the remains of the Roman Fountain and ancient hydraulic systems;
• stretches of the Appian Way, which cuts through the heart of Formia;
• stunning views of the sea and the Gulf of Gaeta from the city's highest points.

The surface is entirely paved, but the elevation profile is never flat: those chasing a personal best will find this a tactical challenge rather than a fast sprint.

The day's schedule

The event follows the classic format of FIDAL regional races, with an early morning meeting point at Largo Paone, in the heart of Formia. The competitive race starts at 9:15 AM, followed at 9:30 AM by the 7-kilometer fun run, a non-competitive event open to everyone, designed for families, groups, and curious visitors who want to discover the city on foot. The awards ceremony concludes the morning around 11:30 AM.

The race is open to elite athletes and amateurs registered with FIDAL and EPS, as well as Runcard holders. Electronic chip timing is used, and the course is supported by refreshment stations and medical assistance, including ambulances and defibrillators.

Awards and rankings

Awards are presented to the top three men and women in the overall standings, the winners of individual categories, and the largest teams, with a prize pool dedicated to clubs: 500 euros for the first-place team, 400 for the second, and 200 for the third. This incentive explains why the event attracts large delegations not only from Lazio but also from the neighboring regions of Campania and Molise.

Sport, sea, and territory

The Giro delle Torri is more than just a race. The April Sunday on which it takes place is a day of celebration for Formia, with the center closed to traffic, residents cheering along the route, and the seaside promenade becoming a meeting point after the finish line. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Formia and held in collaboration with FIDAL and ASI.

For visitors, the race is a perfect excuse for a trip: in April, the Gulf of Gaeta offers mild temperatures, calm seas, and a seafood cuisine that, across Formia, Gaeta, and Sperlonga, is among the most renowned on the Lazio coast.