L'Aquila City of the World Half Marathon

Running through the symbols of rebirth

The L'Aquila City of the World Half Marathon is a road race covering the classic 21.097 km distance, winding through the historic center of L'Aquila, the capital of the Abruzzo region. Organized by ASD Atleticom, the event was created to highlight the city's extraordinary architectural, historical, and cultural heritage, and to tell the story of its reconstruction ten years after the earthquake of April 6, 2009. It is more than just a race: it is a journey of memory that traverses the places that have become symbols of L'Aquila's revival.

A route through monuments and districts

The course touches some of the most evocative spots in the municipality of L'Aquila: the Villa Comunale with the Palazzo dell'Emiciclo, Piazza Duomo, the Church of Anime Sante, the 16th-century Spanish Fort where the official start takes place, the San Domenico complex, and the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, the city's spiritual heart. The FIDAL-certified route alternates between paved roads and dirt sections, featuring challenging climbs that offer spectacular views of the Gran Sasso and the Majella mountain range. Some sections even reach the hamlets affected by the earthquake, such as Onna, in a symbolic embrace between the race and the community.

Race program

In addition to the 21.097 km competitive half marathon, the event offers various formats designed to involve runners of all levels and families: a 4x5 km relay, a 5 km non-competitive run, and a fun run/walk open to everyone. The competitive race starts at 9:30 AM from the Villa Comunale area, with meeting point and bib collection at the Palazzo dell'Emiciclo.

Sport and territory in Abruzzo

Supported by the Municipality of L'Aquila and the Abruzzo Region, the L'Aquila City of the World Half Marathon combines sports with tourism and civic engagement: running through the streets of the Abruzzo capital means crossing centuries of history and witnessing the vitality of a city that has managed to stand back up. The event attracts athletes from all over Italy, many from outside the region, drawn by the uniqueness of a course that blends athletic challenge with monumental beauty in the heart of the central Apennines.