La Jennesina
The 10.2 km road race from the Monastery of Saint Scholastica to Jenne, in the heart of the Simbruini Mountains
About La Jennesina
A race between two Benedictine monasteries
La Jennesina is a 10.2-kilometer road race held every year in early July in the town of Jenne, in the Province of Rome, Lazio. The course links two iconic sites of Benedictine monasticism in the upper Aniene Valley: it starts at the Monastery of Saint Scholastica, just outside Subiaco, and follows the provincial road through the valley to the historic center of Jenne, passing near the Monastery of Saint Benedict, the famous Sacro Speco.
The course: the most famous false flat in Lazio
The route is as simple on paper as it is challenging for the legs. From the 510-meter starting point, runners face approximately 7.5 kilometers of a steady uphill false flat, with gradients reaching 5%, followed by a 2.5-kilometer descent that leads athletes to the entrance of Jenne at 850 meters above sea level. The final 500 meters wind through the alleys of the medieval village, where spectators cheer from their windows all the way to the finish line. It is this combination of effort and beauty that has earned the race the reputation among runners as the "most beautiful false flat in the world."
In the Simbruini Mountains Park
The race takes place entirely within the Simbruini Mountains Regional Natural Park, the largest protected area in Lazio. Beech forests, limestone cliffs, and the Aniene river accompany the runners throughout the course, while the evening start provides a unique light that makes the landscape particularly evocative. The 6:00 PM start time is not just for aesthetics: it allows athletes to run during the cooler hours of a summer day and arrive in Jenne just as the village prepares for the festivities.
History and identity of the event
Established in the late 2000s, La Jennesina has grown to become one of the most anticipated events on the Lazio running calendar. The organization is managed by A.S.D. Tivoli Marathon, led by president Marco Morici, in collaboration with the Pro Loco of Jenne and with the support of the local municipality. In recent years, the race has been included in the «In Corsa Libera» Opes circuit, which brings together the most representative sporting events in the region.
More than just competition
- Competitive race with FIDAL registration and category rankings.
- Non-competitive run open to walkers and enthusiasts.
- Race pack including an official technical jersey and a commemorative medal for all finishers.
- Free shuttle service from Jenne to the start at Saint Scholastica.
- Dinner in the square after the race, with a special set menu for athletes.
A village that gets involved
In Jenne, the race is more than just a sporting event; it is a village festival. Every year, a few hundred residents welcome hundreds of athletes from across Lazio and beyond, turning the village squares into a large gathering area. Bib collection, bag drop, the awards ceremony, and dinner all take place in the same space, ensuring the evening continues well after the last runner arrives. For those visiting the Aniene Valley, the week of La Jennesina is an excellent opportunity to discover the Subiaco monasteries, the park's trails, and the mountain cuisine of this lesser-known corner of Lazio.
La Jennesina — edition 2026
The 19th edition
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, La Jennesina celebrated its nineteenth edition, confirming its status as one of the most anticipated events on the Lazio running calendar. The meeting point was set for 2:00 PM in Piazza Madonna delle Grazie in Jenne, with a free shuttle service to the starting line set up in front of the Monastery of Saint Scholastica. The race began at 6:00 PM under a summer light that accompanied the athletes along the 7.5 kilometers of uphill false flat and the subsequent 2.5 kilometers of descent into the village.
In the weeks leading up to the race, the organizers unveiled the new official technical jersey, given to all registrants, and the commemorative medal reserved for those who crossed the finish line. The organization was managed by the A.S.D. Tivoli Marathon under president Marco Morici, in collaboration with the Pro Loco of Jenne.
The winners
In the men's category, Umberto Persi (ASD Atletica La Sbarra) won in 37'51", ahead of Daniele Vulpiani (Tivoli Marathon, 38'40") and Domenico Liberatore (Podistica Solidarietà, 39'15"). In the women's category, Ilaria Colonnelli (ASD Atletica Ferentino) took victory in 48'20", followed by Pamela Gabrielli (Runforever Aprilia) in 49'27" and Maria Bruno (ASD Salerno Marathon) in 50'00". The evening concluded, as per tradition, with the awards ceremony and dinner in the square in Jenne.
Programme La Jennesina 2026
Program for Saturday, July 4, 2026
- 2:00 PM — Meeting point, bib collection, and race pack in Piazza Madonna delle Grazie, Jenne
- Afternoon — Free shuttle service from Jenne to the Monastery of Saint Scholastica (Subiaco)
- 6:00 PM — Start of the 10.2 km race from the Monastery of Saint Scholastica
- Finish — Historic center of Jenne, final 500 meters through the medieval village alleys
- Following — Refreshments, awards ceremony, and dinner in the square
The race was valid as the 11th stage of the «In Corsa Libera» Opes circuit and was open to both competitive licensed athletes and non-competitive participants.
Highlights La Jennesina 2026
- Evening start at 6:00 PM from the Monastery of Saint Scholastica
- 10.2 km route within the Simbruini Mountains Regional Natural Park
- 7.5 km uphill false flat with gradients up to 5%, followed by 2.5 km of descent
- Finish line in the medieval village of Jenne, at an altitude of 850 meters
- Official technical jersey and commemorative medal for all finishers
- 11th stage of the «In Corsa Libera» Opes circuit
- Dinner in the square after the race
Prices La Jennesina 2026
Practical information — La Jennesina
How to get there
By car from Rome: Take the A24 motorway, exit at Vicovaro-Mandela, then follow the SS5 Sublacense to Subiaco and the SP road towards Jenne (approx. 80 km, 1h15). The meeting point is in Jenne, in Piazza Madonna delle Grazie; from there, a free shuttle service takes athletes to the starting line at the Monastery of Saint Scholastica.
Registration and fees
Online registration via the ICRON platform, closing a few days before the race; the entry fee is approximately 15 euros. Places are limited (approx. 300 for the competitive race, 100 for the non-competitive). For the competitive race, FIDAL or a recognized sports promotion body membership is required.
Dinner and services
Dinner in the square starting at 8:00 PM, with a full menu at a discounted price for athletes with a race bib and full price for companions. Bag storage, final refreshment station, and electronic timing are available.
Contacts
A.S.D. Tivoli Marathon — email [email protected], phone +39 366 7337177, website tivolimarathon.it.
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Where does it take place — La Jennesina
Da Subiaco (Monastero di Santa Scolastica) a Jenne
Piazza Madonna delle Grazie, 00020 Jenne