La Speata

A climb that is a classic of the Lazio running circuit

Every first Sunday of August, the provincial road from Subiaco to Monte Livata closes to traffic and fills with runners: this is La Speata, one of the most famous and beloved uphill races in Lazio and Central Italy. Twelve kilometers of asphalt, entirely uphill, with gradients reaching 15% in some sections: a race that, as locals say, "gives nothing away," and for this very reason attracts athletes and running clubs from across the region every year. In 2026, the event crosses the finish line of its 29th edition, held in conjunction with the 24th Franco Ciaffi Trophy.

«Speata»: fatigue in the Subiaco dialect

The race's name comes from the local dialect of Subiaco: a «speata» is a strenuous, breath-taking walk. It is hard to find a more fitting name for a race that starts at 882 meters in Contrada Montore and climbs to 1,357 meters at Monte Livata, with nearly 500 meters of elevation gain and not a single flat stretch to catch your breath. The first part of the course is the most demanding, with the steepest ramps concentrated in the initial kilometers: managing your energy is the true key to the race, along with the ability to withstand the wind that often accompanies the final kilometers at altitude.

The route: from Contrada Montore to the Livata plateau

The race follows the Subiaco–Monte Livata provincial road, which is closed to traffic for the occasion, winding through the woods of the Monti Simbruini Regional Natural Park, the largest protected area in Lazio. Three refreshment and sponge stations at the 3rd, 6th, and 9th kilometers mark the ascent to the finish on the Monte Livata plateau, a historic resort town and gateway to the Simbruini trails. The time limit is 120 minutes, and timing is managed via electronic chip. These same ramps have also hosted the Giro d'Italia Next Gen, confirming the cycling—as well as running—prestige of this climb.

The Franco Ciaffi Trophy and awards

The race awards the Franco Ciaffi Trophy to the overall winner, along with cash prizes and goods for the top three men and women. Awards are also given to the top five athletes in each male and female category (from Seniors to over 75), the five largest teams—with the Remo Renzetti Trophy for the first place—and the top finishers among AVIS blood donors, to whom a specific trophy is dedicated: a sign of the deep bond between the race and the local community.

The Gruppo Marciatori Simbruini

La Speata is organized by the ASD Gruppo Marciatori Simbruini of Subiaco, a FIDAL-affiliated club, with the patronage of the Municipality of Subiaco and the support of the Lazio Region. With nearly thirty editions behind it, the event has become a hallmark of the Subiaco summer: on the morning of the race, the town mobilizes with shuttles, refreshment points, and volunteers, and the arrival at Monte Livata turns into a true mountain sports festival.

Subiaco: between sports and Benedictine heritage

Running La Speata is also an opportunity to discover Subiaco, a village in the Metropolitan City of Rome nestled in the Aniene Valley. It was here that Saint Benedict of Nursia lived as a hermit in the Sacred Cave and founded his first monasteries: the Monastery of Saint Benedict, clinging to the rock, and the Monastery of Saint Scholastica, where the first book in Italy was printed in the 15th century. Between the Abbey Fortress, the medieval Saint Francis Bridge, and the waters of the Aniene, the race weekend is perfect for a getaway that combines sports, nature, and one of the most important spiritual heritages in Lazio.