Lago del Salto Ultra Marathon

A race that circles the entire lake

The Lago del Salto Ultra Marathon is a road running event held in the municipality of Petrella Salto, in the province of Rieti, in the heart of Lazio. The meeting point, start, and finish are located in Borgo San Pietro, the hamlet overlooking the reservoir, in front of the Monastery of Santa Filippa Mareri. The route does not pass through cities or industrial zones: it follows the road along the perimeter of Lago del Salto, with the water almost always in sight and the Cicolano hills as a backdrop.

The setting: the Cicolano and the artificial lake

Lago del Salto is an artificial basin created in the 1930s by damming the Salto River. Its construction submerged the old village of Borgo San Pietro, which was rebuilt on higher ground—a history that locals still recount, giving the landscape a unique character suspended between nature and memory. The Cicolano is one of the least-frequented areas of inland Lazio, defined by small villages, forests, and quiet roads—ideal conditions for a long-distance race.

Five courses for every level

The format chosen by Rieti Marathon Italia features multiple concentric routes, allowing everyone to find their own pace on the same morning:

• the ultra of approximately 68 km, the longest loop, reserved for those experienced in long distances;
• the marathon at the Olympic distance of 42.195 km;
• an intermediate course of just over thirty kilometres, very popular with amateur runners;
• a short competitive race, suitable for those looking to test their speed;
• a non-competitive walk of a few kilometres, open to families and those who prefer to enjoy the lake at a leisurely pace.

Exact distances may vary slightly from one edition to the next, depending on road works along the reservoir: the official regulations published by Rieti Marathon Italia are always the definitive reference.

Support and safety

The organization monitors the entire loop with refreshment stations, support points, and service personnel throughout all events: on such a long course, largely away from populated areas, this is a crucial aspect. The race is part of the Rieti running circuits—the Marathon Tour, the Lunghissimo Tour, and the Medio Tour—and therefore counts towards the rankings of multiple tours simultaneously, which is why it attracts athletes from all over Lazio and neighboring regions every year. The event is held under the patronage of OPES Comitato Rieti APS.

Why it's worth it

This is not a city race: there are no miles of barricades or crowds lining the streets. It is a landscape run, where the rhythm is dictated by the geography of the lake, and May 1st typically offers fresh temperatures, ideal for long distances. For those arriving from outside the region, the day is perfect for extending your stay with a visit to the Monastery of Santa Filippa Mareri and the villages of the Cicolano, or a stop in Rieti, just over half an hour away.