Palestrina Archeologica

Running through history

Palestrina Archeologica is no ordinary running race: the course unfolds entirely within the historic center of Palestrina, a town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital perched on the slopes of Monte Ginestro in the Lazio region. The race passes by the remains of ancient Praeneste and the monumental terraces of the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, one of the most impressive archaeological complexes from the Roman Republican era, now home to the National Archaeological Museum of Palestrina and its famous Nile mosaic.

A challenging competitive race

The official event, known as the Palestrina Archeologica – Gianluca Pompili Trophy, covers 9.6 kilometers and is a road race included in the regional FIDAL calendar. Athletes gather at Piazza Santa Maria degli Angeli, with the start set for 9:00 AM at Viale della Vittoria. The course is considered technical and demanding due to the elevation changes of the historic center: runners in Palestrina must tackle short, steep climbs and careful descents, rewarded by views stretching all the way to the Sacco Valley.

A non-competitive run for everyone

Alongside the competitive race, the organizers offer a non-competitive run of approximately 3.2 kilometers, designed for families, casual runners, and non-registered participants. This format has allowed the event to grow year after year, involving not just runners but the entire community, which cheers on the participants from the streets.

Race pack, prizes, and Giglietto

• 180 category prizes distributed across various age groups, both male and female
• Finisher medal with an artistic design, unique to each edition
• Rich race pack, including the traditional Giglietto di Palestrina—a local biscuit recognized as a traditional agri-food product of Lazio—along with a commemorative gadget
• Final refreshment with a buffet at the finish line

Organizers

The event is managed by ASD Palestrina Running, a local running club, in collaboration with the Pro Loco of Palestrina and under the patronage of the Municipality of Palestrina. The stated goal is twofold: to offer a high-level technical race to the Lazio running community while promoting the city's archaeological and tourist heritage. The trophy is dedicated to the memory of Gianluca Pompili, a figure closely linked to the local sports scene.

A staple of Lazio running

With over ten editions behind it, Palestrina Archeologica has become a permanent fixture in the June calendar of Lazio's running scene, attracting clubs from across the province of Rome and the Castelli Romani. The race also serves as a qualifying event for various social rankings and amateur circuits, which explains the high turnout of organized groups. Visitors from outside the region find a perfect blend of sport, archaeology, and local gastronomy in a single morning—it is hard to ask for more from a 9.6 km race.