Rimini–Verucchio

A classic of Romagna's running scene

The Rimini–Verucchio is much more than a road race: it's an event that has been part of the sporting and popular identity of the Rimini area for over forty years. Organized by A.S.D. Golden Club Rimini International under the aegis of UISP and with the patronage of the Municipalities of Rimini and Verucchio (Province of Rimini, Emilia-Romagna), the event combines middle-distance racing with territorial discovery, on a course that links the Riviera to the castles' hinterland.

The course: 21.5 km between the Riviera and the hills

The start is set in the historic center of Rimini, at the foot of the Arch of Augustus, the oldest surviving Roman arch. From here, runners cross the city and head inland, tackling the 21.5 kilometers that separate them from the finish line in Piazza Battaglini, in the village of Verucchio perched at about 330 meters above sea level. The route passes through the localities of San Paolo, Monte Cieco, and Coste di Sgrigna, alternating flat sections with challenging climbs that make the race technical and fascinating, considered one of the most beautiful in the national running scene.

Verucchio, cradle of the Malatesta

Arriving in Verucchio is not just crossing a finish line. The village, dominated by the Malatesta Fortress, is considered the cradle of the famous dynasty that ruled Rimini and much of Romagna in the Middle Ages. This is why the race is nicknamed the "Classic of the Malatesta Castles": those who run traverse centuries of history, from Roman Rimini of the Arch of Augustus to the medieval heart of the hinterland.

Competitors, amateurs, and inclusion

The Rimini–Verucchio welcomes both competitive athletes and amateur runners, with particular attention to inclusion: visually impaired athletes, wheelchair athletes, and plogging groups, who combine running with collecting waste along the route, can also participate. The afternoon start, at 5:00 PM, offers participants the warm light of the late Romagna afternoon and a festive atmosphere along the entire course.

A tradition that continues

Now in its 43rd edition in 2026, the race also preserves the memory of the territory through the "Fausto Martignoni Memorial," to which it is dedicated. It is an event that attracts athletes from various Italian regions and abroad every spring, confirming itself as one of the most important running events in Romagna.