Rome Sprint Festival
A celebration of speed at the Stadio dei Marmi in the Foro Italico
About Sprint Festival
Rome Sprint Festival: Speed takes center stage at the Foro Italico
The Rome Sprint Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the track and field season in the capital. Organized by FIDAL at the stunning Stadio dei Marmi "Pietro Mennea", located within the historic Foro Italico complex, the event transforms a Roman sunset into a true festival of speed. It is no coincidence that the event takes place the day after the Golden Gala, capitalizing on the presence of international athletics stars in Rome.
A format dedicated to sprinting
The core of the program focuses on short-distance speed: the 100, 200, and 400 meters, along with spectacular relay races. On the track of the Stadio dei Marmi, established champions and young prospects alternate in an atmosphere of great intimacy between the public and the athletes, enhanced by the stadium's compact stands and completely free admission. The concise evening format turns every race into a mini-show, highlighted by the backdrop of marble statues surrounding the venue.
Spotlight on young talent
Alongside the elite races, the festival reserves an increasingly important role for the future of Italian athletics with the Rome Sprint Festival Young: youth categories such as Esordienti and Ragazzi compete in the 60m, Cadetti in the 80m, and there are also national Under-20 relay races. It is a unique way for the youngest athletes to experience the thrill of competing in the same stadium as their idols.
Rome, the Foro Italico, and athletics
The City of Rome, in the Lazio region, preserves one of Italy's most iconic sports complexes at the Foro Italico. The Stadio dei Marmi, named after Pietro Mennea, is the ideal setting for an event that combines high-level sports, youth development, and an evening of pure entertainment accessible to everyone. With live television coverage on Sky Sport, the Rome Sprint Festival brings Italian speed into the homes of fans everywhere.
Why you shouldn't miss it
- Free admission for all spectators
- Italian and international champions in the 100m, 200m, and 400m
- Youth races and Under-20 relays
- Unique evening atmosphere at the Foro Italico
- Live television broadcast on Sky Sport
Sprint Festival — edition 2026
Rome Sprint Festival 2026: The sixth edition
On Friday, June 5, 2026, the day after the Golden Gala, the Stadio dei Marmi at the Foro Italico hosted the sixth edition of the Rome Sprint Festival. Admission was free, with gates opening in the afternoon, races starting at 5:00 PM, and live television coverage on Sky Sport.
The track featured prominent names in Italian athletics such as Zaynab Dosso, world indoor 60m champion, Lorenzo Simonelli, Fausto Desalu, and Andy Diaz. There was also a major focus on youth, with European Under-20 champion Kelly Doualla among the most anticipated stars.
Programme Sprint Festival 2026
2026 Program
- Youth categories (Esordienti, Ragazzi): 60 meters
- Cadetti: 80 meters
- National Under-20 relay championships
- Individual races: 100, 200, and 400 meters
- 4x100 meter relay
Announced athletes included: Zaynab Dosso, Lorenzo Simonelli, Fausto Desalu, Andy Diaz, Kelly Doualla, Margherita Castellani, Francesco Pagliarini, Lorenzo Benati, and Filippo Randazzo. Live on Sky Sport.
Highlights Sprint Festival 2026
- Sixth edition of the Italian speed celebration
- For the first time, the youth sector was at the center of the program, including Under-8 and Under-10 Esordienti
- Free admission to the Stadio dei Marmi
- Live television broadcast on Sky Sport
Prices Sprint Festival 2026
Practical information — Sprint Festival
How to get there
The Stadio dei Marmi is located at the Foro Italico, on Viale del Foro Italico in Rome (Municipio 15). By car, it can be reached via the Lungotevere; public transport options include bus lines heading towards Piazza Lauro De Bosis and Ponte Duca d'Aosta. The nearest train and metro stations allow for easy connections by bus to the Foro Italico.
Admission and times
Admission is free. Gates open in the late afternoon, and the races take place in the evening. We recommend arriving early to secure a seat in the stands.
Tips
Wear comfortable clothing and, in case of hot weather, bring water and a hat. The event is suitable for families and sports fans of all ages.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Sprint Festival
Stadio dei Marmi "Pietro Mennea" - Foro Italico
Viale del Foro Italico, 00135 Roma