The 10 km seaside race at the foot of the Santa Severa Castle
The Santa Severa Run, also known by organisers as Corri a Santa Severa, is a 10-kilometre road race established in 2026 on the northern coast of Lazio. The meeting point, start, and finish are located at the foot of the Santa Severa Castle, the evocative fortress reflecting directly onto the Tyrrhenian Sea in the seaside district of Santa Severa, within the municipality of Santa Marinella, near Rome. It is one of the few Italian road races where you literally sprint in the shadow of a medieval fortress lapped by the waves.
The castle stands on the site of the ancient Etruscan city of Pyrgi and is today one of the iconic landmarks of the Lazio coast: a fortified village complete with a Saracen tower, a museum, and a beach at its feet. Running around its walls, with the sea just a few metres away, gives the event a character that goes beyond a simple sporting competition, making it an opportunity to discover one of the most photogenic corners of the coast north of Rome.
The 10-kilometre route is entirely flat, making it suitable for both those chasing a personal best and those wanting to enjoy the scenery. The first 2 kilometres wind around the Santa Severa Castle; the rest of the course follows the roads of the seaside resort, with a long and evocative stretch right by the sea. There is a refreshment station at the 5th kilometre and a final buffet at the finish line.
The inaugural race was held on Sunday, 29 March 2026, starting at 9:00 am, with 466 runners crossing the finish line. In the men's category, Luca Pandolfi (Tirreno Atletica Civitavecchia) won in 34'20", ahead of Emiliano Schena (Podistica Magliese) and Alessio Tanfoni (Lazio Atletica Leggera). In the women's category, victory went to Loghan Gonzales (Velocemente Academy) in 41'19", followed by Marta Fiorucci (Runner Team) and Stefania Agrumi (Italiana Running).
The event is organised by the Roman running club ASD Bravetta Runners, with the patronage of the Municipality of Santa Marinella and Opes Roma, technical support from Decathlon Da Vinci, and timing provided by Race Chrono Service; the race is part of the Decathlon Running League circuit. Alongside the competitive race, reserved for FIDAL and EPS members or Runcard holders, there is a non-competitive event over the same distance open to everyone: a formula that turns the day into a true celebration of sport for the local area.
Late March on the Lazio coast means mild weather, spring light, and the chance to turn the trip into a weekend of beaches, villages, and castles. For runners from the Lazio region and beyond, the Santa Severa Run is a fresh opportunity to combine sport, historical heritage, and coastal scenery in a single morning of running.
On Sunday, 29 March 2026, the Santa Severa Run held its first edition, organised by ASD Bravetta Runners with the patronage of the Municipality of Santa Marinella and Opes Roma. The meeting point was set for 8:00 am under the Santa Severa Castle, with the start at 9:00 am for both the competitive 10 km race and the non-competitive event.
The completely flat course wound around the castle for the first 2 kilometres before following the seaside roads, with a long stretch overlooking the sea. Upon arrival, after the 5th-kilometre refreshment station, participants enjoyed a final buffet.
The race recorded 466 finishers. Luca Pandolfi (Tirreno Atletica Civitavecchia) won in 34'20", ahead of Emiliano Schena and Alessio Tanfoni; in the women's category, Loghan Gonzales (Velocemente Academy) finished first in 41'19", ahead of Marta Fiorucci and Stefania Agrumi. The top three in the general rankings, the top three in each FIDAL category, and the largest teams were awarded prizes ranging from โฌ40 to โฌ1,000.
Registration for the competitive race closes at 8:00 pm on Friday, 27 March; non-competitive registration closes at 6:00 pm on Saturday, 28 March, or on-site on Sunday morning. Timing with chip provided by Race Chrono Service.
The Santa Severa Castle is located along the Via Aurelia (SS1) at km 52.600, in the Santa Severa district of the Municipality of Santa Marinella (RM). By train: FL5 regional line (Rome TerminiโCivitavecchia), Santa Severa stop, then about a twenty-minute walk to the castle. By car: Via Aurelia from Rome or Civitavecchia; parking is provided for race participants at the castle.
Register online at racechronoservice.it or via email to the organisers ([email protected]). The fee is โฌ16 for both the competitive and non-competitive races, including a technical jersey, race bib with chip, refreshment stations, photo service, and medical assistance.
The course is flat but exposed: bring a cap and sunglasses in case of sun. Bib collection takes place on the Saturday before the race at Decathlon Da Vinci; check the official regulations for times and details.
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Castello di Santa Severa
Via Aurelia km 52,600 (Castello di Santa Severa), 00058 Santa Marinella