Trail della Fede – Franco Bonavenia Memorial

A trail blending sport, nature, and spirituality

The Trail della Fede is a mountain race that, every year between May and June, brings hundreds of running enthusiasts to Vallepietra, a village of a few hundred inhabitants perched in the upper Aniene Valley, within the Municipality of Vallepietra, in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Lazio. The name is no coincidence: the routes wind through the village streets and the trails of the Monti Simbruini Regional Natural Park, leading to sites associated with the Sanctuary of the Santissima Trinità, a destination for centuries-old pilgrimages and a religious symbol for the entire region.

Two routes for everyone

The event offers two complementary formats, designed for both trained athletes and casual walkers:

• 15 km competitive race (approx. 825 meters of elevation gain): starting from Piazza Italia in the center of Vallepietra, finishing at the scenic Tre Croci square after a challenging route through woods, ridges, and mountain paths.
• 6 km non-competitive walk: open to all ages and fitness levels, it also starts from Piazza Italia and leads to the Sanctuary of the Santissima Trinità, with proceeds donated to the sanctuary itself.

The day concludes with an awards ceremony and final refreshments for all participants, in a festive village atmosphere that involves the entire community.

In memory of Franco Bonavenia

Starting with the fourth edition, held on May 24, 2026, the race became the Franco Bonavenia Memorial, in tribute to the runner from the Podistica dei Fiori of Isola del Liri who passed away in May 2025 at the age of 64, following a sudden illness during a run in Vallepietra, the place he loved. A cross placed at the Sanctuary of the Santissima Trinità by his brother Romano, a minute of silence before the start, and the red jerseys with his motto "Batte sempre forte" (It always beats strong) worn by his family made the 2026 edition particularly moving: about 120 athletes participated across the race and the walk.

Organizers

The Trail della Fede is organized by ASD Runners Club Anagni in collaboration with the Municipality of Vallepietra and the AICS committee of Frosinone, with the patronage of the Pro Loco of Vallepietra and the support of the Italian Red Cross and Civil Protection along the route. Registration and timing are managed by Race Service.

Why participate

Launched in 2023, the trail has quickly become a highly anticipated event in the Lazio running calendar: an opportunity to run or walk in one of the wildest and most authentic corners of Lazio, discover the village of Vallepietra, and climb toward a sanctuary that has drawn pilgrims from Lazio and Abruzzo for centuries. Sport, nature, faith, and memory intertwine in a day that is well worth the trip to the upper Aniene Valley.