Trail delle Carbonaie

A forest run that tells the story of an ancient craft

The Trail delle Carbonaie is one of the most beloved events on the Castelli Romani running calendar. It takes place in Rocca di Papa, a town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Lazio, just over thirty kilometers from the capital, set within a natural amphitheater of beech and chestnut trees covering the slopes of Monte Cavo. The race's name is no coincidence: for centuries, these woods hosted carbonaie—charcoal pits where wood was covered with earth and left to smolder slowly to produce charcoal. The circular clearings left by this work are still visible along the trails, and the race passes through them one after another.

The Course

The competitive race covers approximately 15.5 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 380 meters. Only 1.5 kilometers are on asphalt; the rest is dirt road, forest trail, and mule track, featuring technical climbs alternating with fast descents through the undergrowth. The route climbs toward the summit of Monte Cavo, the former site of the Temple of Jupiter Latiaris, a federal sanctuary for the Latin peoples and one of the most evocative spots in the Alban Hills. On clear days, the panorama opens up over Lake Nemi, Lake Albano, and all the way to the sea.

Alongside the race, there is a non-competitive walk of about 8 kilometers with moderate elevation, designed for those who want to discover the woods of the Castelli Romani Regional Park without the pressure of a stopwatch. This format makes the day perfect for families and casual walkers alike.

Organization and Context

• The event is organized by the A.S.D. Podistica Rocca di Papa, a historic local running club, with the patronage of the Municipality of Rocca di Papa.
• The race is part of the Castelli Romani Circuit, which brings together eight events across the Alban area to promote the territory through running.
• The Trail delle Carbonaie is also a stage of the OPES In Corsa Libera circuit and is registered in the FIDAL Lazio regional calendar.
• The Municipality provides logistical support every year, including temporary road closures, barriers, local police and civil protection presence, waste collection points, and medical assistance with an ambulance.

The Atmosphere

This is not a mass-participation event: the cap is set at around three hundred runners, which is precisely its charm. The early morning gathering at the La Pompa Municipal Park, on Via Pozzo del Principe, has the intimate feel of a village race, with club volunteers handing out bibs and race packs as the forest wakes up. The late morning start allows time to arrive from Rome without rushing, and the awards ceremony—honoring the top three overall finishers and age categories up to over 80—almost always concludes with local food products.

Rocca di Papa and the Castelli Romani

Rocca di Papa is the highest town in the Castelli Romani. Its medieval village, perched on the extinct crater of the Alban Volcano, preserves a maze of stairways and houses known as the 'Bavaresi' district. Surrounding it is the Castelli Romani Regional Park, with its volcanic lakes and woods that fueled the charcoal and timber economy for generations. Participating in the Trail delle Carbonaie means running through a landscape that is both natural and historical—just a stone's throw from Rome, yet in a completely different world.

Tips for Participants

• Refreshment stations are limited and provide water only: participants are asked to bring their own containers, in line with the event's plastic-free philosophy.
• Trail shoes are highly recommended: the forest floor can be slippery, especially after spring rains.
• The race pack is guaranteed to early registrants, so it is best to sign up in advance.