Trail Monte Solo (Pastena Carnival Trail)

A Carnival trail run in the heart of Ciociaria

The Trail Monte Solo is the trail running race that brings Pastena, a small town in the province of Frosinone, Lazio, to life every February. Known primarily for its karst caves, the village transforms for a day into the headquarters for trail runners from central Italy. The meeting point is Piazza del Maggio in the historic center, from where a loop climbs toward the summit of Monte Solo, one of the peaks bordering the valley on the Lepini Mountains side.

The Route

The course measures 16.6 kilometers with 701 meters of elevation gain: numbers that aren't intimidating but hide a varied and technically demanding profile. Steep climbs, fast descents, and flat sections through ancient forests alternate throughout. The terrain changes constantly—asphalt and staircases in the village, rock, singletrack, wide dirt paths, scree, and muddy passages at higher altitudes—making trail running shoes mandatory. A portion of the route runs directly through the historic streets of the village, with spectators leaning out of their doorways: it is one of the features most appreciated by participants.

The Spirit of Carnival

What makes this race different from others is the date: it takes place in mid-February, right in the middle of Carnival, when the village is already in full celebration mode. Many athletes start the race in costume, and the organizers award prizes for the best male and female outfits. This choice lightens the competitive atmosphere and has made the Trail Monte Solo one of the most photographed stages of the circuit, earning it the nickname Pastena Carnival Trail.

Beyond the Race: The Guided Trek

For those who prefer not to run, a guided 10-kilometer trek led by an environmental guide sets off in the morning, starting before the main race. This format allows families, hikers, and curious visitors to discover the same natural environment at a leisurely pace and meet back in the square as the first athletes arrive.

A Stage of the TML Circuit

The Trail Monte Solo is a leg of the Trofeo Trails dei Monti Lepini (TML), a circuit organized by A.S.D. Il Corridore Running Club under the aegis of FIDAL and sports promotion bodies. The trophy includes a dozen races across Lazio and neighboring regions, with distances ranging from 11 to 42 kilometers, and features a final ranking for those who complete at least half of the scheduled events. Many participants arrive in Pastena specifically to collect points for the overall standings.

The Post-Race Atmosphere

As with the festivals and sporting events of central Italy, the finish line is not the end of the day. In the square, you will find refreshments, a pasta party, beer, award ceremonies for overall and category winners, and a prize draw open to all participants. The organization maintains an environmentally conscious policy: no plastic cups are distributed along the course, and athletes and hikers are asked to bring their own reusable cups or flasks.

Pastena, the Village and its Caves

The municipality of Pastena, in the Lazio region, is best known for the Pastena Caves, one of the most visited karst complexes in central Italy, and for a medieval historic center filled with arches, staircases, and stone houses. Those arriving from outside the region often extend their day by visiting the caves, located just minutes from the finish line, or by taking a stroll through the alleys after the pasta party.

Why Participate

• A short but complete course, suitable for both experienced trail runners and those new to the sport
• Carnival atmosphere with prizes for the best male and female costumes
• Non-competitive alternative: the guided 10-kilometer trek
• Mid-course refreshment station and final pasta party with sweets and beer
• An authentic Ciociaria village as a backdrop