Two Villages Half-Marathon (Nazzano-Ponzano Romano)

Running between two villages in the Tiber Valley

The Two Villages Half-Marathon, also known locally as the Two Municipalities March, is a road and trail race that takes place every spring, connecting the towns of Nazzano and Ponzano Romano in the province of Rome, Lazio. The route spans approximately 16 kilometers, winding mostly along dirt paths, through cultivated fields, forests, and white roads that follow the rolling hills above the Tiber. This isn't a city race; it is a community event, featuring volunteers at refreshment stations, farmers waving from the roadside, and a finish line that feels like a village celebration.

A route through the Nature Reserve

The race crosses the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve, the first protected area established in Lazio. It is famous among birdwatchers for its river bends and wetlands, which provide a habitat for herons, egrets, and numerous migratory species. Running here in late March means experiencing the countryside at its greenest, with early spring blooms and crisp, fresh light. The dirt surface, which can become soft after rain, makes the race more technical than the distance suggests—not a course for personal bests, but one to be savored.

Two villages, one event

• Nazzano: A medieval village clustered around the Rocca Savelli, with Piazza della Rocca serving as the heart of the day and the hub for registration and refreshments.
• Ponzano Romano: A town overlooking the valley, renowned for the nearby Abbey of Sant'Andrea in Flumine, one of the most significant Romanesque complexes in the Roman Sabina.
• The bond: The half-marathon was created specifically to unite these two communities, which share country roads, trails, and a long-standing tradition of joint festivities.

Sports and food festival on the same day

The event's unique appeal lies in its timing with the Nazzano Gnocchi Festival, organized by the local Pro Loco in Piazza della Rocca. After the morning run, participants gather at noon at the food stalls, where handmade gnocchi are served in two traditional styles: with mutton ragù or simple tomato sauce, accompanied by stewed mutton, grilled sausages, sautéed chicory, and fries. It is a simple, effective formula that draws runners, families, and curious visitors from across the province of Rome and the Sabina region.

Who is it for?

The event is open to both registered athletes and casual walkers or enthusiasts who wish to tackle the route non-competitively. The 16-kilometer distance is accessible to anyone with a basic level of fitness for trail running, and the pace of the day remains intentionally convivial. Many running clubs in Lazio include this event in their spring calendars, appreciating the scenic setting and affordable entry costs.

The setting: The Tiber Valley

Nazzano and Ponzano Romano are located along the Via Tiberina, just over forty kilometers from Rome, in a section of the valley where the river slows and forms wide meanders. In recent years, this area has seen a rise in slow tourism, characterized by hiking, cycling, and village exploration. The Two Villages Half-Marathon fits perfectly into this vocation: a sporting event that doubles as an opportunity to discover a lesser-known corner of Lazio, where medieval heritage and nature reserves coexist just a few kilometers apart.