The mountain bike granfondo through the villages of the Rieti Sabina
The Valle del Farfa Marathon is one of the most anticipated events for mountain bike enthusiasts in the Lazio region. The event takes place in Castelnuovo di Farfa, a small town in the province of Rieti, nestled in the hilly landscape of Sabinaโa land of centuries-old olive groves, medieval villages, and trails that wind along the Farfa River.
The off-road race offers tracks suitable for every skill level, designed to help participants discover the authentic beauty of the Sabina territory. The routes pass through the municipalities and hamlets of Toffia, Fara in Sabina, Poggio Mirteto, Montopoli di Sabina, Salisano, and Mompeo, brushing past the majestic Farfa Abbey, one of the most important Benedictine monastic complexes in Italy.
The Valle del Farfa Marathon is part of the Pedalatium Off Road circuit, the reference calendar for off-road cycling in Lazio, which brings together the region's main mountain bike granfondos. For many enthusiasts, this race represents a highlight of the season, offering a chance to test themselves on technical and varied terrain that is always enjoyable to ride.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the day has a festive atmosphere: the cycle-touring format allows even less experienced riders to pedal in a group and enjoy the landscape without the pressure of the clock. At the end of the race, there is a pasta party, a convivial moment that brings together athletes, families, and supporters. The start and finish lines are located in the event village, set up in the town of Castelnuovo di Farfa.
Racing the Valle del Farfa Marathon also means discovering a corner of Lazio still little known to mass tourism. Sabina is famous for its PDO extra virgin olive oil, its hilltop villages, and the Farfa Abbey, a destination for pilgrimages and cultural visits. It is an ideal setting to combine outdoor sports with the promotion of local heritage.
The 2026 edition confirms the proven formula of the Sabina granfondo, with four tracks ranging from the most accessible cycle-touring routes to the long 60 km Marathon. The event is part of the Pedalatium Off Road / MTB Marathon Lazio circuit and ideally closes the off-road season in Lazio.
The race village opens on the afternoon of Saturday, September 26, for race pack collection; the race day is set for Sunday, September 27, with a morning start and a final pasta party.
Castelnuovo di Farfa can be reached by car from the A1 motorway (Fiano Romano or Ponzano Romano-Soratte exits) and via the Salaria road. The nearest train station is Poggio Mirteto, on the Rome-Orte line.
Registration is done online via the Kronoservice timing platform. Discounted rates are available for those who register in advance.
A helmet is mandatory, off-road bikes must be in good condition, and a competitive medical certificate is required for competitive categories. We recommend suitable clothing and carrying water supplies on the longer routes.
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Castelnuovo di Farfa