Viterbo Half Marathon - City of Popes

A half marathon in the City of Popes

The Viterbo Half Marathon - City of Popes is the premier half marathon in Viterbo, the capital of the province of the same name in northern Lazio and the heart of the Tuscia region. The race covers the classic distance of 21.097 kilometers on a FIDAL-certified course that begins in Piazza dei Caduti and weaves through the medieval historic center—one of the best-preserved in Europe, famous for the San Pellegrino district and the Palace of the Popes—and the surrounding countryside. Running in Viterbo means traversing centuries of history: the city served as a papal seat in the 13th century, earning it the title of "City of Popes," which gives the event its name.

Born under European auspices

The first edition took place on September 28, 2025, to mark the tenth anniversary of the European Week of Sport, achieving success beyond expectations with approximately 1,500 registrants and nearly 800 finishers. The event is organized by ASD Viterbo Runners in collaboration with the sports promotion body OPES and boasts prestigious patronage from the European Commission and the European Parliament, as well as support from CONI, CIP, Sport e Salute, the Lazio Region, and the Municipality of Viterbo. The event was conceived not just as a race, but as a project to promote sport for all, inclusion, and healthy lifestyles.

The races: Competitive 21K and relay for all

The sports program offers two formats to engage both experienced runners and casual enthusiasts:

• Competitive Half Marathon (21.097 km) — reserved for registered athletes, on a FIDAL-certified course, with official timing and refreshment stations along the route;
• Non-competitive 4x5 km relay — teams of four runners split the half-marathon distance into four 5,000-meter legs: a format designed for families, groups of friends, and companies, with a medal for every team.

The first edition also included a fun run open to everyone, confirming the event's popular appeal.

The 2026 edition: Aiming for 2,000 participants

Following a sold-out debut, the second edition is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, with the start at 9:00 AM from Piazza dei Caduti. Organizers have increased capacity by 500 spots, raising the limit to 2,000 athletes for the 21K and 200 teams for the relay. Registration is handled via the ENDU platform, with fees increasing based on the period. The opening of registration was announced by the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Antonella Sberna, confirming the bond between the Viterbo race and European institutions.

Sport and territory in Tuscia

The Viterbo Half Marathon is also an opportunity to promote tourism in the Municipality of Viterbo and the entire province. During the first edition, the race was accompanied by a sports village featuring stands and activities, as well as round-table discussions on sport, inclusion, and healthy lifestyles. It is a weekend where the Lazio Region showcases one of its most fascinating art cities, set amidst thermal baths, historic villages, and the flavors of the Tuscia region.