Ostia, located just south of Rome International Airport, has some good running options, from a seafront promenade, runnable beach, large shaded park, and ancient road at a prominent archaeological site.
Parco Urbano – Mark Lowenstein
Seafront Promenade(Lungomare): A wide seafront promenade runs for nearly 6 km along the beach in Ostia. There are separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians, with the pedestrian path closest to the water. There are some nice views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, although it’s blocked by small buildings for some of the way. It’s also possible to run on the beach — there’s usually a thin strip of firm sand near the water. A nice section is ~1 km along the marina section, at the north end. There’s also ~2 km of waterfront promenade in Fiumicino, just north of Ostia. Pro Tip: some of the beach operators have shower facilities for a few euros. Bonus: Lit at night.
Beach in Ostia. Mark Lowenstein
Park: There are lovely, shaded, tree-lined paths in the Parco urbano Pineta di Castel Fusano, just inland from the seafront. They’re straight paths running north-south and east-west, combination of paved & unpaved. Good shaded option on a hot day. One can put together several km in here.
Ostia Antica. Ostia Antica was the harbor city of ancient Rome. It is now a well-preserved archaeological site and is a popular tourist destination due to its ancient buildings, frescoes, and mosaics. Run alsong its ancient road, on a stone surface similar to the Appian Way, although there is grass/dirt on the side as well. It’s ~1.2 miles from one end to the other in the Ostia Antica site (admission required). Add-on with lovely farm fields on either side of the Antica site. Or, run to the sea, about 2 miles (on not so pleasant streets). See above.
Ostia, located just south of Rome International Airport, has some good running options, from a seafront promenade, runnable beach, large shaded park, and ancient road at a prominent archaeological site.
Parco Urbano – Mark Lowenstein
Seafront Promenade(Lungomare): A wide seafront promenade runs for nearly 6 km along the beach in Ostia. There are separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians, with the pedestrian path closest to the water. There are some nice views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, although it’s blocked by small buildings for some of the way. It’s also possible to run on the beach — there’s usually a thin strip of firm sand near the water. A nice section is ~1 km along the marina section, at the north end. There’s also ~2 km of waterfront promenade in Fiumicino, just north of Ostia. Pro Tip: some of the beach operators have shower facilities for a few euros. Bonus: Lit at night.
Beach in Ostia. Mark Lowenstein
Park: There are lovely, shaded, tree-lined paths in the Parco urbano Pineta di Castel Fusano, just inland from the seafront. They’re straight paths running north-south and east-west, combination of paved & unpaved. Good shaded option on a hot day. One can put together several km in here.
Ostia Antica. Ostia Antica was the harbor city of ancient Rome. It is now a well-preserved archaeological site and is a popular tourist destination due to its ancient buildings, frescoes, and mosaics. Run alsong its ancient road, on a stone surface similar to the Appian Way, although there is grass/dirt on the side as well. It’s ~1.2 miles from one end to the other in the Ostia Antica site (admission required). Add-on with lovely farm fields on either side of the Antica site. Or, run to the sea, about 2 miles (on not so pleasant streets). See above.
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Essentials
Seafront Promenade is ~6 km; Park Paths are several km; Antica road/paths ~1.2 miles end-to-end
Flat
Depends on route chosen
1/2 hour train ride from Rome and is only a few km south of the airport
Enjoy great views of St. Peter's Basilica from the paths around Monte Ciocci Park, and then a multi-use path over the rail line north to Monte Mario or the new path south to the San Pietro train station.
Running along the Tiber River in Rome is a great way to go for a run and see the city without dealing with traffic and intersections. The 7 mile path runs through the heart of the most visited sections of the city, but below the roads.
A unique and historic run along this ancient Roman road. Up to 12 km. Mix of surfaces. Can combine with scenic paths around Parco Della Caffarella, and/or a loop around the famous Circus Maximus. Good option near Ciampino Airport.
The third largest park in Rome is centrally located and makes for a great run. It’s possible put together about 3 miles along the paths of the Villa Borghese. Villa Ada is a nice add-on option.
Rome’s second largest park is more wooded and less finely manicured than Borghese or Pamphili. There are numerous paths throughout the park, including the perimeter of the fort, totaling ~3 miles.
Rome’s largest park, contains a stunning, mid- 17th century palace surrounded by garden mazes, jogging trails, fabulous fountains, a superb grotto, and pine lined views of Rome from atop the Janiculum hill.
A route through three pleasant parks in EUR, the business district in southern Rome known for its monumental Fascist-era architecture & also the location of the major La Nuvola Conference Center. Parco del Lago dell'EUR, Parco degli Eucalipti, & Parco del Ninfeo.
A unique run in a scenic park on paths passing the remains of two remarkable ancient aqueducts. Located in Appio Claudio in the far southeast reaches of Rome (Mun. VII).
Known for its idyllic Terranean seaside, Anzio is a popular day-trip destination from Rome, and is accessible via a roughly 1 hour car or train ride. There's a wide sidewalk/path along the main road, with nice views of the sea, for 6 km.
The massive Parco Naturale Regionale di Bracciano Martignano, surrounding the Lago di Bracciano northwest of Rome, has a good variety of running opportunities.
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Essentials
Seafront Promenade is ~6 km; Park Paths are several km; Antica road/paths ~1.2 miles end-to-end
Flat
Depends on route chosen
1/2 hour train ride from Rome and is only a few km south of the airport
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!