Rome-Ostia half-marathon

For those passionate about running, Rome hosts two major half-marathons each year. The first is the Rome-Ostia Half Marathon, held at the beginning of March, and the second is the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon, which takes place in October. These races offer distinct experiences: Rome-Ostia takes runners from the city to the sea along a highway, while the Wizz Air Rome route winds through the city’s iconic tourist attractions.

This year marked the 50th edition of the Rome-Ostia Half Marathon. The race was first organized in 1974 by a group of young Romans with a passion for exploring the sea. Over the years, it has grown into a major international running event, attracting around 12,000 participants, with 38% being international runners in 2025.

Over five decades, the average age of participants has increased from 30 to 50 years, reflecting a shift in society’s approach to running and fitness. Notably, the first edition had only six female runners, whereas today, one in three participants is a woman—a remarkable sign of progress in gender participation.

Rome-Ostia is a race I truly enjoyed. The wide streets ensure a smooth run, with no pedestrians crossing your path. After an initial section with a few turns, the rest of the race follows a straight-line route toward the sea. The finish line, set against the backdrop of the coast, is spectacular. The race is well-organized, with plenty of volunteers and excellent medical assistance. It’s clear that the organizers have perfected the event over the years.

If you’re planning to run the Rome-Ostia Half Marathon in the future, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Baggage drop-off: You must leave your bag before 7:45 AM so it can be transported to the finish line in Ostia. Some runners missed this deadline and had to run with their backpacks.
• Course conditions: The entire race is on asphalt, with two key climbs—one at km 6 and a longer incline between km 10 and 12. Be sure to conserve energy for the second climb.
• Water stations: There are only three hydration points, so make sure to use them wisely.
• Return to Rome: After the race, you can take a bus or train back to Rome, but expect long queues. If you’re in a hurry, consider taking a taxi instead.

My race was almost in jeopardy due to a pulled hamstring injury I sustained in January while training on a treadmill. My recovery attempts weren’t successful until I started physiotherapy, which finally helped me get back on track. To protect my leg, I ran cautiously at 6’30” per km at the start. However, in the second half, I picked up the pace so my teammates wouldn’t have to wait too long for me. In the end, I finished in 2:11:29, far better than my 2:25 pre-race estimate.

This year, four of us from “Trupa lui Fane” participated in the race: Lucian, Andrei, Bogdan, and myself. Andrei and Lucian are serious runners with good performances. With a time of 1:16:44 Andrei was in top 100 of 10500 finishers. Lucian also had a good race finishing in 1:23:11. Bogdan started fast but struggled on the hills, finishing in 1:46:46, a solid result, especially at the start of the racing season. He has time to improve in upcoming events.

One of the best parts of Rome-Ostia is its breathtaking seaside finish. Crossing the line under the spring sun, with waves crashing nearby, is an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this race to anyone looking for a scenic, well-organized, and historic event. Here’s to many more anniversaries of the Rome-Ostia Half Marathon!

PS. History section. The Rome Ostia half-marathon finishes just two kilometers south of the place where the legendary poet and film director Pier Paolo Pasolini was killed 50 years ago. His voice, bold and unyielding, stood against the tide of extremism – until extremism took his life. In today’s world, where radicalism and division rise once more, his story is one we cannot afford to forget.