Circo Massimo
It’s a straight track and not the most entertaining of runs, but it’s usually full of other runners, the surface is soft and it’s one of the most iconic sporting venues in history. Instead of visiting the Circo Massimo as a tourist spectator, why not run the 621-metre track and imagine what it must have been like in its heyday with 150,000 Roman spectators filling the marble stadium. A good easy run with easily measurable distance, the lack of trees and shade means it can get very hot indeed during the day, so one for the morning or the evening.
Villa Borghese Park
One for a leisurely evening run out with a friend rather than the marathon trainer. Visit the Galleria Borghese first with sculptures by Bernini (David, Daphne), with paintings by Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio before your run.
Villa Doria Pamphili
The biggest landscaped garden in Rome the Villa Doria Pamphili was built in the 17th century is situated in the Monteverde area of Rome the park at 1.8 square km is the city’s most popular running destinations. Its relatively high position means the air is cleaner than the streets of Rome. Good for all types of running whether you need to put in some serious mileage or just to take it easy.
Villa Celimontana
The Tiber banks Do this one at sunset when marble statues along the route are cast in a warm rose light and all seems well with the world. Begin at the Ponte Umberto (bridge near the Piazza Navona) and run north to the Villa Borghese area where a bike path runs along the west bank of the River, crossing back on the Ponte Flamino. Alternately can run towards Trastevere, past the Isola Tiberina, crossing over at the Ponte Palatino
The Appian Way
Rome’s most famous road/route can sometimes get lost in the hustle and bustle of modern Rome, but running a section of this pathway is a perfect way to trace the history of ancient Rome. Part of the marathon route of the 1960 Summer Olympics that was run by Ethiopian Adele Bikila running barefoot, it was restored for the race.
The grounds of the Villa Celimontana cover most of the valley between the Aventine Hill and the Caelian Hill. The principal entrance is located near the Piazza della Naveicella beside the Basilica Santa Maria in Dominica. Provides a very good 10k with varying gradients and for Swide, it’s the bets place to run in Rome, with fewer people and tourists.
Villa Adda
In the north-eastern part of the city the 1.8 square km of the Villa Adda are richly wooded and lush and if the summer heat of the city centre is getting to you this is a nearby escape. It’s possible to rent boats and canoes to take out on the huge artificial lake and there are stables with horses for hire too.
Parco delle Tombe
The Tombs of Via Latina lies 6km southeast of the centre of Rome, so called because of the ancient Roman tombs here discovered in late 19th century t it is today an archaeological park that is open to the public. Containing fascinating Roman tombs from the 2nd century visit this one at sunset and soak up the peaceful yet eerie atmosphere.
The Cortile del Belvedere, Vatican Palace
Probably too small to really stretch you legs, but it’s right in the middle of the Vatican and if you fancy a walk or very light jog it is a wonderful location with some of the best-designed gardens in all of Italy.
The Tiber banks
If you want to combing your running with a site-seeing tour you can take a running tour.
Do this one at sunset when marble statues along the route are cast in a warm rose light and all seems well with the world. Begin at the Ponte Umberto (bridge near the Piazza Navona) and run north to the Villa Borghese area where a bike path runs along the west bank of the River, crossing back on the Ponte Flamino. Alternately can run towards Trastevere, past the Isola Tiberina, crossing over at the Ponte Palatino.