Salaria Run

The Salaria Run is a point-to-point road race from Ascoli Piceno to San Benedetto del Tronto, linking the travertine city with the Adriatic coast. It follows the line of the Via Salaria, the ancient Roman consular road that runs down the Tronto valley to the sea. Launched in 2025, it revives the tradition of Ascoli–San Benedetto road races, which had been missing from the regional calendar for several years. It is organised by AVIS Ascoli Marathon with Flipper Triathlon Ascoli as part of the Adriatic Series, with support from the municipalities of Ascoli Piceno and San Benedetto del Tronto and many clubs across the province.

The main race is 33.5 km. It starts at 8 am from Piazza Arringo, Ascoli's grand monumental square, framed by the cathedral of Sant'Emidio and the Palazzo dell'Arengo. Runners then leave the city and follow the valley to the coast. The half marathon, over 21.1 km, starts at 9 am from Castel di Lama, near the railway station, and joins the same route. Both races finish in San Benedetto del Tronto, on Viale Buozzi, a stone's throw from the seafront, after a final section through Porto d'Ascoli and along the coast. The time limit is 3 hours 45 minutes.

The profile is generally kind: Ascoli sits at about 150 metres above sea level and the finish is at sea level, giving a long, gentle descent rather than a hilly course. The unusual 33.5 km distance particularly appeals to marathon runners in autumn training who want a long run in race conditions, while the half marathon lets a wider field enjoy the finish on the Riviera delle Palme, known for its rows of palm trees.

The race is listed on the UISP national calendar. It is open to adult runners registered with a FIDAL, UISP or other recognised club, and to Runcard holders with a medical certificate of fitness for competitive sport. Chip timing records times from start to finish, with intermediate checkpoints along the way.

The logistics reflect the point-to-point format. Shuttle buses leave early in the morning from Piazza Giorgini in San Benedetto for both start areas, and a return service runs in the early afternoon; it is booked at registration. Bibs can be collected the day before, in the late afternoon in San Benedetto, or on race morning at each start. Bags are carried to the finish, where a medal, a final refreshment point and a pasta party await, in addition to the aid stations along the course.