One Of The Coolest Ways To See Rome Like A Local Is The City's Free Running Groups With Scenic Routes

Rome has a long track record of running. In ancient times, races where athletes powered events, from 630-foot sprints to 3-mile distances, were popular public entertainment spectacles during sports festivals and religious and civic celebrations. These competitors represented all social classes, which made running a popular activity, and the sport's inclusivity still surges strong today with a slew of running groups and major events held throughout the year, open to participants of all ages and fitness levels.

Although Italy's capital can be enjoyed in many ways — whether on foot, by Vespa, or even rafting on Rome's famous rivers – nothing beats the buoyant camaraderie of running through ivied lanes, trotting over 2,000-year-old cobblestones, and breezing across majestic bridges with chatty and hospitable locals. Fellow joggers are often happy to share their favorite places to eat, drink, and play — your best insider's insight to the city. You'll find plenty of runners in Rome, with a variety of free-spirited, free-to-join groups, yet another great thing to do in Rome without breaking the bank.

Running in Rome can feel like the closest thing to time travel. How else can you take in the UNESCO World Heritage historic center's Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more, all within an hour on one of the city's most scenic routes? No water bottle needed, as one of the coolest ways to live like a Roman is hydrating at one of the city's nearly 2,500 nasoni, 150-year-old public water fountains with snout-like spouts (as characterized by their Italian nickname meaning "big noses"), a symbol of the Roman ethos of warmth and community. The views and hospitality (plus the endorphins) are why this city is the best place to kick off a vacation in Italy.

Pack this must-have running gear, then find your perfect Rome running club. For the best blend of running routes, like the popular Lungotevere trail along the Tiber and off-the-tourist-path yet trendy neighborhoods like industrial Testaccio, join Amor Run Club's 3-mile Saturday jaunts. Welcoming all fitness levels, routes change weekly so you'll always experience different parts of town. At the finish line, a rotation of hip, local-approved eateries and bars serve an authentic taste of the cherished Italian aperitivo social ritual, where everyone lingers over gelato, coffee, snacks, or wine. Amor's vibe skews international, and its irreverent and fun-loving spirit shines vibrantly in its "eat pasta, run fasta" motto. There's always music, and regular collaborations with major running brands like Saucony mean you'll get to test drive new shoe launches. For more intensity, join the Tuesday evening intervals workout led by a running coach. Register online for scheduled runs announced on Instagram and Strava.

You'll need to be able to run for at least 40 minutes to join Runners of Rome's three free weekly sessions. Tuesday evening's open call attracts more than 100 participants, and the adrenaline-pumping, brisker-paced sunrise Thursdays wind around the historic center. Saturday community runs are longer distances of 6 miles and explore spectacular terrain like Villa Borghese and Villa Pamphili, two of the city's largest parks situated on the magnificently landscaped grounds of former noble residences. You'll also hit the stunning Stadio dei Marmi track ringed by 60 marble athletic sculptures, in the Fascist-era Foro Italico, one of Italy's greatest monuments to sports. ROR's aura is hardcore urban grit, yet inspirational and non-competitive, and the group also hosts wellness breathers like outdoor yoga sessions. Become a member online to sign up for runs. If you're feeling shy about joining a running group alone, study these etiquette rules to master conversations with locals in Italy.

If your schedule doesn't sync with a local running group's, or you prefer choosing your own ancient sites adventure, Rome by Run's convivial and knowledgeable local running enthusiasts offer five itineraries from 3 miles (one hour) to a half marathon (14 miles spanning three hours). Or you can even check off all the sights on your must-see list by tailoring your own tour, up to marathon distance, at your preferred pace. Making photo stops at every major monument and landmark, the affable team delights with candid observations on Italian culture and are a wellspring of historical anecdotes and contemporary trivia.

Signing up for a running event in Rome is a sensorial experience fueled by the city's fervent love for sports. The spectator-lined streets boom with a cacophony of cheers such as "Daje, forza," local slang for "Come on, let's go!" A memory of this irrepressible Roman energy makes a marvelous, lifelong souvenir. For Tripadvisor reviewer @angeloinviaggio, the annual La Corsa di Miguel 10K was "enlivened by the music of small and friendly bands present at every corner. ... A beautiful morning of sport and brotherhood." Run Rome The Marathon is the city's marquee race traversing vivid neighborhoods and even entering Vatican City, passing more than 30 historical landmarks. Starting at the Colosseum and ending at Circus Maximus, the event is a testament to the Eternal City's athletic feats.