Race certified by Finishers: event approved by the organizer

Bologna Marathon 2026

« A Marathon, Bologna Style! »
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The event in a few words

Benvenuti alla Maratona di Bologna !  🤌 In the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, in Italy, you're about to start your race in the extraordinary setting of Bologna 🖼️. This event takes place on the first weekend of March right in the heart of the historic center ❤️. Known as the "City of Porticoes", this ancient medieval city features several exceptional monuments 🤩, including its famous arcades, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site! 🌐 The event returns to Piazza Maggiore and is ready to shake the streets of Bologna with thousands of participants (including you, of course 😉)!

Put on your running shoes and start training 🏃 for one of the 4 courses offered on the day of the Bologna Marathon 🤓. You can choose between the main event, the "42 km Bologna Marathon", or opt for the "30 km Dei Portici", the "21 km Run Tune Up", or the "5 km Tecnocasa City Run"👟. You will then discover the rich cultural heritage of Bologna "La Rossa". The courses are very smooth with many straight lines and very little elevation 🏎️. You can really push the pace and race like the wind to the finish line, where Italian supporters will be there to cheer you on in your final efforts 🏁. This marathon will take you through all the neighborhoods and iconic places of the city: a true tourist visit! 🧭 The Bologna Marathon event also includes the Bologna Half Marathon, celebrating its 22nd edition 🎂. It's shaping up to be a true runners' rendezvous! 😁 And to make this sports weekend accessible to everyone, you can even participate in the 5 km course, guiding you right into the heart of the Bolognese capital 🍝. But watch out, don't stop along the way for a taste! 👀 By registering for this race, you can choose to be part of the "Run5000" charity program and run for a charity 🎗️. It's a great opportunity to do a good deed and support one of the event's partner charities 💪. Open to all, even walkers, this race will only confirm the festive and friendly atmosphere awaiting you in Bologna 🥳.

In fact, you might want to stay a little longer! 📍 Although the race gives you a glimpse of the city's most beautiful monuments and neighborhoods, we highly recommend you take the time to explore again at a relaxed pace to enjoy the wonders of Bologna 🦵. You'll have spent plenty of time at Piazza Maggiore, but with the crowd on marathon day, it's hard to fully appreciate its impressiveness! 😮 Not far from there is the city's oldest university 🎓. This Renaissance-style building is open for tours if you'd like to marvel at its stunning architecture 🏫. Now that your race is over, no need to watch your step! 😜 So look up to the sky and admire the Asinelli Tower and Garisenda Tower 🏙️. And we know that for every runner, pasta is sacred 🤤, so we highly recommend you try the tagliatelle "al ragù" from Bologna "La Grassa" 🍝. That's another nickname for the city, and you'll understand why after discovering its culinary richness! 🍲

We know your mouth is watering, so come run the Bologna Marathon! 😎

4 reasons to join this race

Its Historic Center ⛪
Considered one of Italy's most charming cities with one of the largest medieval centers, Bologna is the perfect destination 😎. While you run, you'll enjoy its uniquely historical streets, and you'll likely want to extend your trip. Less touristy than other major Italian cities, you'll be captivated by this city that is easy to explore on foot over a weekend 🥰.
Immerse Yourself in Italian Culture 🤌
Bologna offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Italy ❤️. With its remarkable culture and historical heritage, there are no less than 50 museums waiting for you to explore every corner of the city's history. Trust us: you won't be disappointed! 🤩 By participating in this race, you absolutely must visit key cultural sites like the world's oldest university or the Bologna Cinematheque with its impressive collection of Chaplin films 🎥.
Support a Good Cause! 🎗️
By registering for the non-competitive 5 km race, you also have the opportunity to support a charitable organization 💰. In fact, the charity program offers the chance to sign up for the ‘Tecnocasa City Run 5 km’ while financially supporting an organization by running under its banner! 👕 It's a great opportunity to enjoy a shorter race without the pressure of time, all while helping those in need 😉.
Savor Authentic Bolognese 🍝
Bolognese is a sacred dish in the city of Bologna. Known locally as "ragù", the dish traditionally consists of a pork and veal sauce served with fresh tagliatelle 🤤. We can assure you that there are plenty of restaurants offering authentic Bolognese dishes there! And the taste will not disappoint. Italians are passionate about all kinds of pasta, but Bolognese pride themselves on this particular dish. One thing is for sure, you're in for a treat! 😋

A distance for every taste

42 km Bologna Marathon

Road RunningThe most popular
  • Sunday, March 1, 2026
  • Elevation gain : 179mD+ / 179mD-
  • 1 loopx42.195 km

A few more words

If you've made it this far, it's because you're eager to learn more about the route of this marathon! We're taking you along to discover the course that awaits you in this legendary 42 km challenge 🤓.

The marathon start line is placed on Via Indipendenza, and the finish line at Piazza Maggiore, one of Italy's most beautiful squares 🤩. The course, after the first 8 kilometers which unfold entirely within the historic center of Bologna, will leave the Santo Stefano neighborhood, heading towards the "San Giacomo fuori le mura" parish ⛪. Here, you'll tackle about 20 km characterized by long straights and very few direction changes: perfect for picking up maximum speed 🏎️. You'll pass through the Savena and San Donato - Vitale districts, eventually returning via Corticella and alongside Bolognina then through the Porto-Saragoza district and back to the city center 🏙️. As you can see, this marathon offers the ideal features: a perfect balance between a fast course brimming with history! 😍 Several iconic landmarks will be your running mates: the Parco della Montagnola, Piazza dell'otto Agosto, the Botanical Garden Giardini dell'orto Botanico, and of course, the iconic University of Bologna.

This marathon promises a magnificent route and unforgettable moments! ✨

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

You can collect your race bib at the race office located in Piazza Maggiore (Palazzo D'Accursio) at the following times:

  • Friday, February 27, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM

  • Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

  • Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 6:30 AM to 8:45 AM (until 9:30 AM for participants in the 5 km race)

The races will start on Via Indipendenza on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 8:45 AM.

The organizers provide a free storage system near the start and finish areas. Make sure to only leave the bag provided when you collect your race bib; no other bags will be accepted. The storage service will be open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Toilets, changing rooms, and showers will be available in the start and finish areas, around Piazza Maggiore and Palazzo Comunale.

Yes, as an international runner, you must provide one of the following documents:

  • An athlete card issued by your foreign athletics team affiliated with World Athletics

  • A RunCard issued by the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL), which will be useful for all races in Italy. You must also send the organizers a medical certificate proving your fitness to run (dated less than a year from the race date). This form can be downloaded from the race website.

  • A waiver confirming your good health at the start of the race. You can download the form directly from the race website. Note: If you only provide this waiver, you will not be included in the general ranking and will not be eligible for the podium.

If you need more information, you can visit www.bolognamarathon.run.

Your registration includes:

  • Your race bib

  • Civil liability insurance

  • Technical and medical assistance

  • A race pack with sponsor products

  • The official race technical shirt

  • Refreshment points along the route

  • Timing service for competitive races

  • Finishers' medal

Organizers provide free bags near the start and finish areas. Please only leave the bag provided upon bib collection in this area. No other bags will be accepted.

Toilets, changing rooms, and showers will be available.

Yes, you must be at least 20 years old to participate (applicable to all distances).

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