Experience
the race
The Acea Run Rome Marathon on March 22, 2026, is the most attended Italian sporting event ever, the sixth marathon in Europe in 2025 with 21,926 finishers, and is still growing rapidly.
KEY FIGURES & STATISTICS
Number of countries represented
130
Number of participants
36000
Fun facts / statistics:
- Fan zones: 40 musical activation points along the route
- Food items (e.g. bananas): bananas, apple, orange, biscuits, crackers, sweet snacks, dehydrated fruit
- The largest age range of participants is very young, between 27 and 32. However, in 2025, even a 92-year-old completed the Marathon in 6:44:16!
Weather conditions
Average temperature
Temperature is typically 13 degrees Celsius on race day, with around 9 degrees Celsius at the start.
Average wind speed
Winds are generally light to moderate, occasionally bringing a cool breeze from the Mediterranean.
Average rainfall
Roughly 68mm of precipitation occurs throughout the month, typically spread over 7 days.
Weather conditions
March brings the arrival of spring with about 12 hours of daylight and 5-6 hours of sunshine, featuring a moderate UV index.
Course Description
The Rome Marathon isn't just a race: it's a journey through one of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
The route passes through the monumental heart of the city, touching some of the world's most iconic sites: the Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and the Circus Maximus. It winds along the Lungotevere with unique views of Tiber Island, passes by the Pyramid of Cestius, and passes through settings of extraordinary historical and religious significance, such as Castel Sant'Angelo and Via della Conciliazione, with a suggestive view of St. Peter's Basilica.
The route combines culture and sport, passing iconic sites such as Ponte Milvio and the Foro Italico, before plunging into the most famous squares of the historic center: Piazza del Popolo, Via del Corso, and Piazza di Spagna.
The grand finale at the Circus Maximus completes a unique experience: 42.195 km that transform the race into a truly emotional tour of history, art, and beauty.
Tourism & Destination Highlights
Rome is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations, where history, culture, and lifestyle come together in a unique and inspiring atmosphere. Visitors can explore extraordinary landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, world-class cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage spanning over 2,000 years. From historic streets and charming piazzas to green parks and lively cafés, Rome offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor, making it the perfect destination to combine sport, tourism, and discovery.
Event History
The history of marathoning in the Eternal City dates back to 1906, but Abebe Bikila's legendary barefoot victory in the 1960 Olympic marathon forever enshrined Rome in the pantheon of world running. The modern era, organized since 2019 by Infront Italy, Corriere dello Sport – Stadio, and Italia Marathon Club, has made it Italy's most attended sporting event. In just a few years, participation has surged from 7,500 runners in 2021 to an impressive 36,000 in the current edition. 2025 confirmed its international prestige as Europe's sixth-largest marathon, with 21,926 finishers. The 2026 edition made history by selling out four months in advance, drawing 36,000 athletes including 70% foreigners from 130 countries. Today's "gladiators" conquer a route featuring many historic sites, blending fierce competition with an emotional journey through 2,000 years of art and beauty.
Race Director’s Quote
Lorenzo Benfenati, Race Director
“36,000 marathon runners is a great result, the fruit of many years of work by us organizers together with Roma Capitale. We know Rome and its immensity, and as great athletes, we love running and we know the runners we call gladiators. Because for us, that's what they are. In Rome, you always experience strong emotions, because it has monuments, places, art, legends, in every corner of the route that no marathon in the world can match. In 2023, something exceptional happened: the Frecce Tricolore flew over and gave a thrill and a jolt to the marathon runners starting from the Imperial Forums, the first in history to run a marathon. In Rome, people also run fast; it's the fastest Italian marathon of 2025: history, speed, excitement, good food. The perfect mix to become gladiators of the Colosseum”.
Transport & race tips
Reaching the Run Rome The Marathon by train is fast, convenient, and eco-friendly. Rome’s main railway hubs, including Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina, offer frequent national and international connections, including high-speed trains linking major Italian cities.
From these stations, the marathon start and finish area at the Colosseo and the Expo venue at the Circo Massimo can be easily reached in just a few minutes by metro, bus, or on foot. With excellent public transport coverage and short travel times across the city, arriving by train ensures a smooth and sustainable start to your marathon weekend.
On March 20th and 21st, 2026, parking garages located near the city center and Expo area can be used, including public parking facilities and private garages in the Circo Massimo and Ostiense districts.
On March 22nd, 2026 (Race Day), many roads in the city center will be closed from early morning onwards. Access by private car will be restricted, and participants and spectators are strongly encouraged to use public transportation.
Designated parking areas outside the city center allow easy access to metro and bus lines connecting directly to the start and finish areas.
Aeroporto di Roma Fiumicino is Italy’s main international gateway and one of Europe’s leading hubs, offering direct connections to destinations worldwide.
From the airport, the city center can be reached quickly and efficiently by the Leonardo Express train, regional trains, or taxi. The Leonardo Express connects the airport to Roma Termini station in just 32 minutes, providing easy access to the marathon venues via metro and public transport.
This makes arriving in Rome simple, fast, and environmentally friendly — the perfect start to your marathon experience.
Rome’s extensive public transportation network, electric buses, and metro lines provide the most efficient and sustainable way to move around during race weekend. Participants and spectators are encouraged to use public transport whenever possible to reduce environmental impact and enjoy a stress-free marathon experience.
Arrive early at the Circo Massimo:
The start area near the Colosseo and the race village at the Circo Massimo are located in the heart of Rome. Arriving early will allow you to move calmly, find your start sector, and fully enjoy the pre-race atmosphere.
Stay warm before the start:
Use the Race Village areas and dedicated waiting zones to stay comfortable and relaxed before entering your start corral.
Run smart on Rome’s historic course:
The course is mostly flat but includes cobblestone sections and gentle turns. Stick to your planned pace and run efficiently, especially in the early kilometers.
Feel the energy of Rome:
Crowds, music points, and breathtaking views of Rome’s most iconic landmarks will carry you through every moment of the race, even the toughest ones.
Enjoy the legendary finish at the Colosseo:
Finishing your marathon in front of one of the most iconic monuments in the world is an unforgettable moment. Take it in. You are now part of Rome’s legend.
Ways to get involved
REGISTRATION
CHarity ENTRY
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