Rome Marathon (Maratona di Roma)
The Rome Marathon (Maratona di Roma), currently run as the Acea Run Rome The Marathon, is the biggest marathon in Italy. It was first organized in the early 1980s and found its modern form after a major reorganization in 1995. Tens of thousands of runners from Italy and abroad now take on 42.195 km through the Eternal City, past ancient monuments and baroque squares.
Held every spring, usually in March, the race is flat and fast, but it is also one of the most scenic in Europe. The cobbled streets (sampietrini) are the one local quirk to plan your pacing around.
What Awaits You at the Marathon:
- A course through ancient Rome: The route passes landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum area, the Arch of Constantine, the Circus Maximus and the banks of the Tiber, and in some years it runs along Via della Conciliazione with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Marathon and fun run: Alongside the full marathon there is a shorter fun run through the centre, so non-marathoners can run past the same monuments.
- Runners’ expo: A pre-race expo where you collect your bib and race pack, with stands for running gear, shoes and nutrition.
- Crowd support: Romans line the streets with music, bands and cheering, and the finish near the ancient monuments makes for dramatic finishers’ photos.
Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:
- Entry & Registration: Places often sell out months ahead, so register early through the official site. Check the current rules on medical certificates and Italian membership requirements for foreign runners.
- Race Course: The start and finish areas and some of the route change from year to year, so check the official route map before race day. Many central streets are closed during the race.
- Getting There: Rome has two airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino, and the high-speed trains arrive at Roma Termini. The metro and buses run through the centre, but some lines and stops are closed or diverted on race morning.
- What to Wear: March mornings in Rome are often cool, so wear layers you can shed or a throwaway sweater at the start, and expect it to warm up as the day goes on. Break in your shoes beforehand for the cobblestones.
- Accommodation: Marathon weekend adds to Rome’s year-round tourist demand, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
- Explore Rome: Save energy and time for the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Pantheon and the Trastevere food scene after the race — browse top Rome tours and activities here.
The full race program, route map, rules and registration details are published by the organizers on the official marathon website. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.
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