The half marathon of the historic center of Reggio, between sport and city celebration
La 21 di Reggio Emilia is one of the most anticipated events in Emilian running. Every year, in mid-March, the streets of the historic center of Reggio nell'Emilia, the capital of the province of the same name in Emilia-Romagna, are closed to traffic to welcome thousands of runners from all over Italy and abroad. The main race is the 21.097 km half marathon, FIDAL homologated and included in the World Athletics Global Calendar, thus valid for the world ranking: a recognition that attracts top-level athletes alongside the large mass of amateurs.
The event is not just the half marathon. Alongside "La 21", there is "La 10", a competitive 10 km race also FIDAL homologated, as well as non-competitive routes of 5 and 10 km designed for those who want to experience the race atmosphere without the pressure of the clock. The program also includes initiatives for children, such as the Vaneton Sprint and the adult-child race "Corri con me", making the event truly suitable for the whole family.
In recent years, La 21 di Reggio Emilia has expanded its scope, evolving into the "Reggio Sport Festival" format: a weekend where sport becomes an experience for the entire city, with physical activities, educational sessions on nutrition and well-being, a kids' area, and side events in the main square. The start and finish of the half marathon are in Piazza della Vittoria, while the course runs entirely through the historic center, passing by the most representative squares and monuments of Reggio Emilia, from Piazza Prampolini to Corso Garibaldi.
With thousands of participants at each edition, La 21 is now an early spring classic for the running community in Emilia-Romagna. More than just a race, it's a popular celebration that combines competition, health, and social interaction, showcasing a city that makes sport a pillar of its lifestyle and a driver of vitality for the region.
The 2026 edition (8th edition) of La 21 di Reggio Emilia took place on Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, in the historic center of the Emilian capital, adopting the name "Reggio Sport Festival" for the first time. The two main competitive races, La 21 (half marathon) and La 10, were confirmed as FIDAL homologated events and included in the World Athletics global calendar. The event attracted thousands of participants, offering a weekend of sport, education, and city celebration.
The half marathon course ran entirely through the historic center, passing through Piazza 7 Luglio, Piazza Tricolore, Piazza Prampolini, Corso Garibaldi, and Via Mazzini, among others, with the start and finish in Piazza della Vittoria.
Side events included educational "salons" on nutrition, pediatrics, prevention, and diabetes in sports, with the participation of athletes and specialists.
Reggio Emilia is easily accessible by train: the city station is connected to the historic Milan-Bologna line, while the Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station serves high-speed trains. By car, take the Reggio Emilia exits from the A1 motorway. The historic center, where the race takes place, is a short walk from the station.
Registration for competitive and non-competitive races can be done online through timing portals (endu.net). For fees, deadlines, and race kits, consult the official website www.la21.it or email [email protected].
Road closures and traffic diversions are planned in the historic center on race morning, generally from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM along the route.
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Piazza della Vittoria
Piazza della Vittoria, 42121 Reggio nell'Emilia