Placentia Half Marathon

A half marathon in the heart of Piacenza

The Placentia Half Marathon is the most important running event in Piacenza and one of the most significant in Emilia-Romagna. On a homologated and internationally certified 21.097 km course, the race takes runners through the monumental streets and squares of the Emilian capital, offering a unique spectacle of historic buildings, the Trebbia riverbank, and a triumphant finish in Piazza Cavalli.

A history spanning almost thirty years

Born in 1996 as a marathon, the event later transformed into the half marathon we know today, becoming a regular fixture on the spring calendar. Organized by ASD Placentia, the race has grown to be included in the World Athletics and FIDAL circuits with the prestigious "Bronze Label" certification, guaranteeing its technical quality and international reach. Every year, over two thousand participants start the race, including amateur runners and African champions seeking record times.

The course

The start is set in Via Cavour, a choice that ensures a linear start and ample space for the numerous participants. The first five kilometers form a loop through the most representative streets of the city: from the Monument to the Pontieri to the Public Promenade, along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and through Piazza Cavalli with the Farnese Palace. A scenic stretch along the Trebbia riverbank follows, before returning to the city center and the final arrival in Piazza Cavalli, in front of the equestrian statue of Alessandro Farnese.

Running, but also solidarity

The Placentia is not just about sport: it has always been a solidarity half marathon for the benefit of the Piacenza Committee for UNICEF. Alongside the competitive race, the non-competitive Relay runs, with the course divided between two runners (legs of approximately 13 and 8 km), designed for groups, friends, and families. The race weekend also offers initiatives dedicated to conviviality and younger participants, with the Daturi Arena serving as the organizational and logistical hub.

Between international elite and local champions

World-class athletes, especially Kenyans, capable of finishing well under an hour and three minutes, have competed here over the years, alongside the best local runners. The challenge between the African stars and the local champions is one of the ingredients that makes the race exciting and followed by the local and national press.