Termal Bologna Marathon
The Bologna marathon through arcades, towers, and the university heart
About Bologna Marathon
A marathon in the heart of Bologna
The Termal Bologna Marathon is the reference running event in the Municipality of Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna. Organized by Bologna Sport Marathon ASD, every year in early March it attracts thousands of Italian and foreign runners for a race that is also a journey into the soul of the city. The start is set in Via Irnerio, in the heart of the university area, while the triumphant finish is in Piazza Maggiore, under the gaze of San Petronio.
Four races for every athlete
The beauty of the Bologna Marathon is its multi-distance format, designed to welcome champions and amateurs, experienced runners and families:
- Marathon over the queen distance of 42.195 km;
- 30 km dei Portici, a tribute to the famous Bolognese arcades, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site;
- Run Tune Up, the historic half marathon of 21.097 km;
- Bologna City Run, a 5 km non-competitive walk-run open to all.
A route that tells the city's story
The course combines speed and smoothness with a deep urban identity: you cross the medieval heart, the historic arcades, the university area, and the more modern districts, on a route that allows you to discover Bologna while running. Along the way, numerous bands and musical performances alternate, accompanying the athletes kilometer after kilometer, making the race a true people's festival.
The expo village in Piazza Maggiore
In the days preceding the race, Piazza Maggiore hosts the expo village, the event's headquarters: bib collection, stands, presentations, and the typical atmosphere of major international marathons. The Termal Bologna Marathon thus confirms itself as one of the most important sporting events in Emilia-Romagna and an opportunity to experience Bologna, the learned, fat, and towered city, from a new perspective.
Bologna Marathon — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Termal Bologna Marathon took place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, under the slogan 'Bologna la Dotta' (Bologna the Learned), in collaboration with the University of Bologna, present for the first time as an official partner. The event attracted approximately 12,000 participants from 81 countries, confirming itself as one of the most international running events in Emilia-Romagna.
The three competitive races - marathon, 30 km dei Portici, and Run Tune Up half marathon - started at 9:00 AM from Via Irnerio, while the 5 km Bologna City Run kicked off at 10:15 AM. Along the route, athletes were accompanied by performances from 11 bands and artists. The non-competitive City Run raised funds to support research at Alma Mater.
Programme Bologna Marathon 2026
Sunday, March 1, 2026
- 09:00 AM — Unified start in Via Irnerio for Marathon (42.195 km), 30 km dei Portici, and Run Tune Up half marathon (21.097 km)
- 10:15 AM — Start of the Bologna City Run, 5 km non-competitive (in collaboration with the University of Bologna)
- Finish line for all races in Piazza Maggiore
Expo village — Piazza Maggiore
- Friday, February 27: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, February 28: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, March 1: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entertainment
Along the route, 11 bands and artists performed to accompany the athletes. In Piazza del Nettuno, a stand hosted by University of Bologna researchers presented research to the public.
Highlights Bologna Marathon 2026
Prices Bologna Marathon 2026
Practical information — Bologna Marathon
How to get there
Bologna is one of Italy's main railway hubs: Bologna Centrale station is a few minutes' walk from the start area in Via Irnerio. By car, access to the center is limited during the race due to traffic closures (generally in effect from the early morning to early afternoon): it's better to use park-and-ride facilities and public transport.
Registration
Registration for competitive races (marathon, 30 km dei Portici, Run Tune Up) is done online on the official website bolognamarathon.run and tends to close when the maximum number of bibs is reached. The 5 km Bologna City Run remains open until a few days before the event.
Tips
Book accommodation well in advance: in early March, Bologna is in high demand. Collect your bib at the expo village in Piazza Maggiore in the days before the race.
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Where does it take place — Bologna Marathon
Partenza Via Irnerio - Arrivo Piazza Maggiore
Via Irnerio, 40126 Bologna