The 2026 Rome Marathon: What Runners Should Know

With the hashtag #runlikeagladiator, there is a special magic in running at the heart of where one of the most famous civilizations flourished.

The Rome Marathon is one of the most sought-after races in the world, and it makes sense.

This 26.2-mile flat course takes you through the entire city, with incredible monuments, landmarks, and historical significance at every turn.

Here, we're going to tell you everything you need to know about signing up, packet pick-up, what to expect, travel insurance, and more!

Key details: The Rome Marathon

When

The race takes place on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

In 2025, the first wave started at 8:30 am. There are 4 waves, and which one you're in depends on your expected finish time.

The final cut-off time is 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Where

The race will begin at the Imperial Forum (Fori Imperiali) in Rome. This is the same starting place as the 2025 race.

The course winds through Rome in a loop, eventually bringing you back to where you started.

That said, if you DNF as a registered participant, transportation to the finish is included.

Who

The race is open to both Italian residents and visitors from abroad. There is a running option and a fitwalking option.

It's also important to know that there is an age requirement. Participants must be 20 years or older to register. Other requirements need to be met, too, which we will cover in more detail in the following sections.

Distance

The Rome Marathon is a proper marathon, meaning it is a full 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometers.

The TLDR

When is the 2026 Rome Marathon?

What is the Rome Marathon start time?

Where does the Rome Marathon start?

What is the final cut-off time for the Rome Marathon?

How old do you have to be to run the Rome Marathon?

When does registration close?

Requirements to run the Rome Marathon

In order to register for the Rome Marathon, there are a few requirements that runners need to meet, depending on their nationality and how they'd like to run.

If you are not an Italian citizen or resident, there are a couple of ways you can register.

Also, take note that registration does close on March 13, 2026.

Do you have to qualify for the Rome Marathon?

Scenario one: You want to compete for prizes/on the leader board, and you don't have an Athletics Federation License

If you want to run the Rome Marathon competitively and you're not licensed, you have to get a RUNCARD and a medical certificate.

How to get a RUNCARD

A RUNCARD is a permission designed by Italy to allow foreigners to run races in their country.

It costs 30 euros (15 if you're registered for a Sports Promotion Authority) and is a digital card.

The RUNCARD provides you with the necessary insurance for your race, and you need it in addition to actually registering for the race, so it is an added cost.

How to get a medical certificate

In order to register, you will need to get a medical certificate issued in your home country. There is a specific form that must be completed and signed by your doctor.

You will need to undergo a few physical tests (it's required by Italian law), which include:

• A Medical check-up/exam.
• A complete urinalysis.
• An electrocardiogram before and after exercise.
• Spirometry (lung aptitude/health test).

To register as an official runner eligible for competitive prizes, you will need to meet both of these requirements.

The TLDR

Is a medical certificate required for the Rome Marathon?

Do I need a RUNCARD for the Rome Marathon?

How much does a RUNCARD cost?

Scenario two: You don't want to compete for prizes/on the leader board, and you don't have an Athletics Federation License

If you're not concerned about competing for prizes and having your time shown on the leader board, and you're not licensed, you can register for the Rome Marathon without a RUNCARD and medical certificate.

In the registration process, this option is called "non-competitive". It doesn't mean you're not competing, or don't feel competitive; it simply means you won't be eligible for competitive prizes, nor have your name shown on the leader board.

Your time will still be kept and displayed next to your name in the final results, but you won't be eligible for prizes, even if you are the fastest racer in town.

Will my time still be kept if I sign up as a non-competitive runner for the Rome Marathon?

Scenario three: You have a license from the Athletics Federation of your country

If you hold a valid license from the Athletics Federation, that will still be valid on race day, you can register for the Rome Marathon by providing your:

• Federation license number.
• The federation code of your running club.
• A digital scan of your Athletics Federation Card.

I'm a runner with an Athletics Federation License. How do I register for the Rome Marathon?

For the entire official list of entry requirements for Italian citizens, residents, and foreigners, click here.

Rome Marathon entry fees and costs

If you register from August 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025, the registration fee is €99 per person. Keep in mind that if you're getting a RUNCARD, this does not include that cost (which is an additional 30 euros).

If you register after Halloween 2025, the registration fee €129 per person. Again, this doesn't include the cost of a RUNCARD if you choose to get that.

The registration fee, in both cases, is non-refundable. That said, you can transfer it to another person or the 2027 Rome Marathon for a 30 euro fee, so long as you do so no later than December 31st, 2025.

It's worth registering early because the organization can choose to close entries once it has reached 30,000 registrants.

How much does the Rome Marathon cost?

Is the Rome Marathon registration fee refundable?

Is there a limit to how many people can run the Rome Marathon?

What Rome Marathon participants get

When you register to run the Rome Marathon, you get:

• A race number.
• Insurance that covers civil liability.
• Technical and medical assistance, if needed.
• A race pack with item(s) from the 2026 race sponsors.
• The official t-shirt.
• Access to aid stations along the course.
• All of the necessary program details and information.
• Your time officially kept.
• A finisher medal (for those who finish the race).
• A bag deposit option.
• Pacers on race day.
• Transportation to the finish line if you are unable to continue the race for whatever reason.

The Rome Marathon Route

The route itself is considered flat, with about 60 feet (20 meters) of elevation gain in total.

Keep in mind that there will be around 3-4 miles of cobblestone (about 6km).

The route is beautiful, starting at the Imperial Forum, and passing through incredible neighborhoods and sites like:

• The Colosseum
• The Circus Maximus
• St. Paul's Basilica
• The Piazza Augusto Imperatore
• The Piazza del Popolo
• The Piazza di Spagna
• The Marcello Theatre
• The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)
• Many more!

Is the Rome Marathon flat?

Is there any cobblestone during the Rome Marathon?

Rome Marathon Bib Pick-up

Bib pick-up needs to happen before the race at the Expo Run Rome the Marathon. The Expo itself is open from Thursday, March 19th, through Saturday, March 21st.

You must pick up your bib then, as you will not be able to collect it on race day or at the race site.

To collect it, you will need your race confirmation and your ID.

Can I pick up my bib on race day?

How do I pick up my bib for the Rome Marathon?

Does travel insurance cover my race?

It's a good question.

In most cases, travel insurance policies do not cover professional sporting events, even if you yourself are not a licensed pro.

In any case, make sure you check the terms and conditions (particularly the exclusions) of your policy to check whether or not race-day is included.