Florence Marathon

Florence Marathon course route

The Florence Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes at Piazza del Duomo, crosses the Ponte Vecchio, climbs to Piazzale Michelangelo, and returns along the Arno embankment. The climb near halfway and the cobblestones in the historic centre are the toughest sections, while spectators fill the Duomo area and cheer along the Arno and through the centro storico.

Florence Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website

Florence Marathon elevation profile

The Florence Marathon course is hilly with notable climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 85 metres of climbing and 87 metres of descent, with a net descent of 2 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Florence Marathon (Firenze Marathon) uses open online registration at firenzemarathon.it with no ballot for the general field. Sign-up typically opens in spring for the late-November race and can sell out given strong international demand for the historic city-centre course. Charity bibs are available through official partner organisations.

Florence Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Marathon course at Florence Marathon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Florence Marathon elevation profile?

The Florence Marathon has 85 metres of total climbing and 87 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is hilly with notable climbs, with 2 metres of net descent from start to finish.

Where can I find the Florence Marathon route map?

This page includes a Florence Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.firenzemarathon.it/en/home-en/. Passes the Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, and the Arno embankment.

How long is the Florence Marathon?

The Florence Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starting and finishing at Piazza del Duomo.

What time does the Florence Marathon start?

The 2026 Florence Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 29 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.firenzemarathon.it/en/home-en/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What landmarks does the Florence Marathon pass?

The Florence Marathon is one of the most culturally magnificent races in the world. The course passes the Piazza del Duomo with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Brunelleschi's dome, the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, and the grand Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint. Runners essentially race through the heart of the Renaissance.

Is the Florence Marathon course hilly?

Yes. Florence is set in the rolling Arno valley surrounded by Tuscan hills, and the course includes notable climbs — particularly in the sections near Piazzale Michelangelo and the Oltrarno district south of the Arno. Runners should prepare for genuine hills alongside the flat riverside sections.

When is the Florence Marathon held?

The Florence Marathon (Firenze Marathon) is typically held on the last Sunday of November each year. November in Florence is cool — temperatures of 8–14 °C — with autumn colour on the Tuscan hills. It is a beautiful time of year to race in one of Italy's most beloved cities. See www.firenzemarathon.it for exact dates.

Is the Florence Marathon UNESCO-certified?

The course runs through the UNESCO World Heritage–listed historic centre of Florence (Centro Storico di Firenze), designated for its extraordinary concentration of Renaissance art and architecture. This makes the Florence Marathon one of very few marathons run almost entirely through a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Does the Florence Marathon cross the Ponte Vecchio?

Yes. Crossing the Ponte Vecchio — Florence's iconic medieval bridge lined with goldsmiths' shops spanning the Arno River — is one of the most memorable moments of the race. Very few sporting events in the world offer the privilege of running across this ancient bridge, which is usually packed with tourists.