Next race
Saturday, 28 November 2026
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Historic urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 85 m gain
85 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Florence Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers on a historic urban road in Florence, Italy. The course starts and finishes at Piazza del Duomo. The route passes the Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, and the Arno embankment. Hilly with a notable climb to Piazzale Michelangelo around the halfway mark; cobblestones in the historic centre.
Florence Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 1,800 finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:08:41 — James Kutto (2006)Women: 2:24:17 — Lonah Salpeter (2018)
Course & terrain
Florence Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
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
The Florence Marathon course is rolling 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.
- Elevation
Rolling · 85 m gain — approx. 50 m above sea level
↑ 85 m · ↓ 87 m · net −2 m
Registration
Florence Marathon 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.
Getting there
Florence Marathon travel
Airports closest to Florence for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Firenze (FI) (FLR)
Florence Airport, Peretola
5 km / 3 mi
Race footage
Florence Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Marathon course at Florence Marathon
Common questions
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 rolling, 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. 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 Saturday, 28 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications 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.
- 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.
Official resources
Florence Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Florence.
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The Bologna Marathon attracts about 5,500 runners each March through Italy's gastronomic capital. The course passes the Two Towers (Due Torri), Piazza Maggiore, and the portico-lined streets that make Bologna famous. March mild weather and flat Emilia-Romagna terrain create ideal conditions for a spring marathon in northern Italy.
Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027
RavennaEmilia-RomagnaItaly· 104 km away
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The Maratona di Ravenna runs through the former Byzantine capital of Italy, passing UNESCO-listed early Christian mosaics and Adriatic seafront sections. About 3,500 finishers each November experience a flat course linking Ravenna's ancient heritage with the Po delta lowlands. It is one of Italy's most culturally distinctive regional marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026
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Rimini Marathon
The Rimini Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April on a coastal road in Rimini, Italy. It is one of Italy's cleaner pure-seafront marathon experiences. The route passes Adriatic beachfront stretches, marina areas, and flat resort-city avenues. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
Reggio EmiliaEmilia-RomagnaItaly· 113 km away
Maratona di Reggio Emilia
The Maratona di Reggio Emilia draws approximately 3,000 finishers each December on an urban road in Reggio Emilia, Italy. It is a serious late-season performance race with a strong domestic reputation. The course passes straight Emilia-Romagna roads, historic squares, and flat city sections. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
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Marathon Weather: What to Expect
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How to Choose a Marathon
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