Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
The Maratona di Ferrara draws approximately 1,500 finishers each March on a historic city road in Ferrara, Italy. Ferrara's flat terrain makes it a logical PR candidate within historic northern Italy. The route passes Renaissance walls, broad flat streets, and roads across the Po plain. The course is very flat throughout.
Maratona di Ferrara is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Maratona di Ferrara is scheduled for Sunday, 7 March 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Starts and finishes in Ferrara. The route passes Renaissance walls, broad flat streets, and roads across the Po plain. Po-plain boulevards suit metronomic pacing, with Renaissance-wall spectators lining the historic centre finish.
The Maratona di Ferrara course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Maratona di Ferrara uses open online registration at ferraramarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the March race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Ferrara.
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
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, 1 November 2026
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
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