Rome Marathon

Rome Marathon course route

The Maratona di Roma is a loop starting and finishing on Via dei Fori Imperiali beside the Colosseum, passing the Circus Maximus, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, St Peter's Square, Castel Sant'Angelo, and Piazza Navona. Riverside stretches are the easiest, while cobblestones through the historic centre and the climbs around the Vatican and Aventine Hill are the toughest sections. Spectators line Via dei Fori Imperiali at the start and finish, cheer through the centro storico, and gather near Piazza Navona and the Vatican approach.

Rome Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website

Rome Marathon elevation profile

The Rome Marathon course is hilly with notable climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 134 metres of climbing and 133 metres of descent, with a net climb of 1 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

Registration is open (no lottery) on the official runromethemarathon.com website. Places sell out as the event approaches — typically well within the year prior. Entry fees increase in tiers closer to race day. Charity places are available through official partner organisations. A concurrent 'Fun Run' (5 km non-competitive event) on the same morning is a popular option for non-runners travelling with marathon participants.

Rome Marathon course video

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

ACEA RUN ROME THE MARATHON 2026 - OFFICIAL ROUTE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rome Marathon elevation profile?

The Rome Marathon has 134 metres of total climbing and 133 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is hilly with notable climbs, with 1 metres of net climb from start to finish.

Where can I find the Rome Marathon route map?

This page includes a Rome Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.runromethemarathon.com/en/. Passes the Circus Maximus, St Peter's Square, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna, and the Via dei Fori Imperiali.

How long is the Rome Marathon?

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

What time does the Rome Marathon start?

The 2027 Rome Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 21 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.runromethemarathon.com/en/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What is the Rome Marathon course route?

The Maratona di Roma starts on the Via dei Fori Imperiali — the broad avenue running past the Roman Imperial Forums — and finishes at the same location. The course passes an extraordinary concentration of monuments: the Colosseum (at the start/finish), Circus Maximus, Piazza Venezia, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza del Popolo, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican walls, Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon. No other marathon packs so many UNESCO World Heritage sites into a single route.

Are there cobblestones on the Rome Marathon course?

Yes — cobblestones (sampietrini) are an unavoidable reality of racing through ancient Rome. Several sections near the Vatican, Piazza Navona, Trastevere, and the Testaccio neighbourhood feature the original black basalt cobblestones that cover much of Rome's historic centre. These are uneven and can be slippery when wet. Running on cobblestones for extended stretches is significantly more fatiguing than smooth tarmac. Shoes with slightly broader bases and firmer midsoles tend to perform better on this surface than ultra-minimal racing flats.

When is the Rome Marathon held?

Rome Marathon is held in late March or early April — typically the last Sunday of March. Spring arrives early in Rome: temperatures are usually 8–18 °C (46–64 °F) and sunny spring days are common, though cold snaps and rain are possible. The timing coincides with the early tourist season, so central Rome accommodation fills very quickly. Book hotels immediately upon race registration — ideally more than six months in advance.

How do I register for the Rome Marathon?

Registration is open (no lottery) on the official runromethemarathon.com website. Places sell out as the event approaches — typically well within the year prior. Entry fees increase in tiers closer to race day. Charity places are available through official partner organisations. A concurrent 'Fun Run' (5 km non-competitive event) on the same morning is a popular option for non-runners travelling with marathon participants.

Is the Rome Marathon a fast course?

Rome is a course for the experience rather than a personal best. The cobblestones, frequent turns through narrow historic streets, modest undulations particularly around Trastevere and the Testaccio neighbourhood, and the logistical complexity of racing through a city of ancient streets all work against speed. Most runners describe Rome as a 'once in a lifetime' race precisely because running past the Colosseum, St. Peter's, and the Trevi Fountain at marathon pace is extraordinary — not because conditions favour fast times.