Firenze Marathon

Location: Florence

Country:  Italy
Website:  https://www.firenzemarathon.it
2025 Marathon Date:  30/11/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  29/11/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:09:58

% Sub-3s:  5-10%
# Sub-3s:  500-999
Total Runners: 10-20k

The Firenze Marathon offers a rare combination of speed, scenery and historical immersion, guiding runners through the Renaissance heart of Florence on a fast, flat, single-loop course. Established in 1984, the event has grown into one of Italy’s premier road races and is now among the country’s most popular marathons, second only to Rome. Its route transforms the city into a running tour of world-class landmarks, framed by centuries of art, architecture and cultural heritage.

The marathon starts and finishes in the iconic Piazza del Duomo, directly in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This dramatic location sets the tone for a course that functions as an open-air museum, weaving through narrow medieval streets, grand piazzas and graceful riverside paths. Early kilometres take runners past the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria before the route bends toward the Uffizi Gallery and crosses the Arno at the celebrated Ponte Vecchio. These stretches immerse runners in Florence’s artistic legacy while maintaining the rhythm needed for a fast pace.

Beyond the historic centre, the course opens up through the Parco delle Cascine, offering a refreshing green contrast to the cityscape. Flat terrain and wide paths in this section provide an opportunity to settle into steady pacing before rejoining the urban core. Further along, runners pass near the Artemio Franchi Stadium and return toward the riverfront promenades before re-entering Florence’s intricate historic streets for the final kilometres. The compact layout of the city ensures strong crowd support throughout, enhanced by live music and a lively atmosphere that accompanies participants from start to finish.

Designed with performance in mind, the route is predominantly flat with a minimal total ascent of roughly 32 metres, making it well suited for personal best attempts. While fully paved, some segments incorporate authentic cobblestone stretches that enhance the character of the experience without significantly affecting speed. As an AIMS-certified and World Athletics–recognised marathon, Firenze meets all standards for record-eligible performances.

With its rich blend of art, history, culture and competitive opportunity, the Firenze Marathon offers a distinctive experience that lives up to its slogan: “We Run in Art.” It remains a highlight of the international racing calendar and a memorable journey through one of the world’s most storied cities.