Run Rome The Marathon

Location: Rome
Country: Italy
Website: https://www.runromethemarathon.com
2025 Marathon Date: 16/03/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 22/03/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:07:35
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 500–999
Total Runners: 20k–30k

Run Rome The Marathon is a major international road race held each spring in the heart of the Italian capital. Combining athletic challenge with a visual journey through centuries of history, it offers one of the most distinctive backdrops of any city marathon in the world.

The course begins and ends near the Colosseum and takes runners through cobbled piazzas, along the banks of the River Tiber and past iconic sites such as St Peter’s Basilica and the Roman Forum. While the route is broadly flat, the surface varies from smooth tarmac to sections of historic cobblestone that can sap energy and demand extra focus on foot placement.

Weather conditions in March are typically mild, with start-line temperatures averaging between 8–12°C. Runners may encounter light rain or breezy spells, but conditions are generally conducive to strong pacing, especially during the early stages.

Rome’s marathon is known for its blend of spectacle and heritage. The race draws a large international field and is supported by enthusiastic locals, especially in the later miles. The roads are wide enough to accommodate a clean race for most runners, though crowding can occur in some narrow or twisting sections of the old city.

For sub-3 marathoners, Rome presents a strategic challenge: a fast-enough course with caveats. The cobblestones and tourist pinch-points mean it is rarely a PR factory, but the smooth middle sections and cool conditions reward strong aerobic fitness and race discipline.

Run Rome The Marathon stands out for its sensory experience as much as its competitive value. Serious runners will find it well-organised and memorable, while still needing to navigate the quirks of a city that prioritises history over flat tarmac. For those chasing a meaningful time and a meaningful setting, it offers both.