Acea Run Roma The Marathon 2026, Rome, Italy
Overview
The Acea Run Roma The Marathon is a world-class athletic event that offers participants an unparalleled journey through nearly three thousand years of history. As a World Athletics Elite Label road race, it attracts over 30,000 runners who navigate a stunning course that starts and finishes in the shadow of the Colosseum. The route is essentially an open-air museum, taking athletes past the Roman Forum, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon, making it one of the most visually spectacular marathons on the global circuit.
The 2026 edition continues to build on the event’s reputation for high energy and Italian hospitality, featuring a full 42.195-kilometer race alongside the Acea Run4Rome relay and the Fun Run. The atmosphere is defined by the “Eternal City” spirit, with musical stations and cheering crowds lining the ancient cobblestones and grand boulevards. For many participants, the race is a personal pilgrimage that combines the physical challenge of a marathon with the profound emotional experience of running through the heart of Western civilization.
Event Highlights
- Colosseum Start and Finish: Experience the ultimate Roman triumph by beginning and ending your journey on the Via dei Fori Imperiali with the iconic amphitheater as your backdrop.
- Vatican City Passage: Run along the majestic Via della Conciliazione with a direct view of St. Peter’s Basilica, providing one of the most spiritual and scenic moments of the race.
- The Relay Experience: Participate in the Acea Run4Rome, which allows teams of four to share the marathon distance, making the event accessible to those not ready for the full 42 kilometers.
- Rome Parade: Enjoy a festive atmosphere with over 50 musical events, dancers, and performers stationed along the route to keep motivation high throughout the city.
Why Attend
Athletes should attend the Rome Marathon to experience what is widely considered the most beautiful race course in the world. The event is perfectly timed in late March to offer ideal running temperatures, avoiding the intense heat of the Italian summer while providing a refreshing spring breeze. It is a bucket-list event for those who want to combine their passion for running with a deep appreciation for classical art, architecture, and the vibrant culinary culture of Italy.
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Beyond the race itself, the marathon village serves as a major hub for the international running community, offering gear previews, nutritional seminars, and cultural exchanges. The organization is top-tier, providing extensive medical support, frequent hydration points, and a high-quality finisher’s medal that captures the aesthetic of ancient Rome. Whether you are aiming for a personal record on the flat sections or simply want to soak in the atmosphere of the historic center, this event delivers a profound sense of achievement.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: The main marathon and associated races are scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026.
- Start Time: The professional elite field and first waves typically begin at 8:30 AM, with the event concluding in the mid-afternoon.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Rome, Italy.
- Venue: Via dei Fori Imperiali (Start and Finish line).
- Google Maps Address: Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is conducted exclusively online through the official event website via the Enternow platform.
- Admission Type: Entry is sold by category, including the Full Marathon, the Run4Rome Relay, and the 5K Fun Run.
- Ticket Pricing: Marathon entry fees typically range from $105.00 for early birds to $135.00 for late registrations.
- Free Admission: Viewing the race from the sidewalks and cheering at the finish line area is free for all spectators.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Premium “Top Runner” or hospitality packages are available for corporate groups, including private bag storage and post-race catering.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@runromethemarathon.com
- Phone: +39 3245830486
- Website: https://www.runromethemarathon.com/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/runromethemarathon/
- https://www.instagram.com/runrome_themarathon/
- https://www.youtube.com/@runromethemarathonofficial
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), 30 km from the center (~32 minutes via Leonardo Express train); Ciampino Airport (CIA) for budget carriers.
- Public Transport: Take Metro Line B to the “Colosseo” station for direct access to the start/finish area; various bus lines serve the Piazza Venezia hub.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from Fiumicino to the city center have a fixed fare of approximately $55.00; Uber Black is available but standard taxis are more common.
- Parking: Extremely difficult in the center; use peripheral parking like the “Parcheggio Roma Termini” (~$28.00/day) and take the metro to the site.
- Other Access: Walking is highly recommended within the historic center as many roads are closed for the race; electric scooters are also available via apps like Lime or Dott.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel Hassler Roma (5-star, 1.5 km, iconic luxury at the top of the Spanish Steps, ~$750-1,200/night); Hotel de la Ville (5-star, 1.4 km, vibrant luxury ~$600-950/night).
- Mid-Range Options: IQ Hotel Roma (4-star, 1 km, modern and tech-friendly near the Opera, ~$220-350/night); Hotel Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo (4-star, 0.4 km, rooftop views of the Colosseum ~$250-400/night).
- Budget Stays: The Beehive (Hostel/Hotel, 1.8 km, cozy and eco-conscious near Termini ~$90-150/night); Generator Rome (Hostel, 2 km, stylish and social ~$70-130/night).
Reviews
- Running past the Roman Forum at sunrise was the most emotional experience of my entire running career.
- The crowd support in the final three kilometers was incredible and helped me push through the fatigue.
- Flawless organization from the expo to the finish line; the medal is a true piece of art.
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FAQ's
What is the "Runcard" and do I need one to participate?
International participants who are not members of a national athletics federation recognized by World Athletics usually need to purchase a "Runcard." This is a mandatory insurance and registration card required by the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) for all competitive races in Italy. The Runcard costs approximately $16.00 and must be presented along with a valid medical certificate for competitive sports to collect your race bib.
Are there many cobblestones on the marathon route?
While Rome is famous for its "sampietrini" (cobblestones), the marathon organizers have designed the route to minimize their impact on the runners. Approximately 10% of the course features these historic stones, mostly in the very heart of the old city. Runners are advised to wear shoes with good cushioning and to be mindful of their footing in these sections, especially if the ground is damp.
How do I provide a medical certificate for the race?
To participate in the competitive marathon, you must upload a medical certificate specifically for "competitive athletics" to the registration portal. This certificate must be signed and stamped by a doctor and confirm that you are fit to participate in a marathon. The certificate must be valid on the date of the race, March 22, 2026, and a specific template is usually provided on the official website to ensure it meets Italian legal requirements.
Is there a time limit to finish the Rome Marathon?
The official time limit to complete the Acea Run Roma The Marathon is 6 hours and 30 minutes from the start of the final wave. After this time, the organizers cannot guarantee that the roads will remain closed to traffic, and the refreshment stations may begin to close. However, the finish line remains open slightly longer to welcome the final "marathon heroes" who complete the distance with grit and determination.
What is the Expo and where is it located?
The Expo Village is the central meeting point for all runners to collect their race kits, including the bib number and technical t-shirt. It is typically located at the Ragusa Off space or a similar large venue in Rome and is open on the Friday and Saturday before the race. The Expo features numerous stands from sports brands, health food companies, and other international marathons, providing a vibrant pre-race atmosphere for all visitors.
