Monza Half Marathon 2026 set for Sunday, October 4: everything you need to know

Four days to go until the Monza Half Marathon! On Sunday, October 4, the lights at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza will go out once again, but not for Formula 1 cars. This time, it will be 11,000 runners from 79 countries taking to the start line at the legendary Temple of Speed. We have already introduced the event and previewed its fast course. Now it is time to focus on race weekend: the schedule, bib collection, access to the circuit, race-day timings and final advice. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend.

A record-breaking 2026 edition with 11,000 participants

It is official: the Monza Half Marathon is sold out. Every distance, from 5K to 30K, has reached capacity. The enthusiasm is real for an event that is still relatively young, having been created in the mid-2010s. Organisers even unveiled some impressive figures during the race’s official presentation at the Autodromo: entries are up 60% on 2025, with 11,000 runners expected this weekend to take on the asphalt of the famous Formula 1 circuit. Before the race has even started, that level of participation is a huge success for the organisers.

Another interesting feature is the runners’ nationality. The race has a truly international feel, with almost one in three participants (32%) coming from abroad and 79 different nationalities represented. It is a fine reflection of the appeal of Lombardy, with Milan nearby and Lake Como just 30 minutes away by train. Women will also be strongly represented in the field, making up 36% of the entrants. It is set to be quite a celebration.

Key information – Monza Half Marathon

Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Location: Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Italy
Entries: Sold out
Participants: 11,000
Distances: 5K (non-competitive), 10K, 21K (half marathon), 30K
Elevation gain: 89 m (half marathon)
Bib collection : Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Paddock 1 (Sunday from 6:15 to 8:00 a.m. for runners living outside the province)
Starting corrals open: 8:40 a.m.
Start: 9:00 a.m.
Access: Porta di Vedano or Biassono, free parking from 6:00 a.m.
Official website : followyourpassion.it
Race guide: Monza Half Marathon 2026

Schedule, bib collection, access, timings and advice for getting ready for the Monza Half Marathon before race day.

Monza is the second stop on the 2026 Running Series

The Running Series is a collection of races organised by FollowYourPassion (MG Sport). It features three major events across Lombardy. Runners who complete all three stages receive an exclusive finisher medal.

This weekend in Monza, more than 350 volunteers from associations across Monza and Brianza will be on hand to help make the event a success. They will also be joined by 80 students from two local high schools. It is an event that brings the whole local community together.

Running Series 2026

Bergamo Half Marathon (Bergamo21): February 8, 2026
Monza Half Marathon: October 4, 2026
Milan Half Marathon (Powerade Milano Half Marathon): November 22, 2026

The weekend schedule

Everything takes place in one location: the Expo Village, set up in Paddock 1 at the Autodromo. This is where you collect your bib, browse the partner stands, soak up the pre-race buzz, test equipment and return after the race for the winners’ presentation.

Bib collection

Saturday, October 3

10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Bib and race bag collection at Paddock 1 for all distances.

Sunday, October 4

6:15 to 8:00 a.m.: Bib collection for late arrivals, only for runners who live outside the province of Monza-Brianza.

Someone else may collect your bib on your behalf, provided they complete the form supplied by the organiser.

Shake-out run on Saturday

On, the race sponsor, is organising a shake-out run to get the legs moving the day before the race. It is also a great chance to ease off the pre-race pressure and meet other runners.

Shake-out run information

Saturday, October 3 at 10:00 a.m.: Meet at the On stand in the Expo Village, Paddock 1
Try the On Cloudboom Strike 2 and other models
Registration link

Race day

This is it, race day has arrived. After months of training, one perhaps slightly restless night and an athlete’s breakfast, it is time to lace up your favourite shoes.

8:00 a.m.: Group warm-up with On.
8:40 a.m.: Starting corrals open.
9:00 a.m.: Lights out and start of the competitive races (30K, half marathon and 10K), followed by the non-competitive formats (from 5K to 30K).
11:00 a.m.: Awards and overall 10K and half marathon podiums at the Expo Village.
12:30 p.m. (approximate): Age-group half marathon podiums and overall 30K podium.

Our advice: if you can, collect your bib on Saturday. It means you do not have to leave your accommodation quite so early on Sunday, and it is always useful to get your race kit organised as soon as possible. Sunday-morning collection is also strictly reserved for runners from outside the province. With a fairly short collection window, queues are likely. Plan ahead to avoid pre-race stress and leave yourself enough time for a relaxed warm-up.

Race-day information

Bag drop: A bag-drop service will be available at the village, allowing runners to leave their belongings before the start and collect them after the finish.
Starting corrals: Corrals are assigned according to the best time declared during registration and identified by the colour of your bib (blue, yellow or red). They open at 8:40 a.m. Please use the correct corral to keep the start flowing smoothly. Pacers will also be there to help runners hit their targets.
Aid stations: Water stations will be positioned approximately every 4 km. All finishers will find a final aid station just beyond the finish line, before heading to the Expo Village for the podium ceremonies.
Cut-off times: 2:30 for the half marathon, 4:00 for the 30K, and 1:30 for the 10K and 5K.
Toilets: Toilets will be available in the designated areas, and a changing facility will be provided. There are no showers on site, however, so make sure you pack a change of clothes for the journey home.

How to get to the Autodromo on race day

The Autodromo sits in the heart of Parco di Monza, a few kilometres from the city centre. There are two entrances to remember: Porta di Vedano on Viale di Vedano and the Biassono entrance on Via Santa Maria delle Selve.

By car. Free parking will be available inside the Autodromo from 6:00 a.m. If you are arriving from the north, use Biassono. From the south, including from Milan, use Porta di Vedano. Once inside the grounds, simply follow the signs. Detailed maps of the entrances and parking areas can be found on the final pages of the race guide.
By train and bus. From Milan, suburban trains S8, S9 and S11 serve Monza station. From there, it is approximately 6 km to the circuit, which could make for a decent long warm-up. Alternatively, two bus routes run from Corso Milano: 204 to Porta di Vedano and 221 to the Biassono entrance. Check the timetables the day before, or plan to take a taxi.

A fast course in the footsteps of Formula 1 giants

We broke it down kilometre by kilometre in our course preview, but a quick reminder never hurts with race day just a few days away. The Monza half marathon offers three different settings over 21.097 km.

Km 0 to 5: the F1 circuit. The race starts on the rettifilo, the famous pit straight. Almost 1 km without a single corner gives you time to settle into your rhythm, followed by four kilometres on the circuit’s ultra-smooth asphalt, with red-and-white kerbs on either side and grandstands that make the experience feel truly special. You feel privileged to be running here. There are a few gentle drags, but nothing too demanding.
Km 5 to 19: Parco di Monza. At the final corner of the track, the route heads into the park via Viale Mirabello. The scenery changes completely: wide paved avenues, centuries-old trees, the lime-tree avenue and a crossing of the Lambro. This is the smoothest and quietest section of the race. Stay focused here: this is where the clock will be decided.
Km 19 to the finish: the Sopraelevata and the return to the track. The moment everyone is waiting for. Around two kilometres on the historic 1955 speed ring and its banked corners, like a skate park, before rejoining the modern circuit for the final straight. The finish arch rises ahead, right where it all began 21.097 km earlier.

Our final tips for pacing your race well:

Do not get carried away on the long opening straight,
Find a group to run with on the long straight sections, especially if it is windy,
Save something for the speed ring. It is one of the most memorable parts of the course, so stay sharp enough to enjoy it.

Bib collected, logistics sorted, goal locked in… All that is left is to sleep well and eat well. On Sunday morning, 11,000 runners will line up on the grid of a Formula 1 circuit, with many of them taking on the demanding half marathon distance. And when the pain starts to bite, think of the finish line: the pain fades, but the PB lasts forever. Good luck, everyone!

✔ Find all the information about the Monza Half Marathon in the 2026 race guide