© Rome Marathon
How to Register for the Rome Marathon?
Running in Rome is far more than just a marathon. From the Colosseum to the banks of the Tiber, via St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, and the Imperial Forums, Run Rome The Marathon is a truly unique experience. With its historic cobblestones, electric atmosphere, and a course that spans three millennia of history, it is one of the most iconic marathons in the world. Each year, the event attracts nearly 30,000 runners, the majority of them international. The 2026 edition is already close to selling out, so securing a bib requires understanding Italy’s very specific registration system. Here’s everything you need to know to register with confidence.
| How Registration Works
Run Rome The Marathon 2026 will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026. As every spring, the Italian capital is preparing to welcome runners from all over the world. The upcoming edition is set to reach a historic milestone, with around 30,000 marathon runners expected, confirming Rome’s status as one of the most attractive marathons globally.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday with the Fun Run 5 km, a popular and accessible race designed for families, schools, and tourists who want to experience the atmosphere without committing to the full marathon distance.
How to register
Marathon registration is done:
via the official race website, or
through the Finishers platform, widely used by international runners.
Rome operates on a first come, first served basis: no lottery, no qualifying standards. Bibs sell out quickly. In 2025, the marathon was sold out several weeks before race day, and for 2026, 90% of bibs were already gone by November 2025.
Time limit
6 hours 30 minutes
After this limit, roads reopen to traffic, but runners are allowed to finish on the sidewalks if needed.
| How Much Does a Rome Marathon Bib Cost?
The Rome Marathon uses a tiered pricing system, with prices increasing every two months. The earlier you register, the cheaper your bib.
➜ Until July 31, 2025: €89
➜ August 1 – October 31, 2025: €99
➜ November 1 – December 15, 2025: €119
➜ December 16, 2025 – March 16, 2026: €129
The 5 km Fun Run has a fixed and affordable price: €15 for adults, and €5 for children.
Group registrations are also possible, notably through Run4Rome, the official charity relay program, as well as via selected tour operators.
| Two Registration Options: Competitive or Non-Competitive
Italy has a unique system that often surprises first-time international runners. For the Rome Marathon, you must choose between competitive and non-competitive entry.
Competitive entry
✔ Includes official ranking and placement
✔ Governed by Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) rules
✔ Requires a RunCard (FIDAL license, €15, valid for one year)
✔ Requires a medical certificate stating fitness for competitive athletics
✔ Documents must be uploaded to the ENDU platform
Foreign runners licensed with a federation recognized by World Athletics can compete without a RunCard but must complete a self-declaration. International runners are not eligible for prize money.
Non-competitive entry
This is the simplest and most popular option for international runners:
✔ No medical certificate required
✔ No RunCard required
✔ Only registration and a liability waiver (signed at bib pickup)
The race experience is exactly the same: same course, same start waves, same timing, same finisher medal. The only difference is that non-competitive runners do not appear in the official ranked results, but their times are still published in an alphabetical results list.
There is no sub-elite entry system based on qualifying times, making Rome one of the most accessible major marathons in this regard.
| Which Option Should You Choose?
For most international runners, non-competitive entry is more than sufficient. Competitive status makes sense if you want an official ranking, are racing for a club, or are targeting a high-level performance. On race day, the experience is identical—only the administrative requirements differ.
| Bib Transfer and Deferral Policy
The Rome Marathon does not offer refunds, but it does allow deferring your entry to the following edition (until December 31, 2025), or transferring your bib to another runner (until March 3, 2026). All changes must be made through the official organizer’s portal. The new runner completes their registration using a code provided by the organization and pays the transfer fee. After the deadlines, no deferrals or transfers are accepted.
| Travel Agencies: A Turnkey Solution
Many runners choose to register through official tour operators, especially for Rome. These packages typically include: guaranteed bib, hotel near the start/finish, transfers, and optional guided tours or excursions. It’s an ideal solution for combining marathon and tourism in a city as complex as Rome. The list of official partner agencies is available on the race website.
| Charity Bibs: Run for a Cause
Rome also offers a Charity Runner Program, allowing participants to run on behalf of partner charities. The list of supported organizations can be found on the official race platform.
Key Facts – Rome Marathon 2026
- Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Participants: approx. 50,000 total (including ~30,000 marathon runners)
- Elevation gain: ~100 m (generally fast, with cobblestones in the final 10 km)
- Average temperature: 9–13°C (48–55°F)
- Time limit: 6:30
- Entry fee: €89 to €129 depending on registration date
- Label: World Athletics Elite
- Associated event: Fun Run 5 km (Saturday)
| A Well-Oiled Organization
Hosting a marathon in Rome is no small feat: traffic restrictions, archaeological sites, extensive security measures… yet every year the event delivers an impressive logistical performance. The race holds the World Athletics Elite Label, ensuring high standards for course quality, aid stations, timing, and overall runner experience.
The Marathon Expo, held at the Palazzo dei Congressi, is a highlight of the weekend, featuring brand booths, talks, entertainment, and bib pickup. The entire city turns into a celebration of running.
| Italy’s Biggest Marathon: Where History Meets Performance
Rome is not just a marathon—it’s a journey through 3,000 years of history. Starting near the Colosseum, runners pass the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, Castel Sant’Angelo, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Tiber River, Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, and Piazza del Popolo, before finishing once again by the Colosseum.
While it’s not a pure “highway” course like Berlin or Valencia, it remains fast and runnable. The course records speak for themselves:
Men: 2:06:24 – Asbel Rutto (2024), Women: 2:22:52 – Megertu Alemu Kebede (2022).
The cobblestones in the final third add character without ruining the experience. Rome is a race where you can run fast—but above all, live something unforgettable.
➔ Find all course details for the Rome Marathon
If you’re looking for a spring marathon rich in history, emotion, and atmosphere, you may have just found your next goal.
✔ Find all registration details for the Rome Marathon
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
