Rome, Italy – The Eternal City is preparing to host its 31st annual Acea Run Rome The Marathon on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Organizers are anticipating a record-breaking field of 36,000 participants, making it the tenth-largest marathon in the world by runner count. The event promises a spectacular display of athleticism and a celebration of Rome’s rich history and culture.
The race, which will begin at 8:00 AM local time (2:00 AM EST) from the iconic Fori Imperiali, is expected to draw athletes from 166 countries, with over 10,000 women registered to compete in the 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) marathon. This year’s edition builds on the event’s growing international profile, recently earning a place in the prestigious European Marathon Classics series.
Beyond the main marathon, the Acea Run Rome The Marathon weekend will feature two additional events: the Acea Run4Rome Relay, a charitable team run supporting over 40 non-profit organizations and involving an additional 6,000 runners; and the Plogging Relay, a unique event combining running with litter collection. Combined, these events are projected to attract a total of 60,000 participants.
All three events – the marathon, the relay, and the plogging race – will share the same start and finish lines. Runners will begin at the Fori Imperiali and complete the course at the Circo Massimo, passing some of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks along the way. The route will take participants past the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, the Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus, the Basilica di San Paolo, and Castel Sant’Angelo, culminating with a scenic stretch along the Tiber River and through Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona.
This year’s marathon will also feature a poignant initiative dubbed “The Mother’s Call” and designated as a “Ponte della Pace” (Bridge of Peace). At the 6-kilometer mark, on the Ponte Settimia Spizzichino bridge, an Israeli and a Palestinian mother will participate in discussions and events aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding. This initiative underscores the marathon’s commitment to promoting peace and inclusivity.
Alessandro Onorato, the Assessor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion for the city of Rome, highlighted the economic impact of the event, estimating over 120,000 visitors – athletes and their accompanying parties – and an economic boost exceeding 120 million euros, more than double the figure from 2024. “This is a confirmation of how the collaboration with the organizers Infront Italy and Corriere dello Sport – Stadio has been positive, forward-looking and beneficial for Rome,” Onorato stated. He also indicated plans to explore further collaborations with other major marathons, including a recent partnership with the New York City Marathon.
The success of the Acea Run Rome The Marathon is a testament to the growing appeal of running tourism and the enduring allure of Rome as a global destination. For runners, the event offers a unique opportunity to combine athletic achievement with an immersive cultural experience. The course itself is designed to showcase the city’s historical and artistic treasures, providing a backdrop unlike any other marathon in the world.
For those planning to travel to Rome for the marathon, the Expo Village will be open from Thursday, March 19th to Saturday, March 21st at the Circo Massimo, easily accessible via the Metro B line. Admission to the Expo Village is free.
The marathon’s growing popularity and economic impact underscore its importance to the city of Rome. Organizers are committed to continuing to elevate the event, fostering collaborations with other international marathons and enhancing the overall experience for participants and spectators alike. The 2026 edition promises to be a landmark event, solidifying Rome’s position as a premier destination for marathon runners worldwide.
More information about the Acea Run Rome The Marathon, including registration details and course maps, can be found on the official event website: https://www.runromethemarathon.com/
The next key date for participants is the close of the waiting list, after which focus will shift to final preparations and race-day logistics. Keep an eye on the official website and social media channels for updates and announcements.
