Official presentation of the 2026 medals: a tribute to “Bologna la Dotta” 🎖️
Official presentation of the 2026 medals: a tribute to “Bologna la Dotta” 🎖️
BOLOGNA – The official presentation ceremony of the finisher medals for the Termal Bologna Marathon 2026 took place today, highlighting the collaboration with the University of Bologna, which is the first institutional partner of the event.
A prize that tells the story of the city
(see official video youtube)
The new medal, designed by master Paolo Niutta and sponsored by Pelliconi, is a true tribute to Bologna: its shape recalls that of a Moorish astrolabe from the 13th century, preserved at the Museo della Specola.
On the front, the Torre della Specola appears, surrounded by the symbols of the Alma Mater, along with iconic elements of the city — the porticoes, the towers, a track: a mix of history, culture, and sport.
On the back, the phrase “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground” reminds us of the balance between ambition and determination, while a QR code will lead to a surprise for all athletes who cross the finish line of the Termal Bologna Marathon on March 1, 2026. Made of zinc alloy with an antique gold finish and 3D effect, the medal aims to be “a fragment of history” to wear around the neck with pride.
A marathon that unites sport and knowledge
The choice to dedicate the 2026 edition to “Bologna la Dotta” — with the claim “Think smart, run far” — aims to celebrate the city as a place of culture and knowledge. Thanks to the collaboration with the University of Bologna, the marathon takes on an even deeper meaning, linking running, education, and civic identity.
Among those attending the ceremony were the Rector of the University, the City of Bologna's Councillor for Sport, and the president of the Bologna Marathon, who emphasized how the medal represents not only a memento of the race but a shared symbol of civic pride and belonging to the city.
