23/02/2026 Comunicati

The sponsors of the thermal bologna marathon 2026

Termal Bologna Marathon: a shared project between sport, territory and innovation

The Termal Bologna Marathon kicks off on Sunday, March 1

Saturday, February 28 the Tigotà KIDS Run, the LF23 Inclusion Marathon and the Re-Start at the Bologna District Prison

The event in collaboration with the University of Bologna

Course records ready to fall

BOLOGNA – Bologna runs again, more beautiful and bigger than ever, with a record and sold-out number of participants marking an important chapter in the history of this event.

Termal Bologna Marathon this year will be “Bologna the Learned” (after “Bologna the Towered” in 2024 and “Bologna the Fat” in 2025), a tribute to the central role that knowledge, culture and education have in the city’s history.

Strengthening this message is the collaboration with the University of Bologna, which in 2026 will ideally take to the streets alongside thousands of runners to highlight the value of education as a driver of growth, both individual and collective.

The new claim, “Think Smart Run Far”, perfectly embodies the meeting of the academic and sporting worlds: an invitation to combine intelligence and determination, knowledge and resilience — the same energy that supports those who undertake a course of study and those who run toward the finish line of a marathon.

The goal is clear: to increasingly engage younger generations, presenting running as a metaphor for a journey of growth, personal and shared.

Termal Bologna Marathon on Sunday, March 1, organized by Bologna Sport Marathon SSD a r.l. with the support and patronage of the Municipality of Bologna, was presented today, Monday, February 23, at the Sala Anziani of Palazzo D'Accursio in Bologna.

“The Bologna Marathon represents an event of extraordinary importance for our city. It is not only a major sporting event, but an opportunity for collective participation, promotion of healthy lifestyles and enhancement of the territory. Bologna once again confirms itself as a city of sport, inclusive and welcoming, capable of hosting events of international value and involving thousands of athletes, together with families, volunteers and associations. The race passes through the symbolic places of the city, putting the historical and cultural heritage in dialogue with the energy of sport, in an event that helps strengthen Bologna’s image at national and international level. The Municipality will continue to strongly support events that promote well-being, inclusion and sustainability, working together with the organizers to ensure a safe and high-quality experience. We invite all citizens to experience this edition of the Bologna Marathon not only as spectators, but as protagonists, by participating, cheering and sharing the spirit of a great celebration of sport”

Roberta Li Calzi, Councillor for Sport and Budget

Event program

Saturday, February 28 at 10:15 a.m.: Tigotà KIDS Marathon (non-competitive fun run)
Followed by: LF23 Inclusion Marathon with the participation of athletes from CSRD (Day Socio-Rehabilitation Centers) and CSO (Socio-Occupational Centers) of Bologna
Sunday, March 1 at 9:00 a.m.: single start for all competitive races Termal Bologna Marathon, 30 Km dei Portici and 21 Km Run Tune Up
Closing with Bologna City Run 5 Km “Where research runs free” – “Dove la ricerca corre libera”, a non-competitive event in collaboration with the University of Bologna, to support research benefiting researchers engaged every day in projects impacting health, rights, social needs, energy, environment, technological and cultural development
“UNIBO 21K CHALLENGE” award for Alma Mater students participating in the Run Tune Up (21.097 km): the top three male and female finishers with the best speed will be awarded (ceremony on the stage in Piazza Maggiore)

The numbers

With registrations still open for the Bologna City Run 5 Km “Where research runs free” and for all the non-competitive events on Saturday morning, there are already nearly 9,000 athletes at the start across the competitive distances. Of these, over 36% come from abroad, with 81 nations represented: the United Kingdom, Germany and France together account for 15% of the total. Athletes are also present from the United States, Australia, Brazil and Japan.

Italy is fully represented, with Lombardy, Veneto and Tuscany leading the rankings and significant numbers also from the major islands. The provincial podium sees Bologna followed by Modena, the latter close to a tie with Milan.

Another notable figure is the female participation rate reaching 32%, a result that rewards the organizers for a highly inclusive event. For the Termal Bologna Marathon, the average age of participants is 29 years.

Termal Bologna Marathon Re-Start

A major new feature of this edition is the Termal Bologna Marathon Re-Start, a collaboration with the Rocco D'Amato District Prison of Bologna, born from the commitment of the Termal Bologna Marathon organizing team, the efforts of Councillor Filippo Diaco and the work of CSI. The event, starting Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., will see 8 teams of inmates each run approximately 5 km within the prison grounds, covering the full marathon distance.

The top runners of the Termal Bologna Marathon

The men’s record to beat of 2:21:56 (last edition) belongs to Kenyan Martin Cheruiyot, who returns on March 1 aiming for a repeat victory and boasts a personal best of 2:10:08 (Malaga Marathon 2019).

Ishmael Chelanga Kalale (Kenya): 2:10:31 (Padua 2024), third at the last Florence Marathon, second at the Maga Circe Marathon
Peter Murithi Wahome (Kenya): 2:11:00, winner of the last Graz Marathon
Phillip Kiptoo (Uganda): 2:13:26 (Abu Dhabi 2023)
Frederick Cheruiyot Bett (marathon debut): third in the 10 km in Ibiza 2024 with 28:33

Italy fields national athlete (tenth at the 100 km Road World Championships in Bangalore 2024) Alessio Milani (Atl. Monfalcone): personal best 2:24:47 (Berlin Marathon 2022).

Roberto Cassol (A.S.D. La Recastello): 2:32:36 (Florence 2019)
Italo Cassol (ASD La Recastello): 2:41:34 (2019)

In the women’s race, Kenyan Sheila Chepkech will attempt to improve the course record of 2:49:46 (2024) set by Federica Moroni (Atl Rimini Nord Santarcangelo), winner here of the first and third editions. Chepkech has a personal best of 2:27:16 (Nairobi 2023). Also racing is Federica Moroni with a personal best of 2:48:08 (Pisa 2021).

The top runners of the Run Tune Up 21k

The 2025 edition celebrated both course records. The man to beat is Matteo Luis Ricciardi (ASD Dinamo Running) with 1:06:35.

Riccardo Mugnosso (Asd Sicilia Running Team): personal best 1:03:20 (Valencia 2019), bronze medalist at the 2023 Italian Marathon Championships (Verona)
Ismail El Haissoufi (ASD Daunia Running): 1:08:21 (Pisa Half Marathon 2022)
Marco Zanga (ASD La Recastello): 1:12:26 (Turin Half Marathon 2025)

For women, the record of Marika Accorsi (CUS Parma) stands at 1:15:50. Challenging it will be Sofia Toniolo (BOLF TEAM ASD), debuting at the distance but with 37:06 over 10 km on the road (Rodigo 2025).

The course

A route combining speed and smoothness with a strong identity, allowing runners to immerse themselves in the soul of Bologna, kilometer after kilometer: from the medieval heart to modern districts, from historic porticoes to open spaces, from cultural heritage to contemporary energy.

Single start from via Irnerio for all competitive races: immediately into the heart of Bologna among porticoes, historic buildings and cheering crowds, then toward via Saragozza and the system of Bologna’s porticoes recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the course: Fiera District area with the towers of Kenzo Tange, passage through the Unipol headquarters at Porta d’Europa, then north entering the Navile District.

In the final six kilometers: Maserati underpass, Marconi and via Riva Reno, then Piazza dei Martiri, and return through via Barberia, via De’ Carbonesi and via Farini, finishing in Piazza Maggiore. TRAFFIC ORDINANCE

The personalities at the start

After more than 550 marathons, Brescia-based massage therapist, posturologist and personal trainer Giancarlo Magli, known as the environmental marathoner, will run his last one in Bologna. Magli has described the Bologna Marathon as his New York.

It will instead be the first marathon for Don Paolo Polizzi, a 32-year-old Salesian priest originally from Puglia.

Also present are well-known figures from the running scene: German influencer Franziska Schöbel (Run Tune Up), Davide Campagna (“Cotto al Dente”) with Team Culligan, and Daniele Vecchioni of “Correre Naturale”, ambassador for Dicloreum Ice.

The expo village

Piazza Maggiore will be the beating heart of the event and home of the Marathon Village. Bologna will transform into a celebration of sport and culture, with meetings, presentations, music and initiatives on environment, health, safety and sport. With the University of Bologna, dedicated stands will offer insights into research topics.

Friday afternoon and Saturday activities for families and children and at 7:00 p.m. the marathoner’s mass at the Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini.

Saturday at 10:15 a.m. the Tigotà KIDS Run (after face painting), followed by the LF23 Inclusion Marathon. In the afternoon: 4:30 p.m. pacer team presentation, 5:15 p.m. top runner presentation. Entertainment by Radio 105 throughout the weekend.

At the expo village every athlete can collect their race kit (bib and race bag), enjoy local products and explore technical gear.

Friday, February 27: 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 28: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 1: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Musical initiatives

The partnership with Fondazione Entroterre, which promotes social, environmental and economic sustainability, is renewed. Along the course, performances by 11 bands and artists.

On Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the ReCover in concert will bring 1980s live music to Piazza Maggiore.

Free entry to Civic Museums of Bologna

On the occasion of the Bologna Marathon, the Municipality of Bologna offers free entry to civic museums for bib holders: valid from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1.

Sustainability

Bologna Marathon reduces environmental impact through concrete actions: waste reduction, recycling and zero-emission vehicles. Aid stations will be Plastic Free also thanks to Culligan, avoiding over 100,000 plastic bottles.

Immediately after the start, the Social Cooperative La Fraternità will collect clothing left by athletes for virtuous reuse. This year a sustainability report will be published in collaboration with the “Sustainability Manager in Sport” course of the University of Bologna, directed by Prof. Maurizio Marano.

With Trenitalia Tper, a campaign invites regional runners to reach Bologna sustainably. For those coming from outside the region, the Special Events offer provides discounts up to 75% on Frecce, Intercity and Intercity Notte trains.

The technical T-shirt

In collaboration with Joma, black base with dynamic pattern: fluorescent turquoise for the 42K, red for the 30K and yellow grey for the 21K. Elastic crew neck and raglan sleeves; fabric in 100% recycled MESH polyester from PET bottles.

The medal

Designed by illustrator and designer Paolo Niutta, inspired by knowledge as a force that elevates “Bologna the Learned”. On the front: the Torre della Specola and symbols of the Alma Mater (partner Pelliconi).

The shape recalls the 13th-century Moorish astrolabe preserved at the Museum of the Specola: an instrument to measure space and time, fundamental also in running. The track, porticoes and two small towers are depicted; the border with the claim "Think smart, run far" recalls the circular scales of ancient astronomical instruments.

On the back the phrase by Theodore Roosevelt: «Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground». Also present is a QR code linking to a video dedicated to the historic places of the University. Medals in zinc alloy, antique gold finish with 3D effect.

The Termal Group

With over forty years of experience, the Termal Group is a national leader in climate control, energy efficiency, sustainable construction and electric mobility. The renewal of the partnership with the Bologna Marathon confirms the event’s growth and the support of companies that believe in sport as a tool for aggregation, well-being and development.

Competitive event registrations

Registrations for competitive events are closed.

Bologna City Run 5 km registrations

Registrations are open on the website – CLICK HERE – until February 23, 2026 or until the maximum number of 3,000 participants is reached. The fee includes a 5 euro donation for University projects for UniBO - Alma Mater Studiorum.

If bibs remain available, registrations at the race office in Piazza Maggiore: Friday, February 27 3:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 28 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. No registrations will be accepted on race day.

Tigotà Kids Marathon registrations

Event on Saturday, February 28, for boys and girls aged 4 to 10, up to a maximum of 500. Registrations on the website – CLICK HERE – or at Tigotà stores listed on the website – CLICK HERE.