RULE BOOK 42KM - 30KM - 21KM

• 1. Partecipation Requirements

  According to Article 34 of the Rules for the Organization of Events issued by FIDAL, the following athletes are eligible to participate in the half marathon (starting from 18 years of age) and in the marathon or 30 km race (starting from 20 years of age):

  • Italian and foreign athletes registered with FIDAL-affiliated clubs in different competitive and promotional categories.
  • Athletes registered with foreign Athletics Federations affiliated with World Athletics (WA), provided that they submit a self-declaration form of registration if not entered by their Federation, Club, or an authorized agent. Please download and fill out the form: Declaration for Foreign Federations.
  • Non-EU athletes must present a residence permit or entry visa.
  • Italian and foreign citizens, aged 20 and over, not registered with FIDAL or a foreign athletics federation affiliated with WA but holding a RUNCARD.
  • Athletes registered with an EPS (Sports Promotion Body) that has signed a FIDAL agreement, provided they are also registered with FIDAL or hold a RUNCARD EPS.
  • Participation of Italian citizens (both residents and non-residents) and foreign residents in Italy holding a RUNCARD or RUNCARD EPS is subject to possession and submission of a medical certificate of competitive fitness specifically for athletics (no other designations will be accepted). This certificate must be valid and will be checked and kept on file by the organizer. The certificate must be produced either digitally at registration or submitted no later than February 25, 2025.

  WARNING: Athletes who fail to submit their certificate by the deadline will not be able to collect their race bib, only the race kit, and will not be entitled to a refund of the registration fee.
  For foreigners not residing in Italy, the medical certificate may be issued in their home country but must confirm that the same tests required by Italian law were performed: a) medical examination, b) complete urine test, c) resting and exercise ECG, d) spirometry.

  It is possible to download the form for the certificate, which must be filled out, signed, and stamped by a physician.

  • Non-competitive participation for foreign athletes not registered in Italy

  Foreigners residing abroad, aged 20 and over, not registered with a FIDAL-affiliated club or a foreign Athletics Federation affiliated with WA, may participate in a non-competitive manner by signing a Liability Waiver Form to be submitted with their registration. See Annex 3: Liability Waiver Form.

  NOTE: By choosing this option, the athlete will start in the grids prepared for competitive races, will be identified with a dedicated bib, and will be included in a separate finishing classification from the competitive race. Their time will be listed in alphabetical order, and they will not be eligible for physical or monetary prizes.

  IMPORTANT WARNINGS:

  Athletes who do not possess a RUNCARD can apply for it at www.runcard.com;

  Medical certificates must specify “competitive fitness for athletics”.

• 1.2 INCLUSION OF ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES

  Athletes regularly registered for 2025 with one of the following Paralympic Sports Federations recognized by CIP (Italian Paralympic Committee) are eligible to participate:

  * FISPES (Italian Federation of Paralympic and Experimental Sports)

  Participation of handbike athletes is not allowed, whether they are registered with UCI, FCI, or other recognized organizations. Upon registration, athletes must report their disability and functional classification. Registration is free for all disabled athletes.

  Starting grids and bib assignment:

  • Athletes in racing wheelchairs and/or pushers will start in the last grid.
  • Visually impaired athletes (T11, T12, and T13) accompanied by guides will start in their corresponding grids based on their accredited time.
  • Ambulatory athletes from other functional classes and deaf athletes will also start in their respective grids based on their accredited time.

  Pre-race and race control for athletes in wheelchairs

  The Race Director is responsible for overseeing the race and has the authority to disqualify athletes who do not follow the given instructions. The pace vehicle will dictate the race speed, and athletes must not surpass it.

  Pre-race and race control for blind athletes

  The Race Director will ensure that all guide athletes wear the designated bib and carry the guide rope. Only one guide change is permitted at the halfway point of the race. Athletes must reach the change point independently and report to the FIDAL judge responsible for control. The use of blindfolds and masks is optional.

• 2. TIMING

  The event will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Bologna, with the starting time still to be defined. The regulations will be promptly updated, and all detailed instructions will be communicated by the organizers through the official communication channels: website (www.bolognamarathon.run) and social media Facebook and Instagram.

• 3. ROUTES

  • •Bologna Marathon – Competitive – 42,195Km - Certified by FIDAL BRONZE Category A

    •30Km dei Portici – Competitive – 30Km – Certified by FIDAL

    •Run Tune Up – Competitive – 21,097 km – Certified by FIDAL

     

    All route characteristics will be detailed on the website www.bolognamarathon.run . Progressive kilometer markers will be placed alongside the road. Unauthorized vehicles are not allowed on the race course (depending on the various permits for full and/or partial road closures along the certified route).

   

• 4. PARTECIPATION FEES AND DEADLINES

  Registrations must be made online following the instructions on the event’s website www.bolognamarathon.run. The online registration service fee is not included in the indicated rates. Registrations can be made individually or as a group (see point 5 of this regulation). Registrations will only be considered valid after receipt of the participation fee and the medical certificate for competitive fitness. Registrations that are incomplete or contain incorrect information (such as an incomplete email address or other contact details) will not be considered valid.

   

  Bologna Marathon 42,195km Route
  Until April 15, 2024: €40
  Until September 20, 2024: €45
  Until October 31, 2024: €55
  Until January 10, 2025: €65
  Until February 24, 2025 (registration closes): €75
  30 Km dei Portici route
  Until April 15, 2024: €30
  Until September 20, 2024: €35
  Until October 31, 2024: €40
  Until January 10, 2025: €45
  Until February 24, 2025: €55
  21 Km Run Tune Up route
  Until April 15, 2024: €20
  Until September 20, 2024: €25
  Until October 31, 2024: €30
  Until January 10, 2025: €35
  Until February 24, 2025: €40
  From February 18 to February 24, 2025, newly registered participants will receive a neutral bib (without their name) in the last starting grid.

  What is included:
  Race bib
  RCT insurance
  Technical and medical assistance
  Race kit containing products offered by sponsors
  Official technical fabric shirt
  Refreshments along the route
  Official program and informational materials
  Timng service
  Finisher’s medal (for athletes who finish the race)
  Personal clothing deposit service
  Post-race shower service

  Some services may be limited or modified according to organizational needs. Any changes will be promptly communicated.

•   5. GROUPS

  For registration to the Bologna Marathon, 30 km dei Portici, and 21 km Run Tune Up, a group is defined as a set of athletes belonging to the same sports club regularly affiliated with FIDAL in the current year. Registrations must be made exclusively online, following the instructions on the event website www.bolognamarathon.run. Sports clubs registering 10 or more athletes (regardless of distance) will receive a discount of €5 per athlete on the registration fee applicable at the time of registration.
  Large running clubs may receive, upon communication to info@bolognamarathon.run and after verification by the organization, the following refunds:
  €100 for 30 to 40 athletes
  €150 for 41 to 50 athletes
  €200 for over 51 athletes
  For more information, please contact info@bolognamarathon.run 

• 6. CLOSURE OF REGISTRATIONS

  Registrations will close at the end of February 24, 2025, or upon reaching the following participant limits:
  1,800 participants for the 42 km marathon
  1,600 participants for the 30 km
  3,600 participants for the 21 km
  Registrations received after this deadline will not be accepted. The organization reserves the right to close registrations early or accept late registrations at its discretion. No registrations will be accepted on the day of the event.

• 7. CONFIRMATION OF REGISTRATION

  The status of your registration can be checked online through the service provider’s portal. Bib numbers will be assigned shortly before the race, and all registered athletes will receive a confirmation email a few days in advance. This email will contain all essential instructions for bib collection and race participation, and it must be presented (either printed or on a mobile device) when collecting your bib.

• 8. NON PARTECIPATION

  The participation fee is non-refundable. In case of inability to participate, athletes may, by February 12, 2025:
  Request the transfer of their registration to the 2026 edition for the same distance, without the possibility of further postponement.
  Transfer their registration to another person by emailing the organizers. The new participant must complete a new registration form with all personal and club information, submit a medical certificate of competitive fitness, and accept all race regulations.

• 9. ROUTE CHANGES

  After registration, it is possible to request a route change by January 30, 2025:
  Paying the difference (instructions will be provided in the confirmation email) if moving from 30 km to 42 km.
  Paying the difference if moving from 21 km to 42 km or from 21 km to 30 km.
  No refund will be issued if moving from 42km to 30km, 42km to 21km, or 30km to 21km.
  Please communicate any changes by emailing info@bolognamarathon.run with the necessary information. The organization reserves the right to approve requests based on availability. Please note that changing the course does not automatically guarantee a change in the race kit, which will be subject to availability. Athletes who register for one course and run a different one will be disqualified.

• 10. BIB ASSIGNEMENT

  Bib numbers will be assigned progressively according to the registration date. Athletes will have the option to personalize their bib with their name or a nickname (up to 14 characters). If you do not want this personalization, you can send an email with the subject “Bib NO Name” to info@bolognamarathon.run.
  Each athlete will be assigned to a specific starting grid. Based on the bib number, which will indicate the corresponding grid, athletes will access the assigned starting area. The starting area will be determined by the personal best time declared during registration and achieved in the last two years in an official marathon. Exceptions: non-Italian athletes not registered in Italy who choose to run non-competitively will be placed in a special grid at the back, regardless of their best time.
  The organizers reserve the right to verify the declared time and adjust the assigned bib number if discrepancies are found.

• 11. BIB & RACE KIT COLLECTION

  Race bibs and kits for the 42 km Bologna Marathon, 30 km dei Portici, and 21 km Run Tune Up must be collected personally at the Bologna Marathon expo on Friday, February 28, 2025, and Saturday, March 1, 2025, by presenting a valid ID and the confirmation email.
  Bibs and kits can also be collected by authorized third parties presenting a written authorization form (included in the confirmation email) and a photocopy of the participant’s valid ID. Delegations for bib/kit collection are allowed for up to three people. For collections of more than three bibs/kits, please notify the organizers at info@bolognamarathon.run by February 21, 2025.
  Athletes unable to collect their bibs and kits on Friday or Saturday may arrange for Sunday morning pick-up on March 2, 2025. Details and conditions for Sunday morning collection will be included in the updated regulations and shared on the official website and social channels.
  The race bib is strictly personal, cannot be modified or reduced, and is non-transferable under penalty of disqualification.
  NOTE: Athletes are responsible for verifying the contents of their race kit. Therefore, we urge athletes to inspect the contents and inform the organizers in case of any anomalies. Claims regarding the race kit's contents will not be entertained once you have left the Expo.

• 12. SAFETY PROCEDURES

  In compliance with current regulations, all required safety procedures will be implemented. Specifically, the organization does not guarantee access to the starting area beyond the established maximum time, and no bags or containers (backpacks, etc.) will be allowed in the technical area. All information and details regarding organizational procedures for bib collection, start, and finish will be communicated to athletes based on the applicable organizational protocols.

• 13. BAG DEPOSIT SERVICE

  The organization will provide a free bag deposit service near the start and finish areas for the Bologna Marathon, 30 km dei Portici, and 21 km Run Tune Up. Only the bags provided by the organization at the time of bib collection and identified with the designated bib number tag will be accepted. Other bags or luggage not meeting these requirements will not be accepted. Participants are advised not to leave valuable items in their bags. While the organization will take the utmost care, it is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss.

• 14. TIMING SERVICE

  The timing and data processing service will be provided by Evodata using disposable timing chips (which do not need to be returned) attached to the back of the bib. Intermediate timing points will also be placed along the course for partial times. The rankings will be based on the official time (gun-time). Real-time results will also be provided. The rankings will be validated by the Technical Delegate/Judge of Appeal.

• 15. TIME LIMIT

  ? The time limit to complete the Termal Bologna Marathon is 6 hours.

  ? The time limit to complete the 30 km dei Portici is 4 hours and 20 minutes.

  ? The time limit to complete the 21 km Run Tune Up is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

  A support team consisting of event staff and law enforcement will monitor the race’s progress, and the course will gradually reopen to traffic near the time limit. Once the limit is reached, the course will be fully reopened to traffic. Athletes still on the course after the race has officially ended will be considered outside the race and no longer under the responsibility of the organizers. They may continue, but they must fully comply with traffic regulations to ensure their own safety. Some sections of the route may still have traffic managed during the athletes' passage. Athletes finishing after the time limit will not be ranked.

• 16. PACER SERVICE

  The organization will provide free pacer services for athletes who wish to run at a steady pace and finish the marathon or 30 km within a specified time. Pacers will be clearly identifiable and will run at the following times:
  MARATHON: 3h, 3h15m, 3h30m, 3h45m, 4h, 4h15m, 4h30m, 4h45m, 5h
  30 KM DEI PORTICI: 2h, 2h15m, 2h30m, 2h45m, 3h
  21 KM RUN TUNE UP: 1h25m, 1h30m, 1h35m, 1h40m, 1h45m, 1h50m, 2h

• 17. REFRESHMENT STATIONS

  In accordance with Federal regulations, refreshment stations will be available at the finish line and along the course approximately every 5 kilometers. The organization has arranged the following refreshment stations:
  42 km course: at kilometers 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and at the finish line.
  30 km course: at kilometers 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and at the finish line.
  21 km course: at kilometers 4, 9, 14, 19, and at the finish line.
  The types of refreshments available at each station will be announced via the event's official channels. Personalized refreshment stations are not provided.

• 18. SHUTTLES AND WITHDRAWN ATHLETES

  The organization will establish a safety plan and provide transportation for athletes who withdraw or are injured to medical or recovery areas as needed, based on the decisions of medical and safety personnel. During the race, vehicles will be available to assist and transport withdrawn participants. Refreshment stations will serve as gathering points for athletes who withdraw, and they will be transported to the finish area, where they can collect their personal items.

• 19. SERVICES

  Restrooms, changing rooms, and showers will be available and clearly marked near the start and/or finish areas. Participants are reminded to observe proper etiquette.

• 20. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

  Medical assistance will be available throughout the course and in the start/finish area.

• 21. AWARDS AND PRIZE MONEY

  All athletes who finish the race within the time limits for each course will receive a Finisher’s Medal. All
  prizes are in-kind and partially provided by sponsors.
  ABSOLUTE AWARDS
  The top three male and female finishers in all competitive events (Bologna Marathon, 30 km dei Portici, 21 km Run Tune Up) will receive awards, which will be presented at the finish area.
  CATEGORY AWARDS
  For each race (Bologna Marathon, 30 km dei Portici, 21 km Run Tune Up), awards will be given to the top finishers in the following FIDAL categories, excluding the top three overall:
  F/M UNDER 35 (34 years and under)
  SM/SF 35-45 (35-44 years)
  SM/SF 45-55 (45-54 years)
  SM/SF 55-65 (55-64 years)
  SM/SF 65-75 (65-74 years)
  SM/SF OVER 75 (75 years and older)
  The location of the award ceremony will be announced in the race program and communicated through the official event channels. Prizes not collected by the end of the event will not be shipped or delivered later.

  BONUS AND PRIZE MONEY FOR THE BOLOGNA MARATHON
  All prizes and bonuses are subject to taxation under Italian law. Prizes will be awarded after the results of any doping tests.
  Details about the bonus and prize money for the Bologna Marathon will be provided later.
  BONUS AND PRIZE MONEY FOR THE RUN TUNE UP
  All prizes and bonuses are subject to taxation under Italian law. Prizes will be awarded after the results of any doping tests.
  Details about the bonus and prize money for the Run Tune Up will be provided later.

• 22. COMPLAINTS

  Any complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 minutes of the publication of the results to the Race Judge, accompanied by a fee of €100, which will be refunded if the complaint is upheld. For all matters not explicitly addressed in these regulations, the general FIDAL rules apply. The Race Jury may disqualify athletes who fail to pass through the designated timing points along the course.

• 23. CANCELLATION OF THE EVENT

  If the race is canceled, postponed, or otherwise not held due to reasons beyond the control of the organizers, including the revocation of permits by public authorities for any reason, participants will have no right to claim any form of compensation or reimbursement from Bologna Sport Marathon. In such cases, the athlete’s registration will be valid for the next edition of the event.

• 24. DISCLAMER OF LIABILITY

  By registering for the Bologna Marathon, the 30 km dei Portici, or the 21 km Run Tune Up, the athlete declares that they have read and fully accept these regulations. The athlete also acknowledges that participating in sporting events, in general, involves potential risks. The athlete assumes all risks associated with their participation, including falls, contact with vehicles, other participants, spectators, weather conditions, traffic, and the condition of the roads. These risks are well known and evaluated by the athlete. By submitting the online registration form, the athlete releases the organization, the Municipality of Bologna, the Emilia Romagna Regional Administration, all event sponsors, their representatives, successors, officers, directors, agents, and employees from any present and future claims or liabilities, whether known or unknown, arising from their participation in the event.
  Additionally, by submitting the online registration form, the athlete certifies that they are not aware of any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries that could pose a risk during the event. The athlete also certifies that they have not been sanctioned for doping-related offenses and declare that they have not taken, nor will they take, any substances included in the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) prohibited list. In accordance with federal regulations, athletes may be subject to anti-doping controls by the relevant authorities.

• 25. FRAUDULENT PARTICIPATION IN THE RACE

  The registrant is responsible for ensuring they hold and manage their race bib. This grants the right to use all services specified in these regulations. Anyone participating without proper registration, using a counterfeit bib, or using someone else’s bib will be liable for any damages caused, including to themselves. Such individuals may be subject to sanctions by the relevant sports authorities and could face legal action.

• 26. PRIVACY AND IMAGE RIGHTS

  Regarding the processing of personal data, the athlete, by selecting the appropriate checkbox at the bottom of the online registration form, declares to have read the information pursuant to Article 13 of EU Regulation 679/2016 ("GDPR") ("Information") made available through a link and always accessible on the website www.bolognamarathon.run. The provision of personal data by the participant is optional; however, refusing to provide your data will make it impossible to complete the registration.
  Data must be complete, up to date, and legible for insurance purposes. As further detailed in the Information, which is an integral part of this Regulation and is hereby fully referred to, the data may be communicated and processed by third parties providing services related to and connected with the competition, such as those for timing, compiling and announcing results lists, and those involved in photographing or filming the participant. These entities, concerning the processing carried out on behalf of the data controllers (as defined in the Information) for activities outsourced by them, will act as "external data processors" in accordance with Article 28 of the GDPR. Some of them, however, could act as "data controllers" of the transmitted data, following the provision of adequate information pursuant to Article 14 of the GDPR, unless otherwise provided by law.
  The race will be subject to audiovisual recordings, and consequently, images, photos, videos, audio, and/or video recordings of any kind in which the participant may appear, and the results and rankings may be communicated, published, and/or disseminated in any form. The athlete expressly authorizes the Organization, together with the legal entities with which it has professional and commercial relationships related to the capture of event images, to acquire the free right to use these images on any type of visual support and/or promotional and/or advertising materials for the maximum time provided by current regulations.
  By reading the Information, the participant acknowledges that this processing is closely related to the purposes indicated in the Information for which consent is not required, subject to the rights under Articles 15 and following of the GDPR, which can be exercised at any time as described in the Information. The participant can also find further information about the processing of personal data carried out on the website www.bolognamarathon.run at the following link: https://www.bolognamarathon.run/privacy.php.

• 27. FINAL PROVISIONS

  The organizers reserve the right to modify these regulations at any time for the better organization of the event, after obtaining approval from FIDAL. For any matters not covered by these regulations, the technical- statutorial rules of FIDAL and the GGG (Gruppo Giudici Gara) will apply. Any changes to services, locations, and schedules will be communicated to registered athletes and posted on the event website www.bolognamarathon.run. Additionally, essential race information will be provided along with the race bibs.

   

CONTACT INFORMATION

For general inquiries, please contact:

Bologna Sport Marathon SSD a r.l.
E-Mail: info@bolognamarathon.run