Rome, 18 October 2026 – All roads lead to Rome. But only the roads of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks let you experience the Eternal City as the protagonist, free from traffic and at running pace. Today brought unforgettable emotions for the 40,000 registered participants, three out of four of whom came from abroad, and half of whom were women, taking part in the Rome Half Marathon organized by RomaOstia and RCS Sports & Events.
A wonderful October day gifted runners an unforgettable Sunday morning. At 8:00 a.m., they set off beneath the arches of Viale di Porta Ardeatina, while Rome itself awoke to the sight of a colorful, festive river of athletes flowing through its streets. As always, the finish line delivered breathtaking emotions, with runners crossing in Via degli Annibaldi, embraced by the iconic Colosseo.
Beyond the celebration of Italy’s most attended half marathon, the elite race itself provided top-class performances. Kenya and Ethiopia shared both the men’s and women’s podiums.
Filex Kibet (Kenya) won convincingly in 59:22, setting a new men’s course record and confirming the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks as an exceptionally fast race. In the women’s competition, Netsanet Desta (Ethiopia) triumphed in 1:07:26.
The fastest Italians were Ahmed Ouhda (1:02:31), who finished 11th overall, and Giovanna Epis (1:11:43), fifth in the women’s standings.
Men’s podium
- Filex Kibet (Kenya) – 59:22
- Ataklti Kidanu Selemon (Ethiopia) – 59:38
- Elisha Kiprop (Kenya) – 1:00:13
Women’s podium
- Netsanet Desta (Ethiopia) – 1:07:26
- Regina Wambui Ndungu (Kenya) – 1:07:48
- Yalemget Yaregal (Ethiopia) – 1:08:22
Full results: https://www.endu.net/it/events/rome-half-marathon/results
The race
Filex Kibet secured victory with an excellent time of 59:22, thanks to a powerful surge at the 13th kilometer that allowed him to break away from his highly regarded rivals. His relentless acceleration continued through the 20th kilometer, enabling the Kenyan runner to build an unassailable lead and arrive alone at the finish line beneath the Colosseum, arms raised in celebration. Second place went to Ethiopian Ataklti Kidanu Selemon, who clocked 59:38 on his debut over the half marathon distance.
Third was Kenya’s Elisha Kiprop, who crossed the line in 1:00:13, setting a new personal best.
The first Italian finisher was Ahmed Ouhda, competing for CS Esercito, in 1:02:31.
In the women’s race, the field quickly narrowed to a leading trio of Ndungu, Desta and Yaregal, who broke away as early as the fifth kilometer. The three athletes passed 10 km in 31:48, before Ethiopian Yaregal began losing contact around the 13th kilometer.
Near Piazza del Popolo, the battle intensified between the remaining front-runners, with Desta making the decisive move just after the 18th kilometer.
Netsanet Desta claimed victory in 1:07:26, ahead of Kenya’s Regina Wambui Ndungu in 1:07:48, while Ethiopia’s Yalemget Yaregal completed the podium in 1:08:22.
Giovanna Epis, the leading Italian woman, finished fifth overall in 1:11:43.
The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks concluded a full week of running celebrations in Rome. The Event Village, located in Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492 opposite Eataly Ostiense, welcomed 70,000 visitors, serving not only as the race-pack collection area but also as the vibrant heart of a truly unique event.
Saturday featured the successful Gemelli-Longevity Run presented by Altograno, a non-competitive 5 km run and walk open to all and organized in collaboration with the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS.
The two-day program promoted physical activity and cardiovascular prevention through free health screenings designed to monitor major risk factors.
Also on Saturday, participants enjoyed the Arcaplanet Dog Run, a fun 2 km run alongside four-legged friends and their pet parents, celebrating active lifestyles shared with pets.
The event also hosted the fourth edition of the “Roma ConCorre per la Legalità” Trophy, a “race within the race” promoted by the Lazio Regional Command of the Guardia di Finanza and organized together with the Rome Chamber of Commerce. Participants included active-duty officers, trainees from Guardia di Finanza training academies, and representatives from the business community. During the event, Major General Mariano La Malfa, Commander of the Lazio Regional Command of the Guardia di Finanza, and Lorenzo Tagliavanti, President of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of sport as a vehicle for promoting economic legality and environmental sustainability.
Quotes
Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion, Rome Capital City
“The Rome Half Marathon was a sporting, social and organizational success. From the competitive race to the Longevity Run and the Dog Run, the event has become, in just three years, one of the most important half marathons in the world. With 78% international participants, 50% women and 58% under the age of 35, it generated significant economic, employment and charitable benefits, including more than €80,000 raised through the charity program. My thanks go to the organizers, volunteers, healthcare staff, the Italian Red Cross, the Guardia di Finanza and the Gemelli medical team led by Professor Landi.”
Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager, RCS Sports & Events
“What stands out most today is the stream of people heading towards the Terme di Caracalla after crossing the finish line. It was a tremendous success, and we are proud to have organized one of Europe’s most attended races in a city as beautiful as Rome. The percentages of international runners, female participants and young athletes under 35 are extraordinary and represent a real revolution in the running world. We look forward to the 2027 edition, which I believe will be even bigger and better.”
Laura Duchi, Race Director, Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon
“In just its third year, the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks has already reached the level of the leading European and international half marathons, attracting an incredible 40,000 participants. Thanks to Rome for welcoming us with its beauty, especially the unforgettable finish by the Colosseum, which moves so many international runners to tears. Nearly 80 percent of our participants came from abroad.”
Salvatore Gabriele Imperiale, Corporate Communications Manager, Wizz Air
“Seeing Rome come alive with thousands of runners from Italy and all over the world has once again been incredibly inspiring. For the third consecutive year, Wizz Air is proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon, an event that represents far more than a race. It is a celebration of sport, travel and Rome’s unique ability to bring people together. We are delighted to support an event that continues to grow year after year and attracts participants from so many countries. Congratulations to all runners, organizers, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the success of this edition. Connecting people with destinations and unforgettable experiences is at the heart of what we do, and the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon perfectly embodies that spirit.”
Giovanna Epis, 1:11:43, fifth overall woman and first Italian finisher
“Whenever I race in Italy, it warms my heart. Running in Rome is always special and I truly love this city. This was my third key workout in seven days. Last week I completed a 38-kilometre long run that went very well. I’m happy with my result, and now there are only two weeks to go until New York.”
Ahmed Ouhda, 1:02:31, first Italian finisher
“Rome is always a unique emotion. It is a stage unlike any other in the world. I’m pleased with my performance. I resumed training just one month ago, and this race has given me very positive feelings ahead of the competitions to come. The course is beautiful, technical and requires smart race management.”
The broadcaster
This year once again, Sky Sport served as the event’s official broadcaster, airing the race live on Sky Sport Uno, with commentary by Nicola Roggero and analysis from Olympic marathon champion Stefano Baldini.
The charity program
The Rome Half Marathon by Brooks 2026 Charity Program was another great success. More than €85,000 has already been raised through Rete del Dono, the event’s charity platform partner.
The initiative allowed participants to combine sport and solidarity by securing race entries through the event’s official charity partners and supporting their fundraising projects.
The charities involved in this year’s edition were: Fondazione Bambino Gesù ETS, Sport Senza Frontiere, Comitato Italiano per l’UNICEF Foundation ETS, Fondazione Italiana Diabete, Comunità di Sant’Egidio, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, PlayMore! with RunChallenge, Liberi Nantes ADS. Fondazione Bambino Gesù led the fundraising efforts, surpassing €21,000, followed by Sport Senza Frontiere with over €18,000, and UNICEF with more than €15,000 raised.
