Rome, October 19, 2025 – It’s hard to amaze Rome — everyone knows that. But the colourful wave that, starting at 8:30 a.m., painted a smile-shaped route through the heart of the Capital, from Circo Massimo to the Colosseum, was something truly special, even for a city like this: eternal and timeless. A total of 18,540 runners from all over the world took part, making this day unforgettable and confirming the second edition of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon — the Half Marathon of Rome Capital, organized by RomaOstia and RCS Sports & Events — as the most participated 21.097 km race in Italy.
A full Kenyan podium — both men and women — at the 2025 Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon! A thrilling sprint finish crowned Simon Maywa (Kenya) as the second king of the Rome Half Marathon, stopping the clock at 59:44 and improving his personal best by 40 seconds. Among the women, victory went to Regina Cheptoo (Kenya) in 1:08:26. The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon once again confirmed its reputation as an ultra-fast course, setting an incredible new men’s course record, with three athletes finishing under the previous record and under the one-hour mark.
Best Italians at the finish line: Lorenzo Martelli (1:10:43, 14th overall) among men, and Sofiia Yaremchuk (1:11:01, 6th overall) among women.
MEN’S RESULTS
Simon Maywa (Kenya) – 59:44
Vincent Kimaiyo (Kenya) – 59:45
Kaliplus Lomwai (Kenya) – 59:56
WOMEN’S RESULTS
Regina Cheptoo (Kenya) – 1:08:26
Milicent Jelimo (Kenya) – 1:08:37
Gladys Cherop (Kenya) – 1:09:22
THE RACE
Steady splits of 14:06 and 28:12 at the 5 km and 10 km marks respectively. A dominant performance by the trio Maywa, Kimaiyo, and Lomwai, who ran alone from the 10th kilometre onward.
In the final kilometres, Lomwai dropped back, leaving Maywa and Kimaiyo to battle for victory in a sprint finish.
Simon Maywa prevailed, just two seconds off the best men’s performance of the year on Italian soil.
Among the women, the leading group passed the 5 km mark together in 15:36. At 10 km, Cheptoo and Jelimo were out in front in 31:39, still leading at 15 km in 48:16. Cheptoo made her move in the final part of the race and, on her debut over the distance, claimed victory 11 seconds ahead of Jelimo.
A solid performance for Italian runner Sofiia Yaremchuk, who continues her build-up toward upcoming events.
Within the half marathon, the fourth edition of the TROPHÉE “Roma conCorre per la Legalità” took place — a “race within the race” promoted by the Comando Regionale Lazio of the Guardia di Finanza and organized in collaboration with the Camera di Commercio di Roma. The event saw the participation of active-duty officers, cadets from the Guardia di Finanza training institutes in L’Aquila and Orvieto, as well as representatives from the business community. During the event, Generale di Divisione Mariano La Malfa, Camandante Regionale of the Guardia di Finanza Lazio, and Lorenzo Tagliavanti, President of the Camera di Commercio, emphasized the importance of using sport to spread a message about the civic and educational value of economic integrity and environmental sustainability.
STATEMENTS
Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Roma Capitale: “The Capital’s half marathon, with over 22,000 participants — 72% of whom came from abroad — has been a great success. We’re proud that in just two years this race has already become one of the most important half marathons worldwide. It was a challenge we embraced and won, confident in the enormous potential of the partnership between Rome and its one and only official half marathon.
Major events generate significant employment, economic, tourism and social benefits. Foreign runners and their families made use of the city’s services and created a joyful, healthy atmosphere.
I would also like to thank Policlinico Gemelli which, over Friday and Saturday, carried out thousands of free medical check-ups. Raising awareness among citizens — both adults and young people — about prevention is essential, underlining the strong link between sport and health.”
Mauro Peneda, Managing Director of Wizz Air Malta: “The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon embodies the energy and passion that unite runners and travellers alike. Rome plays a key role in Wizz Air’s European network, and this event reflects the same ambition that drives our airline every day. It was wonderful to see thousands of runners crossing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, with Rome beautifully painted in pink.”
Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events: “We are absolutely thrilled. It’s been a wonderful day of sport in a magnificent Rome, full of runners everywhere. A great success and a major step forward compared to the first edition — truly an excellent sign for next year.”
Laura Duchi, Race Director of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon: “In just its second edition, the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon now stands alongside the major half marathons of Europe and the world. We are very satisfied — we’ve reached a 50% female participation rate and welcomed many young people who came to run in the most beautiful city in the world.”
Sofiia Yaremchuk, sixth among women and best Italian finisher: “It’s always an incredible emotion to run at home, in Rome. Beautiful course, beautiful day. I’m really happy — this year I ran two minutes faster than last year, even though I’m not in top shape right now. This race is a great starting point.”
