Rome, October 7, 2026 – The third edition of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks, the half marathon organized by RomaOstia and RCS Sports & Events for Roma Capitale, is here, although, as with all beautiful things, it will always feel like the first time.
The race will start on Sunday, October 18 at 8:00 a.m., exactly 11 days from now. Participants are in the final stages of their preparation and tapering, while Italy’s most attended half marathon is already polished and ready to go. World Athletics, the international governing body for athletics, has confirmed the Élite Label, certifying both the event’s high organizational standards and the outstanding technical level guaranteed by the elite athletes on the start line. Once again this year, Sky Sport is the official broadcaster of the event and will televise the race on Sunday, October 18 on Sky Sport Uno.
The presentation of the third edition of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks took place today at the Campidoglio in the presence of Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Roma Capitale; Stefano Mei, President of FIDAL; Paolo Bellino, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events; Laura Duchi, Race Director of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks; Stefano Barigelli, Editor-in-Chief of La Gazzetta dello Sport; and Lorenzo Tagliavanti, President of the Rome Camera di Commercio. The event was moderated by Cristina Fantoni, journalist at La7, who then introduced Salvatore Gabriele Imperiale, Corporate Communications Manager at Wizz Air; Martina Fogagnolo, Marketing Manager of Brooks Italia; Eloisa Siclari, Marketing Manager Southern Europe at Zalando; and Professor Francesco Landi of Rome’s Policlinico Gemelli.
There are many new features this year, starting with the start location, which will be an absolute first: the walls that Emperor Aurelian had built to defend Rome will, for the first time, host the starting line of a running race. The race will in fact start beneath the arches of Via di Porta Ardeatina, between Viale delle Terme di Caracalla and Via Cristoforo Colombo.
The event has also reached a record number of participants, with registrations having closed as early as July: 40,000 race bibs have been allocated, a 68% increase compared to 2025.
There will be a significant female presence (50% of participants), marking substantial growth since the first edition: from 42% in the inaugural year (7,300 participants), to 45% in 2025 (9,000 participants), and now reaching 50% for the 2026 edition.
The age profile of registered runners is also noteworthy: 58% are between 18 and 34 years old. The profile of the average Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks participant continues to become increasingly younger.
Participant origin data is equally impressive. Seventy-eight percent of runners come from abroad, with registrations more than doubling from Germany (+148%), Poland (+146%), Spain (+131%) and the United Kingdom (+122%). Participation from the Americas has also grown strongly, with runners coming from the United States (+11%), Brazil (+23%), Mexico (+24%) and Argentina (+20%). A notable figure is the presence of more than 180 participants from Australia and New Zealand.
The route
Covering the official distance of 21 kilometres and 97 metres, the course winds its way through the historic centre of Rome, as strongly desired by the Department for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Roma Capitale, led by Alessandro Onorato.
The start of the third edition will be given from the arches of Via di Porta Ardeatina at 8:00 a.m., between Viale delle Terme di Caracalla and Via Cristoforo Colombo. A unique location, with the Roman walls providing the backdrop for the start of a sporting event for the very first time. The finish line of the first two editions has been confirmed: runners will finish at the Colosseum, in Via degli Annibaldi, with the breathtaking view of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World providing an unforgettable experience for the 40,000 participants in Italy’s most attended half marathon.
From Porta Ardeatina, runners will proceed along Circonvallazione Ostiense and Via Ostiense to the Pyramid of Cestius before heading towards the Circus Maximus and then on to Tiber Island. Following the Lungotevere, they will pass beneath Castel Sant’Angelo before turning onto Via della Conciliazione, the fascinating avenue that will lead them to admire St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, another first for the event’s third edition.
After the splendour of one of the world’s most famous squares, participants will continue north to the Foro Italico at kilometre 13. From here, the route begins its return journey towards the finish line: runners will pass the Ara Pacis, Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, then continue along Via del Tritone and Via del Corso to Piazza Venezia, before heading down Via dei Fori Imperiali and Via Cavour, ultimately crossing the finish line directly in front of the Colosseum in Via degli Annibaldi.
The villages and Saturday events
Once again this year, the Organisers have selected Eataly Roma Ostiense as the venue for the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks Expo. The area adjacent to Eataly’s Rome headquarters, in Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492, will serve as the hub of the event and will be open from Thursday through Saturday. A wide range of events and activities will be held in an area dedicated to all event partners, creating four days of sport and running in the Italian capital. Within the village, participants will be able to collect their race kits and visit the many stands hosted by the event’s partners.
Also confirmed on both Friday and Saturday is the Village at Largo Cavalieri di Colombo, at the intersection with Via Antonina, dedicated to the Longevity Run presented by Altograno. Here, participants will be able to complete their registration for the 5 km non-competitive run organized in collaboration with Policlinico A. Gemelli and researchers from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, collect their race kit for the event and undergo free health check-ups, available exclusively to registered participants. The initiative, conceived by Professor Francesco Landi, aims to highlight the importance of prevention and promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles in order to improve citizens’ wellbeing. These objectives are pursued through a screening programme focused on assessing the main modifiable risk factors.
More than 3,000 participants have registered for the run, an increase compared to the 2,000 recorded last year. The course will once again pass through some of the capital’s most iconic and historic areas. The start is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with both start and finish located on Viale delle Terme di Caracalla.
Within this framework, the Lazio Regional Command of the Guardia di Finanza, in collaboration with the Rome Chamber of Commerce, is organizing the 5th edition of the “Roma conCorre per la Legalità” Trophy. A race within the race, designed to spread through sport a message about the civic and educational value of economic legality, social solidarity and environmental sustainability. Adding prestige to the event will be the participation of athletes from the Fiamme Gialle Sports Group, as well as national and international track and field athletes, together with students attending the training institutes of the Guardia di Finanza. During the event days, the Guardia di Finanza will set up information and promotional exhibition stands.
The same applies to the Arcaplanet Dog Run, the non-competitive walk and run open to dogs and their owners, the pet parents. Participants are invited to gather at 9:30 a.m. on Via di San Gregorio. Registration remains open on the event website.
On Sunday, October 18, the same area set up in the space between the Church of Saints Nereus and Achilleus and Largo Cavalieri di Colombo will host the Running Village, the other major new feature of the 2026 edition. This dedicated space will allow participants to gather after the race and enjoy a recovery area equipped with stretching mats, sports massages, health check-ups provided by the team from Policlinico Gemelli, food and beverage services, and a deejay set continuing throughout the afternoon.
The official shirt
The 2026 edition also marks a change in the role of Technical Partner. Brooks has created the new technical shirt that participants will wear, featuring a design that combines comfort, performance and history. Displayed on the back is a graphic representation of the emblem of the Eternal City, the Capitoline Wolf, whose meaning is rooted in the legend of Rome’s origins and symbolizes strength, the birth of civilization and divine protection over the city.
The shirt is enhanced with elements in Wizz Pink Air, the signature colour of the title sponsor of Italy’s most attended half marathon. A choice that makes the shirt a true icon for all runners taking part in the 21-kilometre race.
Brooks Running, a leading company in high-performance running footwear and apparel, will provide technical support and outfitting for the event, while also delivering a training programme designed to help runners prepare for race day through training programmes, social runs and dedicated activations.
Italian Half Marathon Entrepreneurs Championship
On Sunday, adding further value to the half marathon, many entrepreneurs will take part in a true business run. The Italian Half Marathon Entrepreneurs Championship, an initiative conceived by the President of the Rome Camera di Commercio, Lorenzo Tagliavanti, will once again be part of the event. Registered entrepreneurs representing different sectors of the economy will be included in a special ranking that will award the title of Italian Entrepreneurs Champion, as well as category titles in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
The Charity Programme
To date, approximately €80,000 has been raised through the Rete del Dono platform, partner of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by brooks. The Charity Programme allows participants to register for the race by combining sport and solidarity, securing one of the race bibs made available by the event’s official charities and contributing to fundraising initiatives that support their respective charitable projects. The charities participating in this edition are: Fondazione Bambino Gesù ETS, Sport Senza Frontiere, Comitato Italiano per l’UNICEF – Fondazione ETS, Fondazione Italiana Diabete, Comunità di Sant’Egidio, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, PlayMore! with RunChallenge, and Liberi Nantes ADS.
Statements
Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Roma Capitale
“The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks with 50,000 participants, including 40,000 in the competitive race, is already one of the most important and sought-after events in the world, with registrations sold out three months in advance. The idea we had three years ago has proven to be a winning bet. It has become a major event that generates social, image, economic and tourism benefits: 31,000 runners are coming from abroad, including from Brazil, New Zealand and Australia. I would like to thank the organisers for the work they have done over these years: with every edition, we want to raise the bar. It will be a celebration for the city, with the Ostiense Village open from Friday onwards, offering free health check-ups with the Gemelli team, as well as many social and charitable initiatives, from the Longevity Run to the dog run and the charity programme supporting non-profit organisations.”
Stefano Mei, President of the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL)
“In just three years, the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks has become a benchmark event on the Italian and international running scene. Reaching 40,000 participants as early as July is proof of the interest generated by this event, thanks to the professionalism and commitment of outstanding organisations such as RCS Sports & Events and RomaOstia. Running continues to enjoy a golden age in Italy, and the overall growth of our events, not only from a sporting perspective but above all in economic and tourism terms, is a source of increasing pride for the Federation. I am confident that the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon will soon be able to compete with the leading European and global half marathons.”
Paolo Bellino, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events
“I would like to congratulate Councillor Alessandro Onorato for bringing Rome to the forefront of international sport, and Laura Duchi for the important partnership that enables us to organise each new edition of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks at the highest level. We are now the second largest half marathon in Europe, having reached figures that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. These are significant results, especially considering that nearly 80% of participants come from abroad. There is a great desire to spend time outdoors and to experience sport firsthand, both as participants and spectators. Whereas major cities once struggled to attract crowds to the streets, today Roman citizens are among the strongest supporters of these events. I hope that, thanks to younger generations, this trend will continue and allow us to keep growing and improving.”
Laura Duchi, Race Director, Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks
“Even in our most optimistic forecasts, we never imagined we would reach these numbers. The half marathon distance is more accessible than the marathon. We see many young people and many international participants, which is a target group we are particularly pleased to welcome. The course is beautiful and highly evocative. Rome is a complex city, with construction sites and narrow streets, but through strong teamwork we have achieved excellent results. The major novelty is the spectacular passage through St. Peter’s Square and the finish via Via degli Annibaldi directly in front of the Colosseum, something truly unique in the world.”
Federico Ferri, Director of Sky Sport
“We are proud to once again serve as the official broadcaster of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks. Running is a discipline that continues to engage an increasingly broad and diverse audience, and this event is a powerful demonstration of that, both in terms of participation and its ability to bring sport into the heart of the city. We will cover the event with comprehensive editorial coverage across all Sky Sport platforms, sharing with our audience the emotions and protagonists of this day in Rome and in the House of Sport.”
Lorenzo Tagliavanti, President of the Rome Camera di Commercio
“Our Institution strongly supports the ‘Roma conCORRE per la Legalità’ Trophy, now in its fifth edition, within the framework of the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks. The aim is to promote, through sport, the civic and educational value of economic legality, solidarity and sustainability, in collaboration with the Lazio Regional Command of the Guardia di Finanza and under the patronage of the Lazio Region and Roma Capitale. Rome is home to 440,000 entrepreneurs: citizens like everyone else, but with the great responsibility of creating wealth and jobs. They are active contributors to the life and growth of the city. A road race is the ideal platform to convey the importance of the civic and educational value of economic legality.”
Salvatore Gabriele Imperiale, Corporate Communications Manager, Wizz Air
“Renewing our partnership with the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks once again confirms our commitment to Rome, a city that plays a central role in Wizz Air’s presence and development in Italy. This event represents a meeting point between sport, tourism and the local area: it attracts runners from all over Europe and offers them the opportunity to discover the Italian capital through a unique experience shared with the city and its community. Through our network and affordable fares, we help bring Rome closer to an international audience, enabling more and more people to turn a passion into a journey. Our participation reflects a relationship that grows alongside our route network and is strengthened through initiatives capable of creating value for the local area. At the heart of everything are the runners, with their energy, dedication to training and determination to achieve a new goal. We wish each of them a memorable experience and hope they will take home not only the satisfaction of crossing the finish line, but also a special memory of Rome. Let’s WIZZ, Rome!”
Martina Fogagnolo, Marketing Manager, Brooks Italia
“The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks is one of the most important events on both the national and international running calendar. For Brooks, supporting an event of this importance means contributing to the development of running culture and promoting values such as wellbeing, inclusion and community. Brooks has always run alongside runners, offering products and experiences that help elevate every individual’s running journey. We are proud to support an event that continues to grow year after year, engaging an ever-increasing number of runners and strengthening Rome’s position as a leading destination in the international running community.”
Eloisa Siclari, General Manager Southern Europe, Zalando
“Sport is now far more than a question of performance: it represents identity, community and personal wellbeing. Recent research conducted by our company shows that, for two out of three Italians, purchasing sportswear is not simply a transaction but the first concrete step towards a new goal. Through initiatives such as the half marathon, Zalando aims to support this momentum by providing people with the inspiration, expertise and equipment they need at every stage of their journey.”
