Rome, October 17, 2025 – What an incredible energy at the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon Village!
The second day comes to an end with many runners already stopping by to collect their bibs and explore the numerous stands.
The headquarters of the official half marathon of the Capital — organized by RomaOstia and RCS Sports & Events, and scheduled for Sunday, October 19 — will remain open until Saturday at Eataly Roma Ostiense, in Piazzale 12 Ottobre 1492, right in front of Eataly’s Rome location.
A wide range of activities is planned to entertain not only the runners but also their companions and all Romans, both young and old.
“Our city will experience a three-day celebration with the Rome Half Marathon, the Capital’s official half marathon, which this year welcomes over 22,000 runners, 72% of whom are coming from abroad.
We are proud that, in just two years, this race has already become one of the most important worldwide: it was a challenge we took on — and won — confident in the incredible potential of the partnership between Rome and its one and only official half marathon,” said Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Roma Capitale. “We are certain that, in these final days, public participation will grow even further thanks to the many side events on the program, especially on Saturday, generating significant employment, economic, tourism and social benefits. Families accompanying those running the 21 km race on Sunday will not only enjoy the city’s many services but will also have the chance to take part in other sporting events such as the Longevity Run, Dog Run, and Baby Run. And let’s not forget the importance of prevention: thanks to the collaboration with Policlinico Gemelli, whom I thank for their support, participants will be able to undergo free medical check-ups at the Stadio Nando Martellini and at the Village at Eataly Ostiense.
It is essential to raise awareness among citizens — adults and young people alike — about prevention, highlighting the strong link between sport and health.”
Preparation for the Rome Half Marathon has actively involved the adidas Runners communities from Milan and Rome, with a full calendar of events designed for those who want to get ready for the upcoming 21 km race.
Adidas, the event’s Technical Partner, who designed the new official shirt for this edition, will also be present at the Village with The Running Lab — a dedicated space where all runners can test the most advanced running shoe technologies.
Tomorrow, Saturday, while the last runners collect their bibs, attention turns to the events that make the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon a true celebration.
Saturday’s events program
LONGEVITY RUN – Saturday, 8:30 AM, Terme di Caracalla
In addition to the half marathon, the Longevity Run will take place — a non-competitive 5 km run/walk open to everyone, organized in collaboration with the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS. The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of basic physical activity for maintaining good health.
It will be held on Saturday morning, October 18, at 8:30 AM, starting from the Terme di Caracalla and finishing at the Stadio Martellini, where the Longevity Village will also be located from Friday.
Two days dedicated to movement and cardiovascular prevention, with free check-ups to monitor key risk factors. The initiative will also be available at Eataly Ostiense.
Registrations: https://www.njuko.net/romehalfmarathon2025/select_competition
DOG RUN ARCAPLANET – Saturday, 10:00 AM, Colosseum
Also on Saturday, the Dog Run Arcaplanet will take place — a roughly 2 km run with your four-legged friends, celebrating the joy of spending active time with your pets.
Start at 10:00 AM from the Colosseo (Via Celio Vibenna / Via di San Gregorio).
Monica Gagliardi, Chief Customer Officer of Arcaplanet, comments: “The Roman edition of the Dog Run offers an extraordinary perspective: that of the Colosseo. We believe in the value of experiences that combine wellness, sharing, and love for our four-legged companions. For Arcaplanet, the Dog Run is a playful but above all social moment to promote the importance of the relationship with pets and spending quality time with them.”
Info & details: https://www.romehalfmarathon.it/dog-run/
BABY RUN – Saturday, from 3:00 PM, Stadio Martellini
In the afternoon, around 3:00 PM, the youngest runners will take to the athletics track at Stadio Martellini for their race.
Registrations for children from 2 years old: https://www.romehalfmarathon.it/baby-run/
As tradition dictates, the elite athletes’ parade will take place at the Village on Saturday.
Also scheduled is the highly anticipated appearance of Sir Mohamed Muktar Jama Farah, known as Mo. The four-time Olympic gold medalist in the 5,000 m and 10,000 m at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games, middle- and long-distance running icon, is a Huawei ambassador for the new Watch GT 6 and will be present with an interactive stand — a must-see for enthusiasts and fans alike.
The Top Runners of 2025
The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon arrives in style for its second edition, also on a technical level, with the debut at this distance of Telahun Haile Bekele, one of the world’s top track talents. The Ethiopian, twice a Diamond League winner, boasts outstanding personal bests: 7:25.48 for 3000 m, 27:13 for 10 km road, and an incredible 12:42.70 for 5000 m, placing him ninth all-time globally over the distance. He has already impressed in Italy, dominating the historic Campaccio Cross last January. His main rival could be Kenyan Kalipus Lomwai, who recently rose to prominence by winning the Trento Half Marathon in 1:00:15. Lomwai comes to Rome to assist the strong Ethiopian in the first part of the race and then try to finish as fast as possible. Another possible dark horse is Kenyan Simon Maywa, who finished second at the Napoli Half Marathon last spring in 1:00:26, in a competition expected to be extremely fast through the streets of the Eternal City. Also at the start are Kenyans Vincent Kimaiyo and Vincent Kiptoo, both reported to be in good shape. Among the women, the favorite is Kenyan Gladys Cherop Longari, with a personal best of 1:07:28, and an impressive record including wins at Stramilano and the Mezza Maratona d’Italia. The late surprise is Italian: Sofiia Yaremchuk, the national marathon record-holder. She boasts 2:23:14 for the marathon and 1:08:27 for the half, equaling the Italian record. The Kenyan Rency Kogo, with a PB of 1:09:04, opens the field of contenders, which also includes compatriots Joan Chepleting (1:10:12) and Milicent Jelimo (1:10:15).
