Rome, 10 June 2026 – Final sprint for solidarity. The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks Running has already achieved a major success before the starting gun has even fired. More than four months ahead of the third edition of Italy’s most popular half marathon, registrations are already sold out and a new participation record has been set: nearly 40,000 runners are expected to take part, almost double the 22,000 participants recorded last year.
“We are just a few registrations away from reaching 40,000 participants, almost twice as many as in the previous edition,” said Race Director Laura Duchi. “In only its third edition, this event of Roma Capitale has climbed to the top ranks of the most attended half marathons in Europe and worldwide, confirming the golden age of road running.”
There is still one final opportunity to be on the start line on October 18: secure one of the 1,000 charity bibs available through the official Charity Program organizations. For the first time, the Charity Program has been included in the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks, organized by RomaOstia and RCS Sports & Events on behalf of Roma Capitale. One thousand runners will be able to combine their sporting challenge with a charitable contribution by supporting fundraising initiatives for the non-profit organizations participating in the program.
The top five countries represented among participants are: France (15.9% of the total), Spain (12.5%), the United Kingdom (9%), Germany (7.3%), and Poland (6.41%). Participation from the United States, Brazil, and Mexico has also increased compared to 2025.
Female participation continues to grow and has now reached 52% of all registered runners. For the first time in the event’s history, women outnumber men. Compared to last year, female participation has increased by 8%.
Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion of Rome Capitale, said:
“Nearly 40,000 registrations with around four months still to go before the event is an extraordinary achievement. In just two years, the Rome Half Marathon has become one of the most important races in the world, confirming that our decision to create a single official half marathon in the heart of the city was the right one.
The most remarkable figure is the international participation, with foreign runners accounting for 80% of all participants. It will be a celebration for the entire community, lasting several days and generating significant social, economic and charitable benefits for the local area, thanks in part to the Charity Program.”
THE WIZZ AIR ROME HALF MARATHON BY BROOKS 2026 CHARITY PROGRAM
To secure one of the final 1,000 bibs still available, runners must visit the event website (www.romehalfmarathon.it) and choose one of the official organizations participating in the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks Charity Program, managed in collaboration with Rete del Dono, the event’s charity partner.
By purchasing a charity bib, runners will contribute to fundraising efforts supporting the projects of the organizations involved in the Charity Program: 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, and PlayMore! through RunChallenge.
“We strongly believe in the positive impact these organizations have on both communities and the wider public,” said Luca Onofrio, Mass Events Manager at RCS Sports & Events. “The involvement of local and national charitable organizations, working across a variety of social causes, will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the third edition of one of the most beautiful running events in the world, which we are proud to co-organize on behalf of Roma Capitale.”
ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATING IN THE CHARITY PROGRAM
Fondazione Bambino Gesù ETS supports the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital by funding family support and hospitality projects, scientific research, humanitarian medical care for children from disadvantaged areas, international cooperation initiatives, and the hospital’s palliative care center.
Sport Senza Frontiere fights poverty and social exclusion by using sport as a tool for education and inclusion. The organization provides free sports programs for children and young people living in socio-economic hardship, while also offering psychological and healthcare support.
Comitato Italiano per l’UNICEF – Fondazione ETS raises funds in Italy to support children worldwide and advocates for children’s rights across the country. Established in 1974, it is one of the national committees supporting the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and works to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, protected, and educated.
Fondazione Italiana Diabete is Italy’s leading organization funding scientific research aimed at finding a definitive cure for Type 1 diabetes. Founded in 2009 by parents of children affected by this autoimmune disease, the Foundation raises funds to support researchers in their efforts to defeat a condition that affects approximately 300,000 people in Italy.
Comunità di Sant’Egidio is an international movement of Catholic Christian laypeople founded in Rome in 1968 by Andrea Riccardi. Today, it has around 60,000 members and operates in more than 70 countries worldwide. Its main activities include supporting homeless and marginalized individuals, promoting the inclusion and reception of migrants and refugees through services such as Italian language courses, and providing after-school programs for children and young people facing difficulties. Assistance for the elderly also remains one of the organization’s key priorities.
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS is one of Europe’s largest hospitals and research centers. Among its flagship initiatives is the “Longevity Run”, dedicated to prevention and health promotion. Created by Professor Francesco Landi, the project combines running and scientific research to raise awareness about active ageing and healthy lifestyles.
PlayMore! with RunChallenge is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 to promote social inclusion, well-being, and participation through physical activity. RunChallenge, in particular, is Italy’s first running club to combine sport and solidarity, bringing together people with and without disabilities, volunteers, migrants, and local citizens. The organization was named Charity of the Year at the Milano Marathon 2026.
