Maratona di Pisa turns twenty-five

Running a marathon is not just about trying to set your best time; not just about competing with yourself or against others. It is also a great opportunity to meet people from all around the globe, experience different cultures and have some fun.

Pisa has a thousand-year history and its monuments bear eternal testimony to its past greatness. The Piazza del Duomo, known as the Piazza dei Miracoli, is a historical and artistic masterpiece and the Tower of Pisa is perhaps the best-known monument in the world.

The start and finish line is at the renowned Leaning Tower from where runners set out to run through history, nature and by the seaside.

Soon after starting you reach the Arno River. Running along its left and right banks gives a unique view of ancient buildings reflected in the river. The city offers millennia-old churches and modern murals by famous street artists, first and foremost Keith Haring with his “Tuttomondo”.

The race leaves the city centre and crosses a natural park, passing next to the Basilica of San Piero a Grado, a marvel of Romanesque style. After passing through a pine forest, you arrive at the sea.
The sea was what made Pisa one of the four Republics in Italian history and which, thanks to its beneficial influence, makes the climate mild even in winter. After skirting the beaches and the blue waters the route returns to the city with the famous Apuan Alps behind it. The marble for the sculptures of the great Italian masters was extracted from here and continues to this day.

After the last straight you enter the square. The Tower provides the background to your joy and happiness.

Maratona di Pisa is fast and flat: there are almost no variations in altitude or sharp turns to slow the pace.

There are many reasons to choose Maratona di Pisa. Its city airport makes it easily accessible, as does the railway station in the centre. All the city’s museums remain open and offer discounts to marathon runners and their companions.

Pisa is one of the last races on the international calendar – the last chance of the year to get your qualifying time or beat your personal best. The Half Marathon is certified by FIDAL.

Race day is in the week before Christmas so it’s a great opportunity to take a break and bring home Italian Christmas gifts. Friends and relatives can run the Family Run. Participating in the event will brighten their stay and give a taste of the quality and hospitality of the Tuscan land.

To celebrate the 25th birthday we ask all athletes to bring a small gift – the flag of their own country. With the #bringyourflag project we want to build the largest flag puzzle in sporting history, on the lawn right under the Leaning Tower. Pisa and its marathon and half marathon await you.