Bergamo Half Marathon 2027 – Italy

• January 31, 2027
  Event date:
• January 31, 2027
  Event end:

What to expect

Bergamo Half Marathon, known internationally as Bergamo21, is the race that opens the FollowYourPassion running circuit and warms up the hearts of runners from the very first meter. Organized by FollowYourPassion in collaboration with local athletic associations, it has become one of the fastest and most atmospheric half marathons in Lombardy. The event transforms Bergamo’s lower city, Citta Bassa, into a linear stadium where elegance and endurance meet. The Sentierone, the broad tree lined promenade that has been the main gathering place for generations, becomes both start and finish, creating a rare city center start to finish loop that is loved by locals and international visitors.

What you can expect is a very fast race course for both the 21K and the 10K. The profile is described as rolling but essentially flat, with road surface throughout, multiple loops through vibrant streets, and careful traffic closure supervised by hundreds of volunteers. You will race through the neoclassical setting of Porta Nuova, past the Donizetti Theatre and monument to the famous composer born in Bergamo, along the elegant arcades of Sentierone that link Piazza Vittorio Veneto with Via Torquato Tasso, and into the oldest quarter where 15th and 16th century buildings line the route. The Torre dei Caduti war memorial dominates Piazza Vittorio Veneto, positioned so it does not spoil the view of the skyline of Citta Alta, the upper town on the hill, which provides a dramatic backdrop for photographs.

The atmosphere is intimate yet international. The field typically draws several thousand runners from across Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Germany and beyond, with a strong club presence. Pacers, drink stations, nutrition stations, medical assistance, bag drop, toilets and accident insurance are all included. The finish in Sentierone is lively, with spectators enjoying the traditional passeggiata, the leisurely walk before dinner that fills the promenade each evening. After finishing, you are steps away from historic cafes, boutique shopping and direct access to the funicular that leads to Citta Alta for post race sightseeing.

Match/event dates

• Official Event Name: Bergamo Half Marathon 2027 – Italy
• Main Race Day: 31 Jan 2027 (Sun)
• Host City: Bergamo, Province of Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy
• Start and Finish Location: Sentierone, Bergamo, city centre
• Distances Offered: Half marathon 21.097 km and 10K, plus relay and non competitive options in some editions
• Circuit: FollowYourPassion circuit opener
• Official Registration Platform: https://worldsmarathons.com/marathon/bergamo21 and https://followyourpassion.it/iscrizionibergamo21/
• Registration Closing: Late January, when maximum number of participants is attained

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

Bergamo Half Marathon does not use a conventional athletics stadium, because the city centre itself functions as the venue, with Sentierone acting as both track and grandstand.

Sentierone is the central venue. The name means broad path, and it links Piazza Vittorio Veneto in the centre of Citta Bassa with Via Torquato Tasso, a road that leads into the oldest quarter. Adjoining Piazza Dante, it is a wide tree lined promenade that has been the main walking street of the lower town for generations. For the race, it hosts the Expo Village, bib and race pack pickup, bag drop, starting grids based on declared personal bests, timing mats, finish arch, medal delivery, final refreshment, and awards stage. The start address and finish address are both listed as Sentierone, Bergamo, Province of Bergamo, Italy, emphasizing the loop nature of the course.

Citta Bassa and Citta Alta Connection provides scenic context. The modern city welcomes participants in the neoclassical setting of the Propilei at Porta Nuova, from where you can go directly to Sentierone and the Church of the old Convent dedicated to S. Bartolomeo that preserves the beautiful Martinengo altarpiece by Lorenzo Lotto. Not far away is the Donizetti Theatre. While the race itself stays largely in Citta Bassa for speed, the view of Citta Alta upper town on the hill, with its Venetian walls UNESCO World Heritage, creates a stunning visual frame throughout.

Expo Village in Via Sentierone is the logistical hub. It operates for bib pickup for all participants on Saturday and for limited categories on Sunday morning, with clear rules that residents of Bergamo and its province must collect on Saturday. The village also hosts sponsor stands, official merchandise, and information points.

Full fixture or event schedule

The event is compact, concentrated over a single weekend to maximize energy in the city centre.

The weekend begins with Expo Village opening in Via Sentierone. For all participants, bib and race packet pickup is available on Saturday from late morning to late afternoon, typically 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For residents of Bergamo and its province, this Saturday pickup is mandatory for Bergamo21. Clubs that registered through collective form can request collective pickup by a club representative at registration time, in which case race bibs will not be delivered to single participants. The Expo area remains open until early evening, with final course information and pacer presentations.

On Sunday morning, limited bib pickup continues at Expo Village for participants residing outside the province of Bergamo. The window for 10K race is early morning, for 21K race slightly longer, both closing well before start to allow corral organization. Meeting point is Sentierone, with personal bag delivery near Expo area.

The competitive starts follow a precise order. The 10K race typically departs first, followed by the half marathon a short time later, and relay options after. This staggered order prevents congestion on the multiple loop course that winds through Citta Bassa and scenic historic areas. The start is fast, with flat roads encouraging quick early kilometers.

Mid morning sees continuous finishing on Sentierone, with medals, goodie bags, event t-shirts, e-certificate and timing chip collection all managed in the same area. Nutrition stations and drink stations are positioned along course and at finish. Medical assistance is present throughout. Final refreshment and awards ceremonies take place in late morning near Sentierone.

The closure of Expo area occurs after last finisher, with bag drop retrieval and departure. For those staying, the city offers easy access to Citta Alta via funicular for post race tourism.

Teams, athletes & participants

Bergamo21 attracts a mix of competitive license holders, tourist sporting goal runners, and non competitive participants.

• 21K Competitive: Open to athletes from 18 years old holding FIDAL membership, RUNCARD membership plus health form, or membership in foreign federation recognized by World Athletics. Starting grid guaranteed upon declaration of personal best during registration. Fees net of commission fees, with special rates for sports clubs with group above 10 participants.
• 21K for Tourist Sporting Goals: Reserved only to non Italians not residing in Italy, from 18 years old, allowing international visitors to participate without Italian membership, signing disclaimer form. They receive same services including chip, refreshments, medal, goodie bag, but are included in separate ranking.
• 10K Competitive: Similar membership requirements, with age limit from 16 or 18 depending on regulation, offering fast flat course ideal for personal best.
• 10K Non Competitive and Relay 3x7K: Open to all without competitive license, ideal for friends, corporate teams and charity groups. Relay format allows three runners to share half marathon distance.
• Club and International Presence: Strong presence from Lombardy clubs, plus international runners from Austria, Slovenia, Germany, attracted by fast course and central location near Bergamo airport. Group rates encourage club participation.
• Pacer Teams: Included in entry, with pacers for various target times in both 21K and 10K, helping runners achieve goals on fast course.

Tournament format & competition structure

The event follows FIDAL Rules for Organization of Non Stadium Events, structured as a road race festival rather than knockout tournament.

• Half Marathon 21.097 km: Single stage road race, certified distance, rolling but very fast profile, road surface, city and scenic tags, multiple loops through Citta Bassa, start and finish in centre. Chip timing single use, with net and gun times. Time limit enforced for road reopening, with closure after last runner.
• 10K Race: Single stage road race, same start and finish in Sentierone, fast flat course, ideal for speed work and for those not ready for half marathon. Competitive and non competitive versions.
• Relay 3x7K: Team format where three athletes each run approximately 7 km, sharing half marathon course, non competitive spirit, popular for corporate and charity teams.
• Starting Grids: Based on declared personal bests, guaranteed until a few days before race, ensuring homogeneous pacing and safety. Grids managed in Sentierone area.
• Awards: Overall male and female winners by gun time, age category awards, club awards. RUNCARD members excluded from prize giving ceremonies per FIDAL regulations.
• Safety and Supervision: Course supervised by volunteers, local police, medical assistance, drink stations and nutrition stations placed according to regulations.

Match/event times

All times are local and confirmed in final race regulation.

• Expo Village Hours: Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for all participants, Sunday early morning for outside province participants only
• Bib Pickup 10K: Sunday morning 7:00 am to 8:15 am at Expo Village on Via Sentierone for outside province only
• Bib Pickup 21K: Sunday morning 7:00 am to 8:45 am at Expo Village on Via Sentierone for outside province only
• Departure 10K: Morning departure from Piazza Cavour or Sentierone depending on edition, typically around 9:00 am
• Departure 21K: Morning departure shortly after 10K, typically around 9:40 am
• Departure Relay: Morning departure after half marathon, typically around 9:45 am
• Finish Window: Late morning to early afternoon, with final refreshment and awards near Sentierone
• Closure: Expo area closure after last finisher, typically early afternoon

Ticket types

Registration is open online at https://followyourpassion.it/iscrizionibergamo21/ and via Worlds Marathons platform. Participation fee is not refundable under any circumstances for reasons attributable to single person. Fees below converted to USD from EUR pricing from previous and current editions. Product price range $32.70 to $63.22 USD.

• Bergamo21 Half Marathon Competitive 21K: Includes finisher medal, goodie bag, event t-shirt, e-certificate, timing chip single use, pacers, drink stations, nutrition stations, medical assistance, bag drop, toilets, accident insurance.
  • $32.70 early bird until late October
  • $38.15 until late December
  • $43.60 until late January
  • $49.05 until registration closes
• Bergamo21 Half Marathon Tourist Sporting Goals 21K Non Italian Non Resident: Same inclusions, separate ranking, disclaimer form required.
  • Same pricing as competitive 21K
• 10K Competitive: Includes medal, goodie bag, t-shirt, chip, drink stations, medical assistance.
  • $21.80 until late October
  • $26.16 until late December
  • $28.34 until late January
  • $30.52 until registration closes
• 10K Non Competitive: Includes bib, t-shirt, refreshment, medal, no ranking pressure.
  • $24.00 to $32.70 depending on band
  • $32.70 on site only for non competitive race
• Relay 3x7K Non Competitive: Team entry for three runners, includes bibs, shirts, medals for all, pricing under process to be finalized in some editions but typically around $65.40 to $76.30 per team.

Admin and commission fees are not included in fees above. For sports clubs with group above 10 participants special rates available via organizer.

Flexi Option: Athlete who has not purchased Flexi option can make change of distance or transfer to new year’s edition by paying service fee of $16.35 by deadline, typically Monday before race week. All requests must be sent by email to ticket@followyourpassion.it. No refund for lower fees.

Ticket release phases

The event uses membership band and slot system based on number of participants attained.

• Phase 1 Early Bird Slot 1 to 500: Lowest price for half marathon and 10K, valid until late October or until slot filled. Ideal for club captains organizing group entries.
• Phase 2 Standard Slot 501 to 1000: Moderate increase, valid until late December, covers majority of registrations.
• Phase 3 Late Slot 1001 to 2000: Higher price, valid until late January, last online window.
• Phase 4 Village On Site: Highest price, only for non competitive race on site, competitive races close online when maximum number of participants attained, typically 2400 participants cap or by organizing committee decision.
• Phase 5 Transfer and Change: After registration, changes possible with Flexi option or with service fee, no refund for lower fees, requests via email.

VIP & hospitality options

Bergamo21 is a city center race with premium experience built into central location rather than separate VIP enclosure.

• Expo Village Hospitality: Covered area in Via Sentierone with hot drinks, changing tents, sponsor lounges, official merchandise and information points. Bag drop and toilets included.
• Club Hospitality: Reserved meeting points for clubs with collective bib pickup, team photo opportunities on Sentierone with Torre dei Caduti backdrop, and assistance for group logistics.
• Elite Athlete Services: Private warm up area near Sentierone, dedicated bag trucks and post race recovery near finish.
• Tourism Packages: Hotels in Citta Bassa and Citta Alta offer runner packages with early breakfast from 6:00 am, late checkout, carb rich menus and shuttle to start. Bergamo airport proximity makes it ideal for weekend trips.
• Post Race Services: Medal engraving, official photo service positioned at Sentierone arcades and historic squares, downloadable complete rankings via ENDU and FollowYourPassion portal.

Stadium & event rules

Rules issued by FollowYourPassion and FIDAL, with emphasis on safety on city loops.

• Bib Collection Rule: For residents of Bergamo and its province, bib pickup for Bergamo21 is mandatory on Saturday. For participants residing outside province, pickup available Sunday morning early. Written authorization and ID copy required for third person pickup.
• Membership Requirement: 21K competitive requires running license, 21K tourist sporting goals reserved only to non Italians not residing in Italy, 10K competitive requires license, non competitive open to all.
• Starting Grid Guarantee: Starting grid guaranteed until a few days before race upon declaration of time during registration. Faster grids ahead for safety.
• Course Rules: Entirely urban approved route closed to traffic, supervised by volunteers and police, no bicycles or unauthorized vehicles. Drink stations and nutrition stations placed per regulations, medical assistance present.
• Refund Policy: Participation fee not refundable under any circumstances for reasons attributable to single person. Transfer to new year’s edition or distance change possible with service fee if Flexi option not purchased, via email to ticket@followyourpassion.it.
• Age Limit: 21K competitive from 18 years old, 21K tourist from 18, 10K from 16 depending on edition.
• Chip and Timing: Single use timing chip on bib, gun and net times recorded, e-diploma available.

How to get there

Bergamo is in Lombardy, well connected by air, train and road, with race venue in city centre.

• By Air: Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, also known as Milan Bergamo, is one of Italy’s busiest low cost hubs, located few kilometers from city centre, with bus connection to railway station and then to Sentierone. Other airports Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Verona Villafranca within 60 to 120 minutes.
• By Train: Bergamo station is connected to Milan, Brescia, Lecco and beyond. From station, historic center and Sentierone reachable by bus or 15 minute walk through Porta Nuova and Propilei.
• By Car: A4 motorway Milan Venice exit Bergamo, follow signs to centre and Sentierone. Parking limited in centre due to closure, recommended parking at outskirts and bus.
• By Bus: Urban and interurban buses serve Bergamo, with temporary diversions during race morning.
• On Foot: Start and finish both in Sentierone, only few meters apart, making logistics easy for supporters.

Public transport & parking

Public transport recommended due to road closures in centre.

• Buses: Urban lines diverted during race morning, with temporary stops near Sentierone and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Extra services from station to centre.
• Parking: Paid parking at outskirts such as stadium area, station area, and shopping centres, with bus connection to centre. Parking in historic centre not possible on race morning due to closure. Follow signs for Expo Village.
• Bike: Bike sharing available, but bikes not allowed on course during race.
• Bag Drop: Located near Expo Village in Via Sentierone, with trucks dedicated to various distances, retrieval after finish.

Accommodation areas

Bergamo offers range of options for runners and families.

• Sentierone and Citta Bassa: Best for start finish access, walking to Expo, restaurants and post race celebrations. Business hotels, boutique hotels and B&Bs around Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Via Torquato Tasso.
• Citta Alta Upper Town: Historic, scenic, with boutique hotels in Venetian walls, ideal for tourism extension, accessible via funicular.
• Station Area: Convenient for early arrival, metro and train, budget and business hotels.
• Airport Area: Near Orio al Serio, with chain hotels, good for early flights.
• Lake and Hills: For those combining race with tourism, Lake Iseo and San Vigilio hill within 30 minutes offer resort stays.

Food & drink at the venue

Bergamo is renowned for culinary tradition blending Lombard and Bergamasque specialties.

• On Course: Drink stations with water, sports drink, nutrition stations with fruit and energy products, plus final refreshment in Sentierone.
• Finish Area: Water, tea, fruit, biscuits for all finishers, plus medal and goodie bag.
• Village Food Stands: Local producers offering casoncelli pasta, polenta e osei, stracciatella cheese, and coffee from local roasters.
• City Options: Sentierone perimeter has historic cafes, restaurants and gelaterias, with aperitivo culture and traditional dishes.
• Post Race: Many restaurants offer runner menus with extra carbohydrates on eve of race.

Accessibility

Event aims to be inclusive.

• Route Accessibility: Entirely urban road course, relatively flat, smooth asphalt, suitable for wheelchair athletes where permitted, supervised by volunteers.
• Start and Finish Areas: Sentierone has step free access, accessible toilets and dedicated assistance volunteers.
• Transport: Low floor buses available, accessible routes from station to centre.
• Sensory: Clear signage, large print bib numbers, loudspeaker announcements in Italian and English.
• Registration: Dedicated tourist sporting goals category for international visitors, non competitive options open to all.

Best matches/events to attend

• Bergamo21 Half Marathon 21K: Flagship fast race, very fast course for both 10K and half marathon, start and finish in centre, opens FollowYourPassion calendar, ideal for personal best.
• 10K Race: Fast flat course, ideal for speed work, same start finish as half marathon, perfect for those not ready for half distance.
• Relay 3x7K: Team format, non competitive spirit, popular for corporate and charity teams, allows sharing half marathon experience.
• Non Competitive 10K: Open to all without license, same course as competitive, ideal for families and groups.
• City Tourism: Combine race with visit to Citta Alta, Venetian walls, Donizetti Theatre and Sentierone arcades.

Previous year’s highlights

The 11th edition and recent editions showcased growth and quality.

Highlights included fast times due to flat fast course in Citta Bassa, with start and finish in centre, drawing thousands of runners despite winter conditions. The event opened FollowYourPassion calendar with enthusiasm, with both 10K and half marathon praised for organization.

Community participation was strong, with hundreds of volunteers supervising course, local clubs joining relay and non competitive formats, and strong presence from Lombardy and international runners.

The course was highlighted as elegant, with Sentierone arcades and lively squares almost making runners forget they were racing, as described by international media. Athletes raced through vibrant streets of lower city and scenic historic areas.

Organization received praise for included services: finisher medal, goodie bag, event t-shirts, e-certificate, timing chip, pacers, drink and nutrition stations, medical assistance, bag drop, toilets and insurance.

The event also introduced flexible options like Flexi for distance change and transfer, and special rates for sports clubs with group above 10 participants, encouraging club spirit.

Official tickets

Purchase only via official channels to ensure valid chip and services.

• Official Registration: https://followyourpassion.it/iscrizionibergamo21/ and https://worldsmarathons.com/marathon/bergamo21
• Race Regulation: Available on FollowYourPassion site for competitive and non competitive races
• Contact Email: ticket@followyourpassion.it for changes, transfers and inquiries
• Expo Village: Via Sentierone, Bergamo, for bib pickup and last non competitive entries
• Payment: Online by credit card, PayPal, with admin and commission fees not included above
• Verification: Registration confirmation via email and portal

Avoid secondary resale sites. Different distances have different bibs and chips, and race change depends on availability with service fee.

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