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.
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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.
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.
Bergamo21 attracts a mix of competitive license holders, tourist sporting goal runners, and non competitive participants.
The event follows FIDAL Rules for Organization of Non Stadium Events, structured as a road race festival rather than knockout tournament.
All times are local and confirmed in final race regulation.
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.
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.
The event uses membership band and slot system based on number of participants attained.
Bergamo21 is a city center race with premium experience built into central location rather than separate VIP enclosure.
Rules issued by FollowYourPassion and FIDAL, with emphasis on safety on city loops.
Bergamo is in Lombardy, well connected by air, train and road, with race venue in city centre.
Public transport recommended due to road closures in centre.
Bergamo offers range of options for runners and families.
Bergamo is renowned for culinary tradition blending Lombard and Bergamasque specialties.
Event aims to be inclusive.
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.
Purchase only via official channels to ensure valid chip and services.
Avoid secondary resale sites. Different distances have different bibs and chips, and race change depends on availability with service fee.
You can collect your bib and race pack at Expo Village in Via Sentierone on Saturday from late morning to late afternoon for all participants, with mandatory Saturday pickup for residents of Bergamo and its province. On Sunday morning, limited pickup is available for participants residing outside the province, with separate windows for 10K and 21K. Bring valid ID, confirmation email, and for third person pickup provide written authorization and ID copy.
Yes, race bib can be picked up by a third person providing written authorization and ID copy of the athlete. Running clubs that register through collective form can request collective pickup by a club representative at registration time, in which case bibs will not be delivered to single participants. This helps clubs manage large groups and ensures all members receive correct bibs and shirts.
Participation fee is not refundable under any circumstances for reasons attributable to single person, per race regulation. However athletes who purchased Flexi option or who request change by deadline can transfer registration to new year's edition or change distance by paying service fee of about $16.35. All requests must be sent by email to ticket@followyourpassion.it, with no refund for lower fees, and deadlines strictly enforced.
For competitive 21K you need FIDAL membership, RUNCARD plus health form, or foreign federation recognized by World Athletics. For tourist sporting goals category reserved only to non Italians not residing in Italy, you can participate without Italian membership by signing disclaimer form. Non competitive 10K and relay do not require competitive license, making them accessible to all, including families and corporate teams.
Your entry includes finisher medal, goodie bag, event t-shirt, e-certificate, single use timing chip, pacers for target times, drink stations and nutrition stations along course, medical assistance, bag drop service, toilets and accident insurance. Additionally you get access to Expo Village, post race refreshment and downloadable rankings. Admin and commission fees are not included in base fee and are added at checkout.
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