Maratona di Ravenna Città d’Arte 2027 – Italy

What to expect

The Maratona di Ravenna Città d’Arte is far more than a road race, it is a cultural immersion that has grown into one of Italy’s most coveted and participated marathons. Expect nearly fifteen thousand attendees across the weekend, transforming the city of mosaics into a vast open-air stadium. The event is organized by Ravenna Runners Club A.S.D. and holds World Athletics Label status, which guarantees high organizational standards, international elite fields, and an AIMS certified course that is valid for personal bests and national rankings.

What sets Ravenna apart is its unique blend of sport and art. This is the only marathon in the world where a single 42.195 km loop touches all eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments. You will run from the modern sports temple of Pala De André through the regenerated Darsena canal port with its green areas, into the historic center flanked by late-antique walls, out towards Classe where the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe acts as a monumental buoy, and finally back to the heart of the city for a finale in front of the MAR – Ravenna Art Museum and the Basilica di Santa Maria in Porto. The atmosphere is consistently described as celebratory, with music stations hosted by local bands and schools, enthusiastic spectators, confetti cannons at the finish, and a deep sense of Romagna hospitality.

Every finisher is part of a tradition. All participants in the competitive and recreational 10K distances receive the famous handmade mosaic medal, a true work of art created by local mosaic artisans, inspired by the Byzantine mosaics that made Ravenna three times Capital of the Western Roman Empire. The medal can be engraved for free with your name and time, making it the most personal and beautiful medal on the international circuit.

Match/event dates

Event Dates: November 2027 (Dates TBD)

This edition will follow the traditional second weekend of November structure that Ravenna has used for over two decades.

Expo Marathon Village: Opens on Friday from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM and continues on Saturday from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM at Pala De André, ticket office entrance via Via Trieste and Via Canale Molinetto. This is where bib collection, race pack distribution, partner stands, technical clinics and elite athlete presentations take place.

Pre-Race Events: On Saturday afternoon, the non-competitive events take place, including Family Run 2 km for schools, families and teachers, Dogs & Run 2.5 km six-legged run for runners with dogs, and Correndo Senza Frontiere 3 km inclusive run in the historic center finishing on the official finish line.

Main Race Day: Sunday of race week, with bag drop and shuttle opening early morning. Marathon 42K and Half Marathon 21K start together at 9:15 AM, followed by Good Morning Ravenna 10K Fast and Walk. Finish line festival remains active until late afternoon.

Virtual Race Window: For those unable to travel, the virtual version opens in the days immediately following the in-person event, allowing global participation with shipped medals and t-shirts.

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

Stadium & sports venue

Start Area: Pala De André, Viale Europa 1, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy. Known locally as the city’s temple of sport, this large indoor arena is the logistical heart of the weekend. It hosts the Expo, bib collection, changing rooms, bag drop, showers, massage area, dressing rooms, parking and the official shuttle to the start line. Its vast outdoor spaces are ideal for warm-ups, team photos and meeting points for running clubs.

Finish Area: Via di Roma, 13, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy, directly in front of the MAR – Ravenna Art Museum. This location was chosen for its symbolic power. You finish surrounded by history, with the Basilica di Santa Maria in Porto behind you and the museum square turned into a celebration stage. Here you will find medal engraving stations, photo service, video service, and the final cheer zones.

Course Profile: The course is officially listed as flat, road surface, valley profile, single loop, AIMS certified, World Athletics Label. The route philosophy is built on three pillars that the organizers repeat every year. First, 42 km that touch all eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Second, 42 km in a treasure trove of history that preserves precious testimonies of its past. Third, 42 km in the city of mosaics, from which the finisher medal takes its cue. The first part emphasizes the Darsena canal port and its contemporary redevelopment, the middle part emphasizes the historic center and late-antique walls, and the final part emphasizes the open landscape towards Classe and the return to the center.

Full fixture or event schedule

Friday Program: The weekend begins quietly but with great energy. The Expo Marathon Village opens mid-morning. Runners arriving from across Italy and abroad collect their bibs and explore partner stands featuring major running brands, local crafts, nutrition and tourism information. In the afternoon, there are technical briefings, training sessions led by coaches, and presentations of top athletes. For those with race bibs, free entrance to city museums begins, offering a chance to visit the UNESCO sites you will run past.

Saturday Program: This is the busiest day for non-competitive sport and community. The Expo remains open all day with continuous bib collection. In the morning, organized shake-out runs depart from Pala De André. In the early afternoon, the Family Run takes place on a 2 km loop around Pala De André, dedicated to schools, families, teachers and carers, run at free pace. Immediately after, the Dogs & Run begins, a 2.5 km playful canicross experience where you can run or walk with your four-legged friend, guided by experts who explain how to best practice the discipline. Later in the afternoon, the Correndo Senza Frontiere – Tutti Insieme event takes place. This 3 km route covers the most beautiful portion of the historic center and ends with a grand finale on the official marathon finish line, before the competitive runners arrive. It is created within the Coordination for motor and sports activity adapted to people with intellectual disabilities.

Sunday Program: Early morning sees the opening of bag drop, toilets, dressing rooms and shuttle buses. Warm-up areas fill up. The competitive Marathon 42K and Half Marathon 21K start together, creating a powerful mass start of several thousand runners. A few minutes later, the Good Morning Ravenna 10K starts, in both Fast competitive and Walk recreational versions. Along the course, drink stations, nutrition stations, music points and cheer zones support runners. The finish line festival builds as the first 10K runners arrive, followed by half marathon elites and then marathon champions. The afternoon is dedicated to celebrations, massage, showers, medal engraving and collection of e-certificates.

Teams, athletes & participants

Elite International Field: As a World Athletics Label Road Race, Ravenna attracts a strong international elite field. Recent editions have seen Kenyan athletes like Wilfred Murgor winning in 2:12:36 and Mercy Jebet Kibor winning the women’s race on her marathon debut, alongside Ethiopian contenders. The Italian depth is notable, with six Italians in the top ten in recent years, reflecting the race’s status as a host for Italian Masters Championships and the Italian tricolor returning to Ravenna.

Competitive Club Runners: The bulk of the competitive field consists of FIDAL licensed athletes, Runcard holders, and foreign federation members. With 1,300 to 2,000 participants in the 42K and 2,700 to 4,000 in the 21K, the field is large enough to find your pace group but not overcrowded. Pacers are provided for key targets including sub 3 hours, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30 and 5:00.

Recreational Runners and Walkers: The Good Morning Ravenna 10K welcomes thousands of recreational runners and walkers. The Fast version is competitive and timed, while the Walk version is non-competitive and open to all, requiring no federation membership, making it perfect for beginners, tourists and supporters who want to be part of the event.

Community and Inclusive Groups: The Family Run brings schools, teachers and families. The Dogs & Run brings dog owners and canicross enthusiasts. Correndo Senza Frontiere brings athletes with disabilities, unified under the banner of sport without frontiers. The Virtual Race brings global runners who cannot be in Romagna but want to earn the mosaic medal from their own city.

Tournament format & competition structure

Marathon 42.195 km: This is the queen event. Competitive, chip timed with single-use timing chip, AIMS certified, single loop, flat and fast. It features a single overall classification for men and women plus age-group classifications from SM35 upwards. It is valid for FIDAL rankings and World Athletics ranking points when applicable.

Half Marathon 21.097 km: Also competitive, chip timed, AIMS certified, sharing the start area and the final kilometers with the marathon. It is often the fastest race of the weekend due to its flat profile and is ideal for those chasing a personal best or preparing for a winter marathon.

Good Morning Ravenna 10K: Structured in two parallel formats on the same course. Fast is competitive, timed, with ranking and age-group prizes. Walk is recreational-motor, non-competitive, untimed or timed without ranking, open to all at free pace, running or walking in the city center. All participants receive the mosaic medal.

Family Run 2 km and Dogs & Run 2.5 km: Both are recreational, non-competitive, free pace. No ranking, no timing pressure. Focused on community experience, with participation t-shirts and gadgets.

Correndo Senza Frontiere 3 km: Inclusive non-competitive event, spin-off of Giocando Senza Frontiere, dedicated to promoting social inclusion through athletic competitions. The route covers the historic center portion and finishes on the official finish line before the main races arrive, giving participants a true champion’s finish.

Virtual Race: Run anywhere format. Participants register for 42K, 21K or 10K, run the distance in the days following the official event, upload proof via the dedicated website, and receive the medal and t-shirt by shipping. Includes virtual expo with partner offers.

Match/event times

Bib Collection Times: Friday 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM at Expo Marathon Village c/o Pala De André. Special extended collection on Sunday morning only for runners coming from outside the province, 7:15 AM to 8:45 AM for marathon and half marathon, and 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM for 10K. Proxy collection is allowed by presenting the delegation form found in the bib confirmation email sent the week before the race.

Race Day Logistics: Bag drop and shuttle to start line open from 7:00 AM. Warm-up areas open from 8:00 AM. Start for marathon and half marathon at 9:15 AM from Pala De André area. Good Morning Ravenna 10K starts approximately 15 to 20 minutes after, from the same start area, after the main wave has cleared.

On-Course Support Times: Drink stations are positioned approximately every 5 km, with additional nutrition stations at longer intervals. Medical assistance, toilets and bag drop support remain active until the last runner finishes.

Cut-Off Times: Marathon cut-off is generous, typically up to 6 hours, allowing walkers and first-timers to enjoy the UNESCO route fully. Half marathon and 10K have proportionate limits. Runners beyond the cut-off may be asked to continue on sidewalks without road closure, but still receive full services at the finish.

Finish Line Services: Medal engraving, massage, showers, dressing rooms and e-diploma download remain open until late afternoon, ensuring every finisher is celebrated.

Ticket types

Pricing is converted to USD from previous editions on Worldsmarathons and Avaibook Sports. If 2027 pricing has not been announced, these are the rates to expect.

Marathon 42K Competitive Entry: Early bird $46 USD, standard $68 USD to $81 USD, late $81 USD to $88 USD. Includes handmade mosaic medal, official Joma technical t-shirt, race bag, single-use timing chip, e-certificate and e-diploma, free medal engraving, photo service, video service, training program, expo entry, bag drop, toilets, showers, dressing rooms, drink stations, nutrition stations, medical assistance, accident insurance, custom bib number, parking, shuttle to start line, and free museum entrance.

Half Marathon 21K Competitive Entry: Early bird $27 USD to $30 USD, standard $38 USD to $54 USD, late $54 USD to $68 USD. Includes same service package as marathon with half marathon specific medal and t-shirt.

Good Morning Ravenna 10K Fast and Walk: Standard $27 USD, late $38 USD to $46 USD. Includes t-shirt, mosaic medal, bib, refreshments, medical assistance, and museum conventions.

Family Run 2 km: $11 USD to $16 USD per person, includes participation t-shirt, small medal or gadget, and school participation certificate.

Dogs & Run 2.5 km: $16 USD to $20 USD per human-dog team, includes owner t-shirt, dog bandana, participation gadget, and dog-friendly refreshment.

Correndo Senza Frontiere 3 km: Free entry or voluntary donation, includes participation t-shirt and official finish experience.

Combined Challenges: Maratona di Ravenna + Ferrara Marathon $103 USD early rising to $119 USD after September 1, and Maratona di Ravenna + Ferrara Half Marathon $84 USD early rising to $97 USD. These are popular for runners collecting Emilia-Romagna marathons.

Virtual Race Entries: Marathon virtual $54 USD, Half virtual $38 USD, 10K virtual $27 USD, including medal and t-shirt shipping worldwide.

Ticket release phases

Super Early Bird Opening: First 500 slots per competitive distance when registrations open on maratonadiravenna.com and Avaibook Sports portal. This phase offers the absolute lowest price and sells out quickly among club runners.

Early Bird Phase 1: Valid until late August. This is the current price step valid until August 31 in previous editions. Ideal for those planning early travel and accommodation.

Standard Phase: From early September until mid-October. Price increases moderately. This is the phase where most international runners register, balancing cost and certainty.

Late Phase: From late October until registration closes on November 2. Highest price tier, with no possibility of race day registration for competitive distances. Recommended only for last-minute decisions.

Special Promotions: On International Women’s Day March 8, a special promo has been offered in past years with marathon at $38 USD instead of $46 USD and half at $25 USD instead of $30 USD. Club and team conventions for Ravenna Runners Club and affiliated groups are also available via ENDU platform with access codes.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are not refundable under any circumstances, however registered athletes unable to take part are offered two options, transfer to another person or transfer to next edition, plus optional cancellation protection add-on at checkout that refunds fee if you cannot take part.

VIP & hospitality options

Premium Race Pack: This upgrade includes priority lane at bib collection, reserved bag drop close to start, fast lane for medal engraving, premium goodie bag with additional local products, and personalized race day assistance.

Mosaic Experience Hospitality: A unique cultural package that includes guided tours of the eight UNESCO monuments, private mosaic workshop with a master mosaicist where you create a small mosaic souvenir to take home, reserved seating near the finish line in front of MAR Museum, and exclusive access to hospitality tent with catering.

Hotel and Entry Bundles: Partner hotels in historic center, Darsena and seaside Riviera offer runner-friendly packages. These include early breakfast from 6:00 AM on race day, late checkout, shuttle to start and from finish, and inside race pack a promotional coupon with Mirabilandia park admission discounts valid for the following season. These packages are distributed at Expo Marathon Village at Pala De André.

Team and Corporate Hospitality: For running clubs, companies and large groups, tent space can be reserved both at Pala De André and at the finish area, with catering, private massage tables, meeting point banners and storage for team equipment.

Elite and Masters Area: When Ravenna hosts Italian Championships, a dedicated warm-up area, separate changing rooms, elite toilets and post-race recovery area with physiotherapy are reserved for top athletes and Masters participants.

Stadium & event rules

Bib and Chip Rules: Bib must be worn on chest, fully visible, not folded or covered. The single-use timing chip must remain attached as instructed and not be removed or exchanged. Bibs are personal and transfer is only allowed via official transfer procedure through the organizer, not privately.

Course Conduct: Runners must follow the official marked route, respect barriers, volunteers and police. Bicycles, e-scooters, roller skates and accompanying vehicles are prohibited on the course. Littering is prohibited outside designated waste zones near drink and nutrition stations to protect the UNESCO heritage environment.

Safety and Medical: Medical staff have final authority to remove any runner showing signs of health risk. Runners beyond official cut-off may be asked to move to sidewalk and continue without road closure protection. All participants are covered by accident insurance included in registration.

Family Run, Dogs & Run and Inclusive Run Rules: Children must be accompanied by adults for Family Run. Dogs must be on leash, with up-to-date vaccination booklet, owner responsible for behavior and waste collection. Harness recommended for canicross. Wheelchairs, handbikes and assistive devices are welcome and encouraged in inclusive and recreational distances, with prior notification to organizer.

Expo and Finish Area Rules: Large bags must be left at bag drop. No glass containers in start and finish zones. Only official photo and video service authorized by organization is allowed for commercial use. Proxy bib collection requires signed delegation form from bib confirmation email.

How to get there

By Air: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is the main international gateway, located 80 km from Ravenna, with direct train and shuttle bus connections to Ravenna. Rimini Federico Fellini Airport and Venice Marco Polo Airport are secondary options with train connections via Bologna.

By Train: Ravenna railway station is on the Ferrara-Rimini line. Direct regional trains from Bologna Centrale take approximately 80 minutes. From Ravenna station, START Romagna bus lines 1, 4 and 8 connect to Pala De André and to the historic center. Taxi service is also available.

By Car: Take A14 Autostrada Adriatica motorway, exit Ravenna or Forli. Follow signs for Pala De André Viale Europa or city center. Parking is available at Pala De André, which is included in registration, plus additional city parking at Via Trieste, Via Canale Molinetto and Darsena area. Road closures in historic center are in effect Sunday morning, so early arrival is recommended.

From Seaside: Many runners stay in Marina di Ravenna, Punta Marina Terme, Lido Adriano, Lido di Classe and Lido di Dante. Special shuttle services operate on race weekend connecting the coast to Pala De André and to the finish area, making seaside accommodation convenient and scenic.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport Network: START Romagna operates the city and coastal bus network. During marathon weekend, service is enhanced with extra buses from railway station to Pala De André and from Pala De André to start and finish areas. Free shuttle to start line is included in registration, departing from Pala De André parking area early morning.

Parking: Parking at Pala De André is included in your entry and is the most convenient for Expo and start. Additional parking is available at Parcheggio Via Trieste and Parcheggio Darsena. For the finish area, use Parcheggio MAR or Piazza Baracca. Bike parking is available at Expo and near finish, as Ravenna is extremely bike-friendly.

Road Closures: Detailed closure maps are published in the official race guide. The historic center, Darsena area and the road towards Classe are partially closed Sunday morning until early afternoon. Residents and visitors are advised to use bicycles or walk in the center during this time.

Accessibility of Transport: All START Romagna buses and the official shuttle are wheelchair accessible. Assistance points for para-athletes are located at Pala De André and at key points along the course.

Accommodation areas

Historic Center: This is the most atmospheric area, with boutique hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses within walking distance to the finish at Via di Roma and to Piazza del Popolo. Ideal for those who want to visit all eight UNESCO monuments, enjoy evening aperitivo and be close to restaurants offering convention discounts for bib holders. Expect $90 USD to $220 USD per night.

Darsena District: The modern, regenerated canal port area near Pala De André. Here you find contemporary apartments, design hotels and green spaces. It is the most convenient area for Expo and start, allowing you to walk to bib collection and to the shuttle. Price range $80 USD to $180 USD per night.

Railway Station Area: Budget-friendly and practical, with hotels and the popular Ostello di Ravenna offering beds from $22 USD to $43 USD per night. Easy train access for day trips to Bologna and good bus connections to start.

Seaside Riviera: Marina di Ravenna, Punta Marina Terme, Lido Adriano, Lido di Classe and surrounding coastal towns offer resorts, family hotels and beach apartments. They provide a relaxing post-race environment with pine forests of San Vitale and Po Delta Park nearby. Shuttle connections operate on race weekend. Price range $70 USD to $160 USD per night.

Booking Advice: With nearly fifteen thousand attendees for the main race alone, hotels fill months in advance. Book early and look for runner packages offering early breakfast and late checkout, which many partner hotels provide.

Food & drink at the venue

On-Course Nutrition: Drink stations are positioned approximately every 5 km with water and isotonic drinks, plus nutrition stations with fruit, energy bars and gels. Sponge stations are added depending on weather conditions. All stations include separate waste zones to keep the UNESCO route clean.

At Expo Marathon Village: The Expo is a food experience in itself. Local food stands offer piadina romagnola, handmade pasta like cappelletti and passatelli, Adriatic seafood, vegan options and Sangiovese wine tastings linked to the GiovinBacco festival. Sponsor stands offer energy product sampling.

Finish Area: Post-race refreshment includes water, hot tea, fruit, biscuits and recovery snacks. Food trucks operate in Darsena area, and many restaurants in the historic center offer special menus for runners.

Ravenna’s Gastronomy: The city is famous for its proverbial hospitality and eno-gastronomic offer. Upon presentation of race bib, many restaurants and museums offer conventions and discounts. Inside the race pack, you will find a promotional coupon for Mirabilandia park with admission discounts valid for the following season, plus conventions for visiting Ravenna’s most important monuments.

Accessibility

Course Accessibility: The course profile is flat and road-based, listed as wheelchair and para-athlete friendly. Wide roads in Darsena and historic center allow handbikes and wheelchairs to participate safely in competitive distances with advance registration and briefing with organizers.

Correndo Senza Frontiere: This dedicated 3 km route is designed for persons with intellectual and motor disabilities, covering the historic center portion and finishing on the official finish line before the main races arrive. It is part of the coordination for adapted motor and sports activity and is considered a spin-off of Giocando Senza Frontiere, promoting social inclusion through sport.

Expo and Venue Accessibility: Pala De André Expo is step-free with accessible toilets, showers and dressing rooms clearly marked. Staff assistance is available at bib collection and bag drop. The finish area at MAR Museum is also accessible with reserved viewing spaces.

Transport Accessibility: START Romagna buses and the official shuttle to start are wheelchair accessible, and accessible parking is available near Pala De André and near the MAR Museum. Contact the organizer at info@maratonadiravenna.com for specific needs and they provide personalized assistance.

Best matches/events to attend

Marathon 42K for Collectors: If you are a marathon collector or seeking a unique cultural marathon, the 42K is unmatched. It is the only race touching all eight UNESCO monuments, offering a journey through 1,500 years of history, from the Western Roman Empire capital to Byzantine mosaics, finishing with a handmade mosaic medal.

Half Marathon 21K for Performance: For runners chasing a personal best, the half marathon is the best choice. Flat, fast, AIMS certified, with pacers and a competitive field, it has become a favorite for Italian Masters and international runners seeking a fast autumn half.

Good Morning Ravenna 10K for Experience: Best for recreational runners, walkers, tourists and families who want to run or walk through the city center without the pressure of a marathon, yet still receive the same iconic mosaic medal, official t-shirt and full services.

Saturday Events for Atmosphere: Family Run and Dogs & Run are best for atmosphere and community. They fill the Pala De André area with children, schools, teachers, families and dogs, creating a festive preview that is pure fun and perfect for supporters who want to participate.

Correndo Senza Frontiere for Emotion: The most emotionally powerful event, where sport truly shows no frontiers, with athletes with disabilities finishing on the official finish line to the cheers of volunteers and spectators.

Previous year’s highlights

Record Participation: The most recent editions have set new records, with 16,000 runners across all events, including 4,029 participants in competitive distances alone, 1,330 in the marathon and 2,699 in the half marathon. This confirms Ravenna as one of the most important annual events for the city and one of the most participated marathons in Italy.

Elite Performances and Depth: The 20th edition saw Kenyan Wilfred Murgor win in 2:12:36, followed by compatriot Limo Silah Kipkemboi in 2:13:05 and Ethiopian Tigu Sefe Wende in 2:15:14, while in the women’s race Mercy Jebet Kibor won on her marathon debut. Notably, six Italians finished in the men’s top ten, showing exceptional national depth, and Italian tricolor and Italian Masters titles have returned to Ravenna in recent years.

Cultural Finale: The finish line in front of MAR Museum has become iconic, with athletes welcomed by enthusiastic spectators, confetti cannons, music stations along the route hosted by local bands, schools and groups, and the symbolic finisher medal inspired by Ravenna’s mosaics, making the finale both festive and culturally rich. Many runners described the final kilometer through the historic center as running inside a museum.

Inclusive and Community Success: The projects Correndo Senza Frontiere Tutti Insieme, Family Run and Dogs & Run have grown exponentially, with the inclusive 3 km route covering the historic center and finishing on the official finish line before the main races arrive. The Virtual Race has allowed athletes from all over the world to still win the handcrafted mosaic medal from their own city, with a virtual expo offering unique partner opportunities.

World Athletics Label Recognition: Ravenna has maintained World Athletics Label Road Race status, guaranteeing international media coverage, professional timing by EvoData, photo and video services, and a reputation as an eco-friendly, charity-supporting, flat and historic city marathon.

Official tickets

Where to Buy: Purchase only via official channels to guarantee genuine entry, insurance and included services. Official website is https://maratonadiravenna.com/ and official registration portal is Avaibook Sports and ENDU platform managed together with organizer Ravenna Runners Club A.S.D., Piazza Bernini 2, 48124 Ravenna, contact +39 345 442 0145, email info@maratonadiravenna.com.

What is Included: Every official ticket includes finisher mosaic medal handmade, official technical t-shirt, goodie bag, medal engraving, e-certificate and e-diploma, timing chip single use, pacers, photo service, video service, training program, expo entry, massage, parking, shuttle to start line, drink stations, nutrition stations, medical assistance, bag drop, toilets, showers, dressing rooms, accident insurance, custom bib number, and free entrance to museums upon presentation of race bib.

Authenticity Advice: Avoid secondary resellers. Official transfer to another person or to next edition is only possible via official procedure. Always refer to official website for latest race information and registration closure, which is typically November 2.

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