Pisa Marathon 2026 – Italy

• December 20, 2026
  Event date:
• December 20, 2026
  Event end:

What to expect

The Maratona di Pisa, also known as Cetilar Pisa Marathon, is a traditional winter marathon that has become a classic on the Italian running calendar, now in its 27th edition. Expect a flat, fast and remarkably scenic circular lap that combines city heritage, nature and sea air in a single race. The event is organized under the aegis of FIDAL and included in the national FIDAL calendar, with certified distance, chip timing and a reputation for excellent organization.

A route full of charm: The marathon starts in front of Piazza Daniele Manin near the race village, a stone’s throw from Piazza del Duomo and the Leaning Tower. It begins in the heart of Pisa, opens into the green of San Rossore Natural Park, reaches the coast, and returns alongside the Arno River to finish under the Leaning Tower. The half marathon, affectionately nicknamed Pisanina, follows the same route as the marathon with a turning point at the 13th kilometre, also finishing under the Tower. The Christmas Run takes place on a city circuit along the Arno River, also ending under the Leaning Tower.

Flat and PB friendly: The course profile is officially flat, with only 95 meters of elevation gain over 42.2 km, or 2.3 meters per kilometer. That is flatter than 69 percent of marathon courses listed internationally, with a PB possibility rated 4.5 out of 5. The running surface is roads and paths, circular lap format, with kilometre distance markers. This makes Pisa a strong choice if you are chasing a personal best in winter.

Winter festival atmosphere: With a maximum of 1800 to 2200 participants for the marathon, plus half marathon and Christmas Run, the event remains intimate, welcoming and eco-conscious. Over 2000 runners from 62 countries have joined recent editions, kissed by Tuscan winter sun, creating a celebration of sport and heritage that is both international and deeply local.

Match/event dates

Event Dates: December 20, 2026

Expo and Bib Collection: Friday 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Expo Village in Viale Duomo area, near the Leaning Tower, Organizer’s Office. No bib collection on Sunday.

Christmas Run: Saturday 3:00 PM, limited to 500 participants, non-competitive city circuit along Arno River.

Main Race Day: Sunday 9:00 AM start for Marathon 42.195 km and Half Marathon 21.097 km. Paralympic race at 8:45 AM. Bag drop opens 7:00 AM and closes 8:30 AM. Corrals open 8:00 AM and close 8:45 AM. Awards at 11:30 AM onwards. Half marathon time limit 3 hours 15 minutes at 12:15 PM. Marathon time limit 6 hours 30 minutes at 3:30 PM and event close.

Registration Deadlines: Current price step valid until November 30, 2026. Final registration closes December 14, 2026. No entry on race day.

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

Stadium & sports venue

Start Address: Piazza Daniele Manin, Pisa Province of Pisa, Italy, near Via Niccolini G. Battista and Via Cardinale Maffi area. The starting line and Pisa Half Marathon Start Village are located at IIS L. da Vinci – Fascetti on via Contessa Matilde 74, with cages opening for participants on Via Cardinale Maffi, 500 meters from start.

Finish Address: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza del Duomo, Pisa Province of Pisa, Italy. The finish is part of organized race route beside the Leaning Tower, inside UNESCO World Heritage Site Piazza del Duomo complex, designated in 1987 together with Cathedral, Baptistery and Monumental Cemetery.

Expo Village: Located in Viale Duomo, near Leaning Tower, serving as central hub for participants and visitors, with organizer’s office, info area, side events and talks.

Course Nature: Starting in heart of Pisa, runners pass historic landmarks and continue through lush San Rossore Natural Park, reaching the coast before returning along Arno River. Route links San Rossore Park with historic centre and ends at monument complex in Piazza Arcivescovado. Final refreshment area reserved for marathon and half marathon athletes. Course is roads and paths, flat, circular lap.

Historical Context: Pisa has thousand-year history and its monuments bear eternal testimony to past greatness. Piazza del Duomo, known as Piazza dei Miracoli, is historical and artistic masterpiece and Tower of Pisa is perhaps best-known monument in world. Construction of Tower began in 1173 to serve as freestanding bell tower for nearby Cathedral, built on soft unstable ground of clay, sand and silt, causing tilt almost immediately. Despite precarious stance, it has become renowned landmark.

Full fixture or event schedule

Friday Program: Expo and organizer’s office opens at midday. Bib pickup, chips, race kit, info area, side events and talks available until evening. Participants must bring confirmation letter and valid ID. Registration status must show regular with two green OK stamps. No bib distribution on Sunday.

Saturday Program: Expo opens mid-morning and remains open until late evening. Morning shake-out runs along Arno. Afternoon Christmas Run start at 3:00 PM on city circuit. This is limited to 500 participants, non-competitive, no podiums, no rankings, though personal time recorded. You get official kit pickup, special gadget instead of classic technical tee, and finisher medal if you cross line wearing bib. Evening pasta party and technical briefing.

Sunday Program: Bag drop opens early morning in Via Duomo area, Piazza del Duomo. Participants must use bag provided by organization, placing clothing inside and attaching adhesive bib number label. Corrals open for participants. At start, runners divided into grids corresponding to scheduled start waves, each corral has color red, orange, blue, green, pink that matches color of bib. Paralympic race starts first, followed by first wave at 9:00 AM including red corral marathon under 3h00 and half under 1h25, orange corral marathon 3h00 to 3h45 and half 1h25 to 1h44, blue corral marathon 3h45 to 4h15 and half 1h45 to 2h10, green corral marathon beyond 4h30 and half beyond 2h10. Second wave at 9:15 AM pink corral Christmas Run. Marathon and half marathon run together through San Rossore and along Arno. Half marathon awards mid-morning, marathon awards late morning. Time limits enforced at 30 km mark and final finish.

Teams, athletes & participants

Competitive Marathon Field: Pisa Marathon attracts international field with max 1800 participants for marathon alone, plus 2200 total cap across distances in later phases. Over 2000 runners from 62 countries in recent edition, with strong European presence. Pacers provided for 3:00, 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45 and 6:00.

Half Marathon Pisanina: Popular for those wanting flat half in winter, with same start and big atmosphere, turning at kilometre 13. Ideal for personal best and winter training goal.

Christmas Run Community: Limited to 500, welcoming runners and families who want to feel energy of marathon weekend in more casual way. Non-competitive, time recorded, perfect add-on even if traveling that weekend.

Elite and Age Groups: FIDAL Bronze Label half marathon and certified marathon attract masters and elite Italians. Cash prizes for top finishers.

Tourist Runners: Many participants combine Tuscan vacation with running, especially those spending Christmas holidays in Florence making short trip to Pisa. Booking hotel in Pisa recommended for stress-free run.

Tournament format & competition structure

Marathon 42.195 km: Competitive, certified distance, circular lap, flat, roads and paths, chip timing with chip attached to bib, do not remove until finish. Results based on real time from when you cross start line to finish. Only elite classifications may use gun time. Time limit 6 hours 30 minutes with cut-off 4 hours 35 minutes at 30 km mark. Distance markers in kilometres. Use of headphones permitted.

Half Marathon 21.097 km: Also known as Pisanina or Half Marathon City of Pisa, international athletics event with certified half marathon distance, organized under FIDAL Bronze Label. Starts from via Contessa Matilde 72, follows marathon course until kilometre 13 then returns. Time limit 3 hours 15 minutes. Chip timing same as marathon.

Christmas Run 10K Approx: City circuit along Arno River, ending under Leaning Tower, non-competitive, limited to 500, no ranking. Starts as second wave.

Wave Structure: Two main waves with color-coded corrals based on predicted time. Red for sub 3h00 marathon, orange for 3h00-3h45, blue for 3h45-4h15, green beyond 4h30. Half marathon equivalent times. Ensures smooth start and avoids overcrowding.

Finisher Recognition: All finishers within time limit receive official finisher medal for marathon, Pisanina or Christmas Run.

Match/event times

Bib Pickup Times: Friday 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Expo Organizer’s Office. No pickup on Sunday. Bring confirmation letter available about one week before race on official registration portal via check registration area.

Bag Drop: Setup in Piazza del Duomo, close to start finish area. Must use official bag with bib-number sticker attached. Bag drop closes at 8:30 AM sharp. Cages opening for participants from 8:15 AM.

Start Times: Paralympic race 8:45 AM with corral entry from 8:15 AM. First wave 9:00 AM with entry from 8:30 AM. Second wave 9:15 AM. Marathon and half marathon start together at 9:00 AM.

Cut-Offs and Awards: Half marathon awards around 11:30 AM, then marathon awards. Half marathon time limit 3 hours 15 minutes, marathon time limit 6 hours 30 minutes.

Expo Hours: Friday 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Parking: Recommended in areas slightly further from start and finish zones to avoid high prices and restricted traffic areas.

Ticket types

All prices converted to USD from EUR previous editions on maratonadipisa.com and Worldsmarathons listing. Show full prices in dollars.

Marathon 42.195 km: Until February 24 or 300 registrations $53 USD, February 25 to June 3 or 1000 registrations $64 USD, June 4 to November 30 or 1700 registrations $75 USD, December 1 to December 14 or 2200 registrations $86 USD. Previous listing shows €79.00 standard, equivalent to $86 USD.

Half Marathon 21.097 km Pisanina: Same pricing ladder as marathon. Until February 24 or 300 registrations $53 USD, February 25 to June 3 or 1000 registrations $64 USD, June 4 to November 30 or 1700 registrations $75 USD, December 1 to December 14 or 2200 registrations $86 USD.

Christmas Run City Circuit: Until February 24 or 50 registrations $11 USD, February 25 to June 3 or 500 max capacity $16 USD, June 4 to November 30 or 500 max capacity $16 USD, December 1 to December 14 or 500 max capacity $22 USD.

What is Included: Finisher’s medal included, timing chip, e-certificate, pacers, drink stations, medical assistance, bag drop, toilets. Event t-shirt or gadget depending on distance. Goodie bag.

Max Numbers: Marathon capped at 1800 to 2200 depending on phase, Christmas Run capped at 500.

Ticket release phases

Phase 1 Early Super Saver: Until February 24 or first 300 registrations for marathon and half marathon, and 50 for Christmas Run. Lowest price tier $53 USD marathon and half, $11 USD Christmas Run.

Phase 2 Early Bird: February 25 to June 3 or up to 1000 registrations. Price rises to $64 USD marathon and half, $16 USD Christmas Run.

Phase 3 Standard: June 4 to November 30 or up to 1700 registrations. Price $75 USD marathon and half, $16 USD Christmas Run. Current price step valid until November 30.

Phase 4 Late: December 1 to December 14 or up to 2200 registrations. Final price $86 USD marathon and half, $22 USD Christmas Run. Registration closes December 14, no entry on day.

Proxy and Authorization: Authorization form often included in confirmation letter needed for proxy pickup. Person picking up must show own ID plus copy of your ID.

VIP & hospitality options

Expo Hospitality: Expo Village in Viale Duomo offers central hub with talks, side events and sponsor stands. VIP area includes heated tent, private bag drop and priority assistance.

Tourist Hospitality Packages: For those spending Christmas holidays in Florence, packages include transfer to Pisa, hotel near start finish, guided tour of Piazza dei Miracoli UNESCO complex including Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and Monumental Cemetery, and entry to San Rossore Natural Park.

Team Packages: Running clubs can reserve group tent space near start on Via Cardinale Maffi, with custom bib grouping in same corral color.

Elite Hospitality: Dedicated corral entry, separate warm-up area and post-race recovery with medical assistance at finish line.

Photo and Video Hospitality: Official photos available online via Endu portal, searchable by bib number or facial recognition feature. VIP includes free photo pack.

Stadium & event rules

Bib Collection Rules: Participants must bring confirmation letter printed or digital and valid ID. Registration status must be regular with two green OK stamps. Someone else can pick up bib with authorization form, own ID plus copy of your ID. No bib distribution on race day.

Bag Rules: Must use bag provided by organization, placing clothing inside and attaching adhesive bib number label. Bag drop located in Piazza del Duomo, closes at 8:30 AM. Portable toilets located near start area at Via Cammeo parking.

Start Corral Rules: Runners divided into grids corresponding to scheduled start waves. Corral color matches bib color. Entry times enforced. Do not remove timing chip attached to bib until finish.

Course Rules: Distance markers in kilometres. Drink stations and medical aid points distributed along course. If feeling unwell, ask race staff immediately. Public urination can result in fines, use designated toilets.

Headphones: Use of headphones permitted. Pacers available but must stay within corral.

Lost and Found: Assistance desk at event village expo area handles lost items during event and organizers can be contacted after event via segreteria@maratonadipisa.com.

How to get there

By Air: Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei is closest, 5 km from center, with frequent PisaMover shuttle to Pisa Centrale station. Florence Airport also option with train connection.

By Train: Pisa Centrale station is main hub, 15 minutes walk to Piazza del Duomo. Regional trains from Florence take 1 hour. From station, walk via Via Crispi to start area or bus to Via Contessa Matilde.

By Car: A11 and A12 motorways, exit Pisa Centro. Follow signs for Piazza del Duomo. Parking recommended slightly further from start finish zones to avoid high prices and restricted traffic areas ZTL. Use Parcheggio Via Cammeo for start area toilets.

By Bus: Local LAM bus lines connect station to Duomo area. Shuttle service from Pisa CUS sports facilities to Via Cardinale Maffi bag drop area available on race morning.

Public transport & parking

Public Transport: CTT Nord and Autolinee Toscane buses serve city. PisaMover connects airport to central station. Walking is easiest in historic center as Expo in Viale Duomo, start at Piazza Daniele Manin and finish at Piazza del Duomo are within 500 meters.

Parking: Official parking at Via Cammeo parking area near portable toilets and start zone, plus Via Duomo area for bag drop. Parking in Piazza del Duomo restricted on race day. Recommendation to park in areas slightly further from start finish to avoid high prices and ZTL fines.

Shuttle: Start of shuttle service from Pisa CUS sports facilities to Via Cardinale Maffi bag drop area on race morning. Free for participants.

Road Closures: City center around Piazza del Duomo, Via Contessa Matilde, Via Cardinale Maffi and Arno river roads closed Sunday morning until afternoon.

Accessibility: Expo and start finish areas flat and accessible. Assistance points along course.

Accommodation areas

Piazza del Duomo and Viale Duomo Area: Best for immediate access to Expo, bag drop and finish at Leaning Tower. Boutique hotels and B&Bs within 200 meters. Price $90 USD to $220 USD per night. Race-weekend rooms near start go first.

Historic Centre and Arno River: Hotels along Arno River, ideal for Christmas Run city circuit experience and evening dining. $80 USD to $180 USD.

Pisa Centrale Station Area: Budget hotels and hostels, $60 USD to $120 USD, convenient for train travelers and airport shuttle.

San Rossore and Coastal Area: Agriturismi and park hotels near San Rossore Natural Park and coast, $70 USD to $150 USD, quiet for pre-race.

Florence Extension: Many runners stay in Florence for Christmas holidays and make short trip to Pisa on race morning, but booking hotel in Pisa best to ensure stress-free run with early bag drop.

Food & drink at the venue

On Course: Drink stations with water and isotonic, plus nutrition support. Medical aid points distributed.

Expo Area: Tuscan food stands with local specialties, coffee, pastries, pasta, vegan options. Sponsor sampling.

Post-Race: Finisher area near Leaning Tower with hot tea, water, fruit and recovery snacks for marathon and half marathon within time limits.

City Gastronomy: Pisa offers traditional Tuscan cuisine, cecina, bordatino, pappa al pomodoro. Restaurants offer convention for bib holders. Enjoy Christmas markets in December.

Christmas Atmosphere: December race means Christmas lights in Piazza dei Miracoli and historic centre, making post-race tourism special.

Accessibility

Course Accessibility: Flat route, roads and paths, with low elevation gain, suitable for wheelchair and handbike with prior arrangement via organizer. Circular lap avoids major hills.

Expo Accessibility: Expo Village in Viale Duomo flat, accessible toilets near Via Cammeo parking area, bag drop accessible.

Start Finish Accessibility: Piazza del Duomo finish area flat, accessible viewing areas. Bag drop area in Via Duomo accessible.

Family and Inclusive: Christmas Run limited to 500, non-competitive, open to families, walkers, strollers.

Support: Contact segreteria@maratonadipisa.com for specific accessibility needs and paralympic race information starting at 8:45 AM.

Best matches/events to attend

Marathon 42K for PB Chasers: Best for those wanting flat winter marathon with PB potential 4.5 out of 5, starting in heart of Pisa, passing historic landmarks, through San Rossore Natural Park, reaching coast before returning along Arno River, finishing under Leaning Tower.

Half Marathon Pisanina for Scenic Half: Best for runners wanting same big atmosphere as marathon but half distance, following marathon course until kilometre 13 then turning back, returning through San Rossore and along Arno before finishing under Tower.

Christmas Run for Atmosphere: Best for families and those wanting energy of marathon weekend in more casual way, Saturday afternoon city circuit along Arno, limited to 500, non-competitive, special gadget and finisher medal.

For Tourists Combining Vacation: Best to combine Tuscan vacation with unforgettable running experience, as Pisa is UNESCO site since 1987 and offers thousand-year history, with monuments bearing eternal testimony to past greatness.

For Winter Marathon Tradition: Best for those who love third Sunday of December tradition, now 27th edition, with cold weather thermal layer running and thermal tights, base layer tee, thermal long sleeve and light windbreaker recommended, checking meteo.it close to race week.

Previous year’s highlights

International Participation: Previous edition saw over 2000 runners from 62 countries, kissed by sun, joined 23rd and 24th editions under Leaning Tower, confirming Pisa as celebration of sport and heritage.

Flat and Fast Times: Runners praised flat course with only 2.3 meters climb per km, flatter than 69 percent of marathon courses, leading to many personal bests and strong performances in both marathon and Pisanina.

San Rossore and Arno Route: Highlights included running through lush San Rossore Natural Park and along Arno River, with historic landmarks and welcoming atmosphere, plus scenic route reaching coast before returning to city.

Christmas Run Growth: Christmas Run limited to 500 participants became popular add-on, moving to Saturday afternoon making it easy add-on even if traveling that weekend, with special gadget and finisher medal, non-competitive but time recorded.

Organization Excellence: Expo Village located in Viale Duomo near Leaning Tower served as central hub, with registration and bib collection on Friday and Saturday, bag drop in Piazza del Duomo, start corrals color-coded, pacers from 3h00 to 6h00, cut-off 6h30, and official photos via Endu with facial recognition.

Official tickets

Official Website: https://maratonadipisa.com/

Registration Portal: Online through Endu at join.endu.net, official registration portal linked from official site. Current price step valid until November 30, registration closes December 14.

Contact: segreteria@maratonadipisa.com for inquiries, lost items, accessibility and confirmation letter issues.

Included: Finisher’s medal included, timing chip, e-certificate, pacers, drink stations, medical assistance, bag drop, toilets, custom bib number.

Authenticity: Purchase only via official site to guarantee genuine entry, insurance and included services. No entry on day. Check spam folder if not receiving emails from organizers.

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