Reggio Emilia Marathon

Reggio Emilia Marathon returns on 13 December 2026 for its 30th edition, with the event centered in Reggio Emilia and the official marathon site already open for registrations. The race is widely presented as one of Italy’s established December marathons, and local tourism sources describe it as an international event that welcomes both elite and amateur runners. For someone considering it for the first time, this is not a giant, anonymous city marathon. It is a long-running Italian race with a more personal feel, strong local identity, and a reputation built over many editions rather than hype alone.
What makes Reggio Emilia Marathon especially appealing is the contrast between city atmosphere and countryside running. Official route information shows the marathon beginning with a loop through the historic center, then stretching out through quieter roads and rural sections around Montecavolo before returning to the city, while tourism descriptions highlight the picturesque countryside and the extension toward the hills around Quattro Castella. That gives the race a different character from a pure big-city marathon: you still get a meaningful urban start and finish, but much of the experience is shaped by open roads, smaller communities, and the landscape of Emilia rather than continuous crowds and noise.
From a participant point of view, the event looks practical as well as atmospheric. The official logistics page says Reggio Emilia Central Station is about 1.5 km from the Marathon Expo, with race-day shuttles from both the central station and the Medio Padana high-speed station, and it notes that Bologna is only about 30–40 minutes away by high-speed rail. The same official site also shows that the 2026 program includes both the marathon and a half marathon, so the weekend is not limited only to full-distance runners. Overall, Reggio Emilia Marathon is a strong choice for runners who want a December marathon that feels organized and accessible, but also more grounded and characterful than the biggest international city races.