Estra Firenze Marathon

The Estra Firenze Marathon, first held in the mid-1980s, has grown into one of Italy’s most beloved city marathons by blending competitive racing with rich cultural heritage. Traditionally staged in late November, the race draws a mix of elite international athletes, fast-club runners, and enthusiastic recreational participants who come for both time goals and the unique opportunity to run through Florence’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Over the decades the event has become a fixture on the European road-racing calendar, prized for its reliable organization and warm local support. The course is a pedestrian’s dream: largely flat with a few gentle undulations, it threads through tree-lined Lungarno streets, crosses the Arno via the world-famous Ponte Vecchio, and skirts monumental sights such as Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and the Oltrarno neighborhood. Runners will enjoy sweeping vistas of Renaissance architecture, riverside stretches, and a memorable climb/view around Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic cityscapes. The atmosphere is festive and intimate rather than overpowering, with spirited local crowds, music stations, and neighborhood volunteers offering authentic Tuscan hospitality—post-race pasta parties, local food stalls and cultural touches that make the experience as scenic and social as it is athletic. The race is run on an AIMS-certified, accurately measured 42.195 km course and is recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifying event, making it attractive for athletes chasing qualifying times as well as those seeking a scenic city-marathon experience. Start time is typically in the morning (08:30), allowing runners to finish and sample Florence’s markets, museums and culinary offerings in the afternoon.