Verona, Italy 12.10.2025 & 16.11.2025 🏃♂️
Source: https://www.veronarunmarathon.it/?lang=en and https://www.instagram.com/verona_run_marathon/
The Verona Run Marathon, also known as the Verona Marathon, has a rich history that is intertwined with the local athletic community and the city’s identity. The event is organized by the GAAC 2007 Veronamarathon sports association, which has roots dating back to the mid-1950s.
Origins and Evolution
- Early Beginnings: The organizing body, GAAC 2007, was initially founded in the 1950s as a mountaineering group. It transitioned to athletics in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, it had become a prominent team with notable athletes like Olympic marathon champion Gelindo Bordin.
- Birth of the Marathon: The Verona Marathon itself was established in 2001. In 2008, the GAAC 2007 association took over the organization of the event, which was then in its eighth edition. This marked a period of significant growth for the race.
- A Growing Event: The marathon has expanded over the years to include a half marathon (Giulietta & Romeo Half Marathon) and other shorter races. It has achieved a high level of prestige, earning a Silver Label from FIDAL (the Italian Athletics Federation) and being included in the international calendars of World Athletics and AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races).
- The “Verona Run” Identity: In 2023, the organizers rebranded the events under the “Verona Run” umbrella. This change was a strategic move to create a more international and cohesive brand for all their running events, including the marathon, the half marathon, and the Verona Christmas Run.
The Course and Its Significance
A major part of the marathon’s history and appeal is its unique course. It is renowned for showcasing the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, providing runners with a scenic and historically rich experience. The route often includes landmarks such as the Adige River, Piazza delle Erbe, and the Basilica of Sant’Anastasia, with a finish line at the iconic Verona Arena in Piazza Bra.
Key Milestones and Facts
- Marathon and Half Marathon: The marathon is typically held in November, while the Giulietta & Romeo Half Marathon is held in February, around Valentine’s Day.
- UNESCO Patronage: The marathon has been granted patronage by the Italian National Commission for UNESCO, which highlights its role in celebrating Verona’s cultural and architectural heritage.
- Event Growth: In the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event saw a consistent increase in participation, with thousands of runners from both Italy and abroad.
- COVID-19 Impact: The 2020 edition of the marathon was held virtually due to the pandemic, but the event resumed in-person races in the years that followed.
42K | 21K | FAMILY RUN
About the Author
