Milan Prepares for Wizz Air Marathon 2026: 40,000 Runners to Hit the Streets
Milan, Lombardy, Italy – April 10, 2026 – The city of Milan is set to host the Wizz Air Milan Marathon 2026 this Sunday, April 12, drawing an estimated 40,000 runners. The event, which includes the main marathon, a relay race, and family-friendly runs, will transform the city’s streets, with significant road closures and a vibrant atmosphere.
The main marathon and the UniCredit Relay Marathon will kick off at 8:15 AM from Corso Sempione. Organizers have prepared 51 designated cheering points along the route, featuring music, DJs, and charity initiatives to support the participants. Of the 15,000 registered marathon runners, 65% are international participants, highlighting the event’s global appeal. The Relay Marathon will see 4,000 teams this year, with exchange points located at Via Pagano (13.2 km), San Siro (after 8.6 km), Viale Uruguay (after another 6.9 km), and the final 12.1 km leading to the finish line.
The Race Route: A Scenic Tour of Milan
The 42 km marathon and the relay race will commence from Corso Sempione, passing by the Cimitero Monumentale and continuing along the bastions, touching Porta Garibaldi, Porta Venezia, Porta Romana, and Porta Ticinese. The route then proceeds through Pagano, City Life, Monte Stella Ippodromo, San Siro, a loop around Parco di Trenno, Portello, a return to Corso Sempione, Castello, and finally arriving at Piazza Duomo. The Relay Marathon will conclude in Via Palestro.
Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events, emphasized the route’s speed and scenic beauty. “It’s a fast, unprecedented route that touches beautiful points of the city, from Arco della Pace to Piazza del Duomo. With the Olympic Games, Milan has proven to be a very organized city, and for the marathon, it aims to put 20,000 runners behind the starting line,” Bellino stated.
Additional Events and Community Engagement
Beyond the main marathon and relay, the weekend will also feature the Enel Family Run on Saturday morning at City Life and the Dog Run Arcaplanet in the afternoon. Martina Riva, Milan’s Councillor for Sport, Tourism, and Youth Policies, underscored the importance of these events. “For us, it is important that Milan continues to function optimally even during the marathon. The signal from the Family Run is fundamental, an image that tells the story of grassroots sport and indicates a path of growth and formation for girls and boys,” Riva commented.
In total, the events surrounding the Milan Marathon are expected to attract 40,000 runners, making it one of Italy’s most significant sporting spectacles.
Event Schedule and Sustainability Initiatives
Bib collection is scheduled at Superstudio Maxi in Via Moncucco 35, where the Milano Running Festival will be held from Thursday to Saturday. This festival includes workshops, product presentations, training sessions, interactive areas, and children’s laboratories. The event is increasingly focused on sustainability; participants can donate used clothing and footwear to Humana People to People Italia, which will have over 100 eco-boxes placed along the route.
How to Follow the Races
Sky Sport will once again be the official television broadcaster for Sunday’s event. Radio Kiss Kiss makes its debut as the official radio partner for the race, providing live coverage and updates.
The Milan Marathon is a testament to the city’s ability to host large-scale events, combining athletic challenge with community spirit and a commitment to sustainability.
