Rome, April 29, 2026 – The third Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks Running is set to be a record-breaking event, with an unprecedented 26,000 runners already registered six months ahead of its scheduled date on Sunday, October 18. Organized by RomaOstia and Rcs Sports & Events for Roma Capitale, this year’s registrations have already exceeded the total number of participants in the 2025 edition, solidifying its position as one of the most significant international sporting events.
International Participation Reaches 89 Percent
A striking feature of this year’s half marathon is the overwhelming international presence, with 89 percent of registered runners hailing from abroad. This statistic underscores the event’s global appeal and Rome’s strong draw as a destination. The race route, which winds through the city’s historic center, offers participants a unique blend of athletic challenge and monumental beauty.
Currently, France leads the international registrations with 5,000 runners, followed by Spain with 3,700 participants, and the United Kingdom with 2,400.
Significant Increase in Female Participation
Another notable trend is the substantial increase in female participation. With 14,000 women registered, they now constitute over 50 percent of the total participants. This marks an 11 percentage point increase compared to 2025, indicating a broader and more diverse engagement in the event.
Councillor Onorato: “A People’s Festival for the Entire City”
Alessandro Onorato, Rome Capital’s Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism, and Fashion, expressed immense pride in these achievements. “The numbers for the Rome Half Marathon are incredible. Surpassing last year’s registrations even six months before the start is a result that fills us with pride: in just two years, it has already become one of the most important in the world,” Onorato stated.
He also emphasized the strategic success of consolidating a single major official half marathon in the city center: “It confirms how successful our choice to create a single official half marathon in the city center has been.”
Economic and Tourist Benefits for Rome
According to Councillor Onorato, the large influx of foreign participants will also generate significant economic and social benefits for the city. “It will be a people’s festival that will last several days and will have enormous social and economic repercussions for the city,” he added. The Rome Half Marathon is thus confirmed not only as a major sporting event but also as a powerful tool for international tourism promotion and for enhancing Rome’s image on the global stage.
About the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon
The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks Running, now in its third edition, has quickly risen to prominence among half marathons worldwide. Its unique course, combining athletic rigor with the historical grandeur of Rome, makes it a highly sought-after event for runners globally. The continuous growth in participation, particularly from international and female runners, highlights its increasing popularity and inclusive nature.
The event is a collaborative effort between RomaOstia and Rcs Sports & Events, working in conjunction with Roma Capitale, to deliver a world-class sporting experience that also celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The organizers anticipate further growth in registrations as the event date approaches, with expectations of setting new benchmarks for participation and international representation.
Source: lacapitale.it
