It’s Italy’s most important international marathon and one of the top 20 in the world in terms of number of participants: this year’s Florence Marathon takes place on Sunday 26 November.

Nearly 10,000 runners from all over the world are expected for this 39th edition, ready to run through the beautiful city of Florence, among its breathtaking monuments, Medieval and Renaissance streets, lush green spaces and elegant riverbanks for a total of 42 kilometres and 195 metres, starting and finishing in Piazza Duomo.

The current record is held by Ethiopian runner Fikadu Debele Kebede, who last year crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 45 seconds.

START – KM 5 – Departure at 8.30 from Piazza Duomo, the route then passes through Piazza della Santissima Annunziata – new this year – Piazza Donatello and Fortezza da Basso.

KM 5-15 – The kilometres fly past among the green of Parco delle Cascine.

KM 15-20 – After the park,  the runners cross the Ponte alla Vittoria to Lungarni Santarosa and Soderini and from there to Piazza Pitti, before crossing one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Ponte Vecchio.

KM 20-25 – Passing over Ponte alle Grazie, the route continues on Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini. The half-marathon ends at Ponte San Niccolò. Following Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia e delle Grazie, we come to Borgo Santa Croce and the magnificent Basilica di Santa Croce, before returning on Lungarni Colombo and Aldo Moro.

KM 25-30 – Run along Via Campo d’Arrigo and pass the Florence Palasport, then enter the Luigi Ridolfi athletics stadium for an exciting lap of the track (400 metres).

KM 30-35 – It’s time to cross the Affrico flyover, perhaps the most challenging part of the race.

KM 35-40 – Shortly afterwards, enter the heart of the historic centre. At 38 km, taste victory with a lap of Piazza Duomo, then head towards the Uffizi Gallery.

ARRIVAL – The final stretch crosses Piazza della Signoria before returning for the last time to Piazza Duomo and the finish line.