Sunday, February 16: Romeo&Giulietta Run Half Marathon 21K, RELAY, and FAMILY RUN during Valentine’s Weekend.
Reversed route, even faster, with two passes through the historic center
VERONA – The Romeo&Giulietta Run Half Marathon 21K/RELAY on Sunday, February 16, 2025, promises to be faster and more spectacular than ever. This year’s edition will feature a reversed course compared to previous years.
This innovative route, that combines speed with breathtaking scenery was crafted by G.a.a.c. 2007 Veronamarathon A.S.D., the event organizer known for its Gold Label FIDAL certification,
Runners will pass under the iconic Portoni di Piazza Bra and through Verona's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, surrounded by monuments and art. Spectators, including families and supporters, will have the chance to cheer on the athletes twice in the heart of Verona while enjoying a delightful morning in the romantic city.
The same course and fate will also host participants of the ADIGEO Romeo&Giulietta Run Half Marathon RELAY, the non-competitive relay race (13 km + 8 km). Traditionally, relay partners exchange the baton with a kiss, adding a touch of romance to the event.
Closing the event lineup is the Romeo&Giulietta Family Run, a non-competitive run or walk open to everyone. It's the perfect occasion to explore Verona with friends and family while embracing a healthy, sporty vibe.
HALF MARATHON and RELAY COURSE
The competitive events will start, as always, from Piazzale Olimpia, near the Bentegodi Stadium, also known as the "Stadium of Forty Thousand."
The reversed course enhances speed by offering smooth stretches along the Lungadige Attiraglio, eliminating the narrow Chievo Dam passage, and featuring two loops through the vibrant city center filled with cheering crowds.
This year’s setup aims to break records, including the current course records set in 2023: Ethiopian runner Mikesa Mengesha clocked 1:00:15 (2:51/km), while Kenyan athlete Janet Chepngetich shattered the women's record with a time of 1:06:58 (3:10/km).
COURSE BREAKDOWN
START - KM 5
From Piazzale Olimpia, runners will head toward Porta Palio and then Porta Nuova, entering Corso Porta Nuova on their way to the city center. Passing Portoni di Piazza Bra, runners will enter Piazza Bra, will run along Palazzo della Gran Guardia pass by Palazzo Barbieri (Verona’s City Hall), and then alongside the iconic Arena di Verona around the 3-km mark.
They will then pass Porta Borsari, cross Ponte della Vittoria, and follow the Lungadige Campagnola and Cangrande, with runners wil have on their right sights of the Arsenale on their left Castelvecchio.
KM 5 - KM 15
The route continues across Ponte Risorgimento, alongside the San Zeno district, and over the bridge Unità d’Italia, rentering the town of Montresor eaching the Lungadige Attiraglio (km 8) nearly in Parona. This stretch follows the flow of the Adige River for 7 km, offering a slight downhill gradient for a fast pace. Athletes will then return to the city center crossing backwards Ponte della Vittoria.
KM 15 - FINISH LINE
Back in the historic center, runners will admire Santa Anastasia Basilica, cross Piazza Erbe under the gaze of the Torre dei Lamberti, and enjoy views of the Adige along the Lungadige Bartolomeo Rubele. They’ll re-enter Piazza Bra around the 18-km mark before heading down Via Roma and Porta Palio toward the finish line.
The race ends with a magical entrance through the Marathon Gate of the Bentegodi Stadium, where runners will complete half a lap of the track before crossing the finish line amid cheers from fans, friends, and family in the stands.
DISCOVER VERONA
Verona’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its romantic and fascinating architecture, picturesque bridges over the Adige River, and vibrant streets. From Juliet’s Balcony, immortalized by Shakespeare, to its stunning squares and the iconic Arena, every corner is steeped in history.
A walk to Castel San Pietro, the city's scenic viewpoint, offers a breathtaking panorama, especially at sunset.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Registrations are open through the official website until February 11, 2025
On-site registration is available on Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15 at the AGSM FORUM EXPO area (Piazzale Atleti Azzurri D'Italia). Prices:
€50 for the HALF MARATHON
€90 for the RELAY
€20 for the FAMILY RUN
No race-day registrations will be accepted.
Combo registrations are available until January 31, 2025, including the Bologna Marathon/Run Tune Up 21K/30 km dei Portici on February 25, 2025, or the Bergamo21 (21 km) or Bergamo21 (10 km) races combined with the Romeo&Giulietta Half Marathon.