Bologna City Run 2026: 5 km together to support research at the University of Bologna

This non-competitive event is open to everyone and aims to promote the freedom of scientific research and share, step by step, a vision of a fairer, more sustainable, and more inclusive future. The Bologna City Run will return on Sunday 1 March 2026 as part of the 5th Termal Bologna Marathon, which this year is dedicated to “Bologna la Dotta”, celebrating the city’s longstanding tradition of knowledge, culture and education.

The event, organised with the patronage of the Municipality of Bologna and CSI Bologna, is supported by Emil Banca which, through the words of its President Gian Luca Galletti, stated: “We are honoured to support an event that is steadily becoming a favourite among the people of Bologna. An event that reinforces the importance of healthy lifestyles and offers us, with three days of celebration in Piazza Maggiore, the chance to promote our city and its excellence, showcasing it to the many athletes who will arrive from across Italy and abroad.”

This 5 km non-competitive run or walk, open to everyone, organised together with the University of Bologna — the institutional partner of the initiative — promotes the claim “Where research runs free”, highlighting the value of scientific freedom and knowledge as a common good that can generate innovation, rights, and progress for society.

By taking part in the Bologna City Run, participants will support research at the University of Bologna, and the researchers who work every day on projects that generate an impact on health, rights, social needs, energy, the environment, and technological and cultural development. Every step is a symbolic act affirming the role of research as a tool for positive transformation.

The Bologna City Run thus becomes an opportunity to strengthen the connection between the University and the community — a moment in which running together means sharing common values and looking to the future with responsibility.

Taking part in the 5 km City Run does not require specific athletic preparation — only the desire to enjoy a collective experience centred on solidarity, wellbeing, and support for research.

The programme for the entire initiative scheduled for Sunday 1 March 2026 includes:

• Marathon (42.195 km)

• 30 km along the Porticoes
• Run Tune Up (21.097 km), now in its 22nd edition
• 5 km City Run, open to everyone
• Tigotà Kids Marathon, scheduled for Saturday 28 February
Piazza Maggiore will be at the centre of the event — the finishing point for all races and the home of the Marathon Village, which will host activities, talks, presentations, and cultural and musical events throughout the weekend.

For University of Bologna students who take part in the Run Tune Up (21.097 km), the “UNIBO 21K CHALLENGE” prize is planned, dedicated to the top three male and female students with the best speed. The award ceremony will take place on the main stage in Piazza Maggiore.


To take part in the Bologna City Run (starting from Via Irnerio), participants can register individually or as a team through the Termal Bologna Marathon website, which is ready to present all updates for the 2026 edition in a clear and accessible way.

A dedicated discount is available for the University of Bologna community. All information is available on the University website.