Bologna is set to come alive with sporting events this weekend as the 2025 Termal Bologna Marathon takes place on Sunday, March 2. This year's edition promises to be vibrant and full of energy, offering different race distances and activities for all ages. Organized by local authorities, this annual marathon not only highlights athleticism but also the city's charm, showcasing its beautiful historic landmarks.
The marathon weekend will kick off on Saturday, March 1, with the Tigotà KIDS Marathon, encouraging young athletes to participate. The next day, the main event will feature various races, including the 42.195 km Termal Bologna Marathon, the 30 km dei Portici, the 21 km Run Tune Up, and the non-competitive 5 km Tecnocasa City Run. The anticipation is high, with more than 10,000 registered participants expected for the marathon.
This year, runners will gather at the start line on Via Irnerio, adjacent to Montagnola Park, before embarking on their respective courses through the city. Notably, participants will navigate past landmark sites such as the University of Bologna, Piazza Verdi, and the iconic Basilica of San Petronio. The marathon will conclude at the historic Piazza Maggiore, providing runners with applause and cheers from spectators lining the route.
On the same day, the Bologna FC will host Cagliari at the Dall'Ara Stadium at 3 PM, enhancing the sports-focused atmosphere throughout the city. Meanwhile, there will be two important basketball games, with Virtus facing Milano at 6:15 PM and Fortitudo battling Real Sebastiani Rieti at 6 PM. Given this confluence of events, officials are preparing for significant traffic challenges and urge both locals and visitors to plan their movements carefully.
Road closures are set to begin early on Sunday, with restrictions implemented from 4 AM to 4 PM across various streets connected to the marathon route. A comprehensive timetable details the exact closure times for different streets, helping residents and commuters navigate this busy day. Key thoroughfares, including Via Irnerio, Piazza di Porta San Donato, and Via Zamboni, will be affected, significantly influencing the flow of traffic.
The highway exits along the tangential routes will also close during specific periods. The Bologna authorities have announced the closure of exit 11bis heading toward the suburbs from 9 AM to 1 PM, and exits 8 and 8bis will be closed from 9:30 AM till 1 PM. These changes are pivotal to facilitate the smooth operation of not just the marathon but also the concurrent sporting events happening throughout the city.
Public transport will undergo significant alterations due to these events, with multiple bus lines expected to deviate from their usual routes or discontinue service temporarily for the sake of safety. From 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM, public transportation will experience alterations, impacting nearly all bus routes. It is recommended for those attending the Bologna-Cagliari match to use public transport, as many routes will offer access to the stadium.
For those preferring to drive, it is advised to use the tangential routes, with exit numbers 1 and 2 being the suggested paths to reach the stadium. Cyclists and scooter riders are encouraged to navigate toward the stadium via Via Saragozza or Via Andrea Costa to avoid marathon-related roadblocks.
To assist attendees, the City of Bologna has created detailed maps available online, illustrating affected streets and planned detours. This initiative aims to help the public plan their journeys, minimizing confusion and stress on what promises to be an exhilarating day.
The marathon week will culminate with the celebratory moments at Piazza Maggiore, where festivities and community gatherings will run alongside the athletic events. The expo village for the marathon will be operational, where athletes can collect their kits and engage with local sponsors and vendors showcasing regional products.
Saturday evening, the famous concert featuring the Banda BO will take place, marking the city's rich cultural fabric and bringing together talented musicians from across the region. Attendees will enjoy varied entertainment throughout the marathon weekend, enhancing the spirit of community and sportsmanship.
With careful planning recommended, the City of Bologna is bracing for this high-stakes weekend of sports, aiming to balance the exciting events with logistical needs. Both athletes striving for personal bests and spectators cheering them on will undoubtedly contribute to the lively ambiance, reinforcing Bologna’s reputation as not only a hub of culture but also of significant sporting events.
Don’t miss out on the excitement and make sure to check the local city and transportation websites for the latest updates leading up to this thrilling weekend!