BOLOGNA – The Bologna Marathon, held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, painted the city with vibrant colors as runners competed across various distances, reflecting the spirit and energy of the event. Runners donned different shirts depending on their distance: blue for the half marathon, burgundy for the 30 km race, and red for the non-competitive 5 km. It was not just another race; it was a celebration of sport, community, and culture.
This year, the renowned Italian singer Gianni Morandi, who celebrated his 80th birthday last December, participated eagerly alongside fellow contestants. He opted for the non-competitive 5 km, famously stating, "Finché ce la facciamo..." ("Until we can still do it...") as he positioned himself at the starting line. Morandi's presence drew attention, making the event even more special for fans and participants alike.
The atmosphere was festive, albeit slightly chaotic, as Bologna also hosted other significant sporting events the same day. The local football team, Bologna FC, faced off against Cagliari at the Dall'Ara stadium, adding to the city's vibrant sports calendar. Morandi, who has long been associated with Bologna and its football scene, expressed hope for his team to secure a positive result against Cagliari. "If we could achieve a good outcome today, it would be fantastic," he noted, adding excitement for the dual nature of the day.
Rain on Saturday gave way to sunshine on marathon day, creating perfect weather for runners and spectators alike. With around 10,000 participants across all categories, the event solidified its reputation as one of the prominent running events on the international scene. Among them, about 73 nationalities were represented, bringing together runners from around the globe.
According to the latest reports, the marathon marked its fourth edition with extraordinary participation. Kenya's Martin Cheruiyot triumphed with a new course record, finishing the men's marathon at 2:21:56. This achievement surpassed the previous record set by fellow Kenyan Simon Kamau Njeri, improved by half a second. Cheruiyot expressed his joy at winning, saying, "I pushed hard from the start to create some distance knowing the course would be hilly. I enjoyed the race and loved the opportunity to experience the city. I hope to come back next year to defend my title."
On the women's side, the marathon was won by Giorgia Venturi, who crossed the finish line with a remarkable time of 2:53:02. Notably, the event boasted diverse winners across various categories, including the men's and women's 21 km races and the 30 km event.
Bologna's Mayor Matteo Lepore celebrated the day's success but pointed out the challenges of managing overlapping events. "It’s beautiful to see the city filled with families, embodying the tourism we aim for, where people immerse themselves in our culture. I thank all volunteers and law enforcement who helped manage what is typically amiss on such busy days," he shared. His comments also alluded to the disruptions caused by simultaneous sporting activities, including the Bologna-Cagliari match, for which there was unsuccessful lobbying to change the scheduling.
The marathon's route wound through notable city landmarks, flourishing with spectators cheering on participants, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Eddie Prati, the young social media influencer and literary disseminator, interviewed Morandi before the race. They discussed the singer's experiences and inspirations, both from his life and the vibrant city of Bologna. Morandi remarked, 'When I run, images and memories flash before me, often inspiring new songs. It’s important to start slow and enjoy the beauty of Bologna.' His enthusiasm for running, combined with the competitive spirit, emphasized the day's excitement.
The Bologna Marathon is growing to become not just another race but rather an important cultural and sporting landmark on its calendar, showcasing the city's commitment to honor athletic spirit and community involvement. The warm sunny morning invited enthusiastic participation, proving yet again why the Bologna Marathon is becoming increasingly popular. Organizers expressed their pride in the international stature of the event, as they welcomed athletes from as far as New Zealand and Japan.
Morandi's participation serves as more than just celebrity recognition; it exemplifies the connection between culture, sport, and community, often seen as the cornerstone of Bologna's identity. The warmth of the crowd and the joy of the competition created lasting memories for everyone involved. Looking forward to next year, there is hopeful anticipation for even more spectators and participants as the Bologna Marathon continues to thrive as part of the city's rich sporting legacy.