Florence Marathon
Sunday, November 29, 2026
Elevation Gain
70m
Elevation Range
23m
Avg Temperature
48°F / 9°C
Course Profile
rolling
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A rolling loop course through the Renaissance city, starting and finishing near Piazza Duomo (59m) with a gradual 15m descent through the historic centre to the Arno valley (~43m) in the first 7km, then gently undulating between 43-66m for the remainder. Total elevation gain is approximately 95m across constant gentle rises and dips. The one thing that makes Florence unique is running past some of the greatest art and architecture in human history on uneven medieval stone pavement that demands extra attention to footing.
Key Segments
Piazza Duomo to Arno Valley
Terrain: Gradual 15m descent from Piazza Duomo (59m) through the historic centre past Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti to the Arno valley floor (~43m)
Challenge: The gradual descent through narrow medieval streets loads quads on fresh legs, and the stone pavement is uneven underfoot
Tactic: Run the descent controlled at goal pace. Watch your footing on stone pavement — well-cushioned shoes with good traction are essential. Do not chase fast splits on the downhill opening.
Cascine Park
Terrain: The flattest and most sheltered stretch of the course through Florence's largest park along the Arno
Challenge: This is the easiest section and the temptation is to push pace. Save energy for the rolling second half.
Tactic: Lock into goal pace and recover from any early pacing mistakes. Use the flat, sheltered park to find your rhythm. Fuel at km 15-16.
Eastern Loop and Arno Return
Terrain: Gentle rolling undulations (43-66m) through Campo di Marte, eastern Florence, and back along the Lungarno to the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria
Challenge: Cumulative effect of constant gentle rises and dips taxes your legs more than any single climb. Wind along exposed Arno riverside sections.
Tactic: Run by effort through the undulations. Tuck behind other runners on windy Arno stretches. The landmarks — Duomo, Piazza della Signoria — are incredible distractions; enjoy them but stay focused.
San Lorenzo to Santa Croce Finish
Terrain: Gentle rises between km 38-39, then flat approach to the finish at Piazza Santa Croce through narrow streets
Challenge: A few gentle rises arrive when legs are most fatigued. Narrow medieval streets can feel claustrophobic on tired legs.
Tactic: Run km 34-37 conservatively to save energy for the km 38-39 rises. The final approach to Piazza Santa Croce is flat and the crowd is extraordinary.
Race-Specific Training
- •Include weekly rolling terrain runs with constant gentle undulations (not steep hills) to prepare for the cumulative fatigue of 95m of climbing distributed across dozens of small rises
- •Practice running on uneven surfaces (cobblestones, brick paths) to prepare for the medieval stone pavement through Florence's historic centre
- •Run the early kilometres of at least 2-3 long runs on a gradual descending grade to simulate the Piazza Duomo to Arno valley opening and its quad-loading effect
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Arno valley at 43-66m elevation. No altitude concerns.
Weather
Late November race. Typical 8-15C (46-59F) with moderate humidity and a chance of rain. Generally ideal for fast times.
Sun & Wind
Wind along the Arno can be a factor in exposed riverside sections between km 10-12 and km 28-32. November sun is low and rarely a problem. Rain is possible — prepare for wet cobblestones.
What to Wear
Layers at the start that you can shed by km 5. Singlet and shorts for most conditions. Light rain gear if wet weather forecast. Well-cushioned shoes with good traction for stone pavement.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-7 | Goal pace (controlled on the gradual descent) | Gradual descent from Piazza Duomo to the Arno valley. Do not chase fast splits — your quads will pay later on the rolling terrain. |
| km 12-18 | Goal pace | Cascine Park — flattest section. Lock in rhythm, fuel, recover from any early mistakes. |
| km 24-35 | Goal pace (effort-based on undulations) | Rolling eastern loop. Run by effort through the constant rises and dips. Draft on windy Arno stretches. |
| km 35-42.195 | Goal pace or best available | Save energy for the km 38-39 rises, then let the Piazza Santa Croce crowd carry you home. |
Race Day Tip
The narrow medieval streets through the historic centre (especially km 4-6 and km 33-35) can create bottlenecks in the mid-pack. If you are running sub-4:00, position yourself well in the corrals to avoid getting stuck behind slower runners on streets that are barely wide enough for four abreast.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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