Milan, January 22, 2026. Edition number 24, yet more innovative than ever. The Wizz Air Milano Marathon 2026 will take place on April 12, featuring many exciting new elements.
- The course will no longer be a loop but a point-to-point route: the race will start in Corso Sempione and finish in Piazza del Duomo, with a brand-new course passing through new areas of the city to make the experience even more engaging.
- A new venue for the Milano Running Festival, which will take place at Superstudio Maxi (Via Moncucco 15). The Family Run will remain in CityLife, with the finish line again at the Vigorelli Velodrome.
- A renewed Charity Program, no longer exclusively linked to the relay race, with the goal of reaching €2 million in fundraising through the Rete del Dono platform.
- A new Radio Partner for the event: Radio Kiss Kiss.
The Wizz Air Milano Marathon 2026 and all its new features were presented today at UniCredit Tower Hall in Porta Nuova, Milan.
Attendees included Remo Taricani (Deputy Head of Italy, UniCredit), Urbano Cairo (President, RCS MediaGroup), Martina Riva (Councillor for Sport, Tourism and Youth Policies, City of Milan), Paolo Bellino (CEO, RCS Sports & Events), Luca Onofrio (Head of Mass Events, RCS Sports & Events), Viktorija Stojanovska (Brand Manager, Wizz Air), Elena Bosticardo (Head of Marketing, ASICS Italy), and Stefano Baldini, Olympic Marathon Champion and ASICS Legend.
Stefano Mei, President of the Italian Athletics Federation, joined with a video message. The panel was moderated by former volleyball player and TV commentator Rachele Sangiuliano.
Among the speakers were also Enrico Petracco, Head of RunChallenge! for “Charity of the Year” PlayMore!, and Riccardo Bigio, General Manager of Superstudio Events.
For the third consecutive year, the marathon’s Title Sponsor organized by RCS Sports & Events is Wizz Air, a perfect partner for an international-level marathon like the Milan Marathon.
The participation record set in 2025 has already been broken: 12,000 runners are already registered just over two months before race day, with a target of 15,000 participants.
70% of runners come from abroad, with the most represented countries being France, Great Britain, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland.
For more than 30% of participants, the Wizz Air Milano Marathon 2026 will be their first-ever marathon.
“The course has changed in the first 13 kilometers to offer participants even more iconic city landmarks and to create an even faster route,” explains Luca Onofrio, Head of Mass Events at RCS Sports & Events. “The start in Corso Sempione with the Arco della Pace as a backdrop also allows us to better accommodate all participants by adding new services.”
Great anticipation also surrounds the UniCredit Relay Marathon, which splits the official 42.195 km course into four legs.
The 2026 edition will be the 14th, with 16,000 relay runners forming 4,000 teams, aiming to raise €2 million on the Rete del Dono platform—surpassing the €1.8 million raised in 2025 thanks to corporate and individual donations and crowdfunding campaigns from 140 official charities, 37 more than last year.
A major novelty of the Charity Program is that, starting this year, marathon runners not only relay participants can also support fundraising by registering through a charity.
PlayMore! is the Charity of the Year with the RunChallenge project, promoting sport without barriers, with a strong focus on inclusion, accessibility, and social cohesion.
The Family Run is confirmed for Saturday, April 11, 2026, in CityLife. After a route of about 4 km, participants will finish at the Maspes-Vigorelli Velodrome, where they will be able to discover other sports in collaboration with Marathon partners and local sports clubs, including Atletica Meneghina.
In eight years, the Family Run has welcomed over 62,000 participants, with 8,000 in 2025 alone. 10,000 runners are expected in 2026.
During today’s event, the first two official jerseys were revealed: the Wizz Air Milano Marathon finisher shirt and the UniCredit Relay Marathon shirt.
ASICS confirms its role as Technical Partner of the Wizz Air Milano Marathon 2026, a collaboration that began in 2022. The brand will line up its ASICS FrontRunner and Ambassadors, and will be involved in the much-appreciated training programs leading up to the race. “There are 11 weeks to go until the marathon—this is the crucial phase of preparation,” says Stefano Baldini, Olympic Marathon Champion and ASICS Legend. “It’s the moment when athletes plan their key workouts, race strategy, and shoes. Last year I ran a marathon again after many years, preparing it in limited time like many participants in Milan. The race was wonderful, but the journey to the start line was even more meaningful.”
Statements
Remo Taricani, Deputy Head of Italy, UniCredit
“UniCredit has always supported sport and its values. Taking part in the Relay Marathon is not just about running it’s an experience that strengthens belonging, teamwork, pride, responsibility, and awareness.”
Urbano Cairo, President, RCS MediaGroup
“The Wizz Air Milano Marathon continues to grow, along with the Relay Marathon, Family Run, and Running Festival. Milano is increasingly a European capital, and for one day, the world capital of running.”
Martina Riva, Councillor for Sport, Tourism and Youth Policies, City of Milan
“Milano has become a city of sport. The Milano Marathon brings together charity, sustainability, and participation—especially from young people.”
Paolo Bellino, CEO, RCS Sports & Events
“We are now among the most important European marathons. The goal is not only performance, but a great celebration for runners and the city, with a strong charitable impact.”
Viktorija Stojanovska, Brand Manager, Wizz Air
“Being Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year means supporting an event that reflects our values of energy, participation, and openness. Let’s WIZZ, Milan!”
Elena Bosticardo, Head of Marketing, ASICS Italy
“ASICS is proud to be Technical Partner of one of the fastest and most prestigious marathons worldwide, supporting runners’ physical and mental well-being.”
