The Maratona di Bologna begins and ends in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's central square, during the first weekend of March. The main event is the 42 km Bologna Marathon, with alternative options including the 30 km Dei Portici, the 21 km Run Tune Up, and the 5 km Tecnocasa City Run. This format accommodates serious marathoners, half-marathon runners, those aiming for 30 km, and casual participants within a single race weekend.
The courses utilize Bologna's level city streets, with extensive straightaways and minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for runners seeking personal bests. The marathon route crosses the city's districts and passes key landmarks, such as the Asinelli and Garisenda towers. The porticoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, define the race's unique Bologna character. The 5 km event is designed for broad accessibility, welcoming walkers and hikers, and includes an option to contribute to the Run5000 charity program.