Started in 1984, the Firenze Marathon or the Florence Marathon is the most important and the second largest marathon of Italy, after the Rome City Marathon. The marathon is organized in the last week of September in the Italian city of Florence.The Firenze Marathon has become one of the international competitions due to the significant growth from its inaugural. When it was established in 1984, 462 athletes ran in the marathon while in the 2010 edition,

more than 10,200 runners took part. The marathon starts from the Piazzale Michelangelo and finishes at the Piazza Santa Croce passing through various historic centers of Florence.

While running through 42 kilometers and 192 meters long marathon, the athletes experience a unique emotion bounded by centuries of history, art and culture of Florence. The people, participating in the classic marathon of Florence are sportsmen from various parts of the world. This huge event of Florence has increased very immensely in recent years; thus, becoming one of the 20 important marathons of the world.

The Firenze Marathon is a very extraordinary event dedicated to the sports in Florence. The members of the Sport Association are allowed to participate in the Firenze Marathon as athletes. The routes of the marathon are completely flat as well as good signposted. After the marathon gets over, on the very next day, celebrations are made in honor of the winners of the marathon. The ideal place for the celebration is the charming scenery of the Piazza Santa Croce.

The race traces through the twisting path with repeatedly zigzag lanes while passing through the touristic sights of Florence. This race began with an uphill path and continues to the downhill one. The Italian as well as Florentine people are seen in bulks, enthusiastically participating in the marathon.

James Kutto, completed the 2006 year’s marathon in 2:08:41 and set the men’s record, while Helena Javornik, set the women’s record by completing the marathon of 2002 in 2:28:15.