Love running and the excitement of marathons but hate having to sign up a year in advance and competing in lotteries just to get a place? Well, there are some alternatives! For example, another way to get involved in Pisa's marathon weekend if you book a villa in Pisa for the 19th of December is their annual Christmas Run. Organised in conjunction with Maratona di Pisa, Pisa's official marathon event, this non-competitive run is a way to get in the marathon spirit while you also enjoy the Christmas spirit in the city and take in major attractions like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Sounds like a perfect combo for wellness enthusiasts dreaming of a winter vacation in Tuscany!
While not an official race, the Christmas Run is timed and each participant will receive their finish time upon completion – so, while it is a non-competitive event, you really do get to have a taste of the Pisa Marathon experience. The official marathon takes place on the 20th of December 2026 and the Christmas run is held the day before, on Saturday the 19th of December at 3pm.
Those who sign up for the event will get a race kit following the same procedures used for the Marathon and Half Marathon and will include an event gadget, which differs from the technical T-shirt supplied to those competing in the other run. The route also follows part of the official race course for a total of 6.5km, starting in front of Piazza Daniele Manin, which is located just a short walk from Piazza dei Miracoli. Then you get to wind through the historic centre, along the Arno, and end at the finish line at the foot of the Leaning Tower, which will be even more magical as it enjoys the city’s Christmas atmosphere.
As a non-competitive run, with no age-group rankings or prize categories, the Christmas Run is ideal for families, groups, and anyone who wants to dash into the festive season – especially as many like to dress up for the event so your fellow runners will be made up of Santas, elves, and maybe even some reindeer! Once you finish you can enjoy your finisher medal and your timing for your personal reference (though it is not a competitive classification).
The event is limited to just 500 participants. Registration will close once all available slots have been filled or on the 30th of November 2026 and costs €15.00. There are also discounts available for groups of eight or more who are registering for the run.
So, if you are looking for a fun way to discover the historic streets and stunning views of the city and to get a bit of exercise while soaking up the festive atmosphere of the season, then this is a pretty magical experience. Just find your holiday rental in Pisa and register for your place in the Christmas Run this year! Then all you need to do is figure out how to get that Santa suit into your luggage...