Autumn Marathons in Europe: From Florence to Thessaloniki’s New Debut

As autumn approaches, Europe once again turns into a stage for some of the world’s most celebrated marathons. Between September and December 2025, thousands of runners lace up to test their endurance on courses that combine sport, culture, and history. Among these events, the Florence Marathon remains a highlight in Italy, while a brand-new marathon in Thessaloniki is set to capture international attention.

The Florence Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025, is Italy’s second-largest marathon after Rome. With its flat course winding through the Renaissance heart of the city, past landmarks such as Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio, it offers athletes and visitors a unique blend of athletic challenge and cultural immersion. For Florence, the marathon is not only a sporting event but also an important occasion to showcase the city’s art and history to thousands of international participants.

Just one week earlier, on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Thessaloniki will host the first Thessaloniki City Marathon, combined with the 8th edition of the Olympic Day Run Greece. It is the first time Greece organizes a true city marathon, and Thessaloniki, with its seaside boulevards and iconic White Tower, will transform into a giant running stage. The event carries the Olympic spirit, supported by the Hellenic Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Academy, and aims to establish Thessaloniki as a new international destination for runners. The addition of this race places northern Greece alongside traditional European capitals on the marathon map.

Other major autumn marathons include Berlin (September 21, 2025), one of the fastest courses in the world and often the stage of record-breaking performances; London (2025 Royal Parks Half Marathon, October 12); and Athens (November 9), where participants retrace the legendary route from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium. Paris, Valencia, and Lisbon also host important races that attract tens of thousands of athletes.

For Tuscan runners, the new Thessaloniki City Marathon could become a natural destination. The two cities share strong cultural ties – Florence and Thessaloniki are both historical centers with a rich artistic heritage, vibrant university life, and a strong Mediterranean identity. Many runners already travel abroad for major races, and this new Greek event offers the chance to combine sport with a weekend of culture and gastronomy.

As Florence prepares for its own marathon at the end of November, the growing calendar of European autumn races reminds us how running has become a cultural phenomenon that unites cities, traditions, and people across borders. Whether along the cobbled streets of Florence, the seaside avenues of Thessaloniki, or the wide boulevards of Berlin and London, autumn remains the season when Europe runs together.

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