Spectacle and Records. A picture-perfect Sunday of sport turned Milan into the world capital of running, setting new milestones to beat in both the marathon and relay race.
Huge turnout for the 23rd Wizz Air Milano Marathon, with over 10,000 registered runners and a women’s race that ended with the fastest time of the year on Italian soil. More than 16,000 runners took part in the 13th UniCredit Relay Marathon which, on the charity front, is set to exceed €2 million in funds raised (final tally still in progress).
The event capped off a week dedicated to sport, with the Milano Running Festival presented by Sky Wifi attracting over 40,000 attendees to MiCo in CityLife from Thursday to Saturday. 8,500 runners also joined the Levissima Family Run and the Arcaplanet Dog Run, making it a four-event celebration powered by RCS Sports & Events.
THE WIZZ AIR MILANO MARATHON
Kenya’s Leonard LANGAT was the first to cross the finish line at the 2025 Wizz Air Milano Marathon, claiming victory in 2:08:38 and earning the title of the new king of the Milan course. Isaac Kipkemboi TOO, also from Kenya, finished second in 2:08:45, with fellow countryman Timothy Kosgei KIPCHUMBA taking third in 2:09:11.
A superb performance in the women’s race from Ethiopia’s Shure Demise WARE, who won in 2:23:31 — the best women’s marathon time of the year on Italian soil. Runner-up was Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei KILIMO in 2:25:32, with Ethiopia’s Alemtsehay Mekuria ALAMIREW completing the podium in 2:27:23.
THE MALE PODIUM
- LANGAT, LEONARD, Kenya, 2h08.38
- TOO, ISAAC KIPKEMBOI, Kenya, 2h08.45
- KIPCHUMBA, TIMOTHY KOSGEI, Kenya, 2h09.11
THE MALE PODIUM
- WARE, SHURE DEMISE, Etiopia, 2h23.31
- KILIMO, JOAN JEPKOSGEI, Kenya, 2h25.32
- ALAMIREW, ALEMTSEHAY MEKURIA, Etiopia, 2h27.23
The numbers tell the story of an event that’s increasingly popular and international.
A total of 10,250 runners registered for the 2025 Wizz Air Milano Marathon, 56% of whom came from abroad. The event drew participants from 106 countries. After Italy, the largest contingents came from, in order: France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland. On a national level, 59% of Italian runners were from Lombardy, followed by Piedmont, Apulia, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, and Tuscany. Among provinces, Milan led the way with 1,200 runners, followed by Monza and Brianza (300), then Varese, Turin, Como, Bergamo, and Rome — representing a total of 107 provinces.
THE RACE
Although the weather conditions made fast times difficult for the men, the race certainly delivered in terms of excitement. The award for the most aggressive runner of the day goes to Kenya’s Isaac Kipkemboi Too, who repeatedly surged to break up the lead pack.
With a half marathon split of 1:04:13, a battle of surges and lead changes began and continued up to kilometer 38, where Too found himself alone with fellow Kenyan Leonard Langat. Just two kilometers from the finish, Langat made his decisive move, pulling away from the day’s main protagonist. The final kilometer was a victory parade for Langat, who crossed the finish line in 2:08:38. Too followed just seven seconds behind, earning a well-deserved second place.
In the women’s race, the tone was set from the early kilometers, as Ethiopia’s Shure Demise Ware, her compatriot Alemtsehay Mekuria Alamirew, and Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo quickly pulled away from the rest. Their halfway split of 1:10:53 hinted at a high-caliber performance to come. Living up to expectations, Ware made her move at the 30 km mark, breaking away and running solo to the finish. Displaying class and composure despite the rising temperatures, she crossed the line in Piazza del Duomo with a swift 2:23:31, the fastest women’s marathon time of the year on Italian soil. Kilimo mounted a late comeback to finish second in 2:25:32.
LA UNICREDIT RELAY MARATON
Over 42 kilometers of color and excitement for the UniCredit Relay Marathon’s charity relay. As many as 16,000 runners took turns in the four legs into which the marathon course was divided. Start in Piazza del Duomo, finish in Via Palestro. Near the finish line, the Charity Village featured the 103 official organizations of the Milano Marathon Charity Program. Cheer points were everywhere along the course, more than ever before: almost one every kilometer. Entertainment, music, and—above all—huge enthusiasm for the runners.
The charity fundraising on the Rete del Dono platform—project partner—is still ongoing. Thanks to donations from companies and all relay participants, raised through the crowdfunding campaigns of the 103 participating Third Sector Entities (ETS), the goal is to surpass 2 million euros.
UNICREDIT RELAY MARATHON 2025 STANDINGS
- Laureus Run 4 Good!, 2h07.00
- ESET 1, 2h08.42
- Milano Track Fanatix – Team 1, 2h10.25
- Asics Ready to Run, 2h15.40
- Milano Track Fanatix – Team 2, 2h27.32
STATEMENTS
Leonard Langat, winner of the 23rd Wizz Air Milano Marathon:
“I’m really happy with my victory. I came to Milan aiming for the win, and I’m glad I achieved it. I knew I was in good shape and deliberately waited until the last two kilometers to make my move. Thank you, Milan, for all the support along the course.”
Shure Demise Ware, winner of the 23rd Wizz Air Milano Marathon:
“This was my first marathon after pregnancy and I didn’t know exactly what to expect from myself, so I’m extremely happy with this great time, which gives me a lot of confidence for the future. I want to thank my coach, Gemedu Dedefo, for helping me get back to such a competitive level. I train daily with great champions like former marathon world record holder Tigist Assefa and world champion Amane Beriso: they’re an incredible source of motivation to improve.”
Martina Riva, Councillor for Sport, Tourism and Youth Policies of the City of Milan:
“It was an extraordinary morning, with over 10,000 runners, more than half of whom came from abroad. It was an important event not only for sport but also from a tourism perspective. The festive atmosphere in Piazza del Duomo started as early as 7:30 in the morning. As the City of Milan, we reaffirm our commitment to hosting the marathon in the most beautiful places our city has to offer.”
Urbano Cairo, President and CEO of RCS Mediagroup:
“A wonderful day of sport, with so many runners—both professionals and amateurs—and a huge crowd cheering on the Milano Marathon. The start from Piazza del Duomo was stunning. A special Sunday.”
Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sports & Events:
“Spectacular sunshine and a river of runners from all over the world made this Wizz Air Milano Marathon a record-breaking edition in terms of participation. In the next two years, we aim to reach 15,000 participants. But just as important is the spirit of solidarity shown: the fundraising—still ongoing—is going extremely well, and we hope to exceed 2 million euros on the Rete del Dono platform, which is an exceptional result and the true value of our event. I’d like to thank all our partners for their continued support, as well as the charities and the people of Milan who brought incredible energy to the many cheering zones.”
Salvatore Gabriele Imperiale, Corporate Communications Manager of Wizz Air:
“Being the Title Sponsor of the Milano Marathon for the second consecutive year is a great source of pride for us. This year’s edition once again proved that the event perfectly embodies Wizz Air’s core values: dynamism, adventurous spirit, accessibility, and sustainability. It was truly moving to see thousands of runners take over the streets of Milan in such an energetic and inclusive atmosphere—a celebration of sport, wellness, and environmental awareness that we are proud to be part of. The Wizz Air Milano Marathon is the first event of the Wizz Run Series, our competition offering runners across Europe the chance to win the All You Can Fly membership. We firmly believe that running is the perfect example of an accessible, low-cost sport for everyone. Our support of the Wizz Air Milano Marathon reflects our deep commitment to Milan. Milan Malpensa continues to be a strategic base for our operations in Italy, strengthening our bond with a region where we feel deeply rooted.”
Remo Taricani, Deputy Head of Italy at UniCredit:
“Seeing so many colleagues running together in this charity relay is a concrete demonstration of our commitment to supporting communities and promoting the values of sport, which are powerful tools for inclusion and social change. This year, to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Carta Etica project, we wanted to further strengthen our support for the associations involved in the Relay Marathon by doubling our donations.”
