RUN FOR LIFE 2026 PRESENTED: TARGET OF 8,000 PARTICIPANTS FROM 50 COUNTRIES

Presented today, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the 11th Gruppo SESI Sebach Run For Life was officially unveiled. The event, organized by Socialtime Odv in collaboration with the sports associations Associazione Sportiva I Gamber de Cuncuress ASD, Run for Life SSD, and ASD Silvia Tremolada Aps, will take place on Sunday, March 8. The event will be held in the prestigious setting of the “Temple of Speed.” This year’s goal is to reach 8,000 participants representing 50 countries.

“I extend a warm welcome to all participants of Run for Life 2026, hosted at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza,” said President Giuseppe Redaelli. “Last year, more than 6,000 people took part — professional and amateur athletes — representing over 20 countries: a result that demonstrates the strength and appeal of an event capable of combining sport, participation, and shared values. This facility, a symbol of the history and excellence of international motorsport and the historic venue of the most prestigious car competitions, once again proves its ability to open up to the local area and community, becoming a place for sport, wellness, and togetherness. Running here, surrounded by the greenery of the Parco di Monza, means enjoying a unique experience: combining a passion for physical activity with the beauty of an extraordinary natural environment, in an iconic space of speed that today transforms into a great stage for health, inclusion, and solidarity. Run for Life is also an opportunity for gathering and celebration, capable of involving people of all ages and backgrounds while promoting a healthy lifestyle and strengthening that sense of community that makes our territory so special.”

The initiative, made possible also thanks to the support of Regione Lombardia, the Comune di Monza, and the Fondazione della Comunità Monza e Brianza, is patronized by the Reggia di Monza and the Centro di servizio per il volontariato Monza Lecco Sondrio.

Also present at the press conference was Viviana Guidetti, Councillor for Libraries, Sport and Sports Facilities Maintenance, and Environmental Hygiene of the Municipality of Monza: “Run for Life is now a well-established event among the city’s running races, and in recent years registrations have grown significantly, prompting the municipal administration to allocate one of the circuit’s available days to the event. Furthermore, the qualitative level of the race continues to rise, as demonstrated by international recognitions. I also greatly appreciate the organizers’ sensitivity toward environmental sustainability, as part of the proceeds will be donated to replant an area of the park, and the involvement of Monza’s schools in School-Work Training programs.”

Pio Benvenuto, General Manager of Gruppo SESI, Sebach dealer, also attended the press conference: “Being Title Sponsor of Run for Life 2026 is a source of great satisfaction and pride for us at SESI. Over the years, this event has become a benchmark for our territory, capable of bringing together sport, solidarity, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles in one major collective experience. Renewing our support means consistently affirming the values we believe in — social responsibility, inclusion, wellbeing, and participation — and concretely contributing to a project that creates real impact on the community. The growing visibility of the event, which now attracts participants not only locally but from all over Italy, confirms the strength and credibility of this initiative. We are happy to continue running alongside it, supporting its growth and sharing its enthusiasm.”

The main races will take place over the officially measured and certified distances of 10 km and half marathon (21.097 km) and are included in both the National FIDAL Calendar and the Global Calendar of World Athletics, giving the results international recognition. The event also offers great inclusivity, thanks to non-competitive distances open to all, with no membership requirement or competitive medical certificate needed.

The first to start, at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, will be athletes registered for the competitive 10 km and half marathon races, followed by the non-competitive 5 km and 10 km races (the latter timed).

More than 50 nationalities will be represented, with a significant number of participants coming from all Italian regions.

“The 2025 edition recorded nearly 6,000 participants, and for this edition a decidedly significant increase is expected,” anticipates Beatrice Di Virgilio, Event Manager. “Professional athletes will find a technically engaging course, while families, friends, and teams will enjoy an experience marked by solidarity and social connection.”

For this edition as well, Run For Life will support the replanting of an area of the Parco di Monza devastated by the 2023 storms. Various phases of the organizational process — from preparing race kits to managing refreshment stations and distributing medals — will involve 80 people with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. They will be joined by 100 high school students who, through school training programs, will have the opportunity to approach the world of volunteering, develop skills, and discover their soft skills.

Finally, as part of its mission to promote gender equality and mutual respect through sport, Socialtime ODV, in collaboration with the Fondazione della Comunità di Monza e Brianza – Philanthropic Organization and the CSV Monza Lecco Sondrio, is establishing the first edition of the “Run For Life Woman Award,” which officially enters the Run For Life 2026 program. The award is dedicated to women who have distinguished themselves in social, educational, cultural, environmental, or humanitarian fields, and who represent concrete examples of commitment, responsibility, and positive leadership.

The award ceremony will take place on Friday, March 7 at 11:00 a.m., as part of the official Run For Life events, on the eve of the race. Nominations may be submitted by associations, institutions, companies, or private citizens and must be sent no later than 6:00 p.m. on February 25.

(Excerpt from the organizing body’s press release)