The 2026 Milan Marathon is much more than a race: it is a unique opportunity to combine sport and solidarity, running for a cause that can truly change the lives of many newborns and their mothers.

This year, the Paolo Chiesi Foundation is participating in the Charity Program of Milan’s most beautiful run for the first time, supporting the project “A healthier start for newborns in Benin.”

What we do in Benin

The Paolo Chiesi Foundation has been active in Benin since 2011, in collaboration with the Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital in Tanguiéta, located in one of the areas identified by the government as most in need of support. The goal of the collaboration is to contribute to reducing neonatal mortality by strengthening the hospital’s capacity to care for newborns and their families.

Since 2025, we have also begun implementing the NEST (Neonatal Essentials for Survival and Thriving) Model at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Mère et d’Enfant Lagune in Cotonou, the largest government hospital facility dedicated to maternal and neonatal health in the country.

The goals of the project

The project’s goal is to reduce neonatal mortality (first 28 days of life) in partner healthcare facilities and improve care for premature, low-birth-weight, and sick babies in the two hospitals’ neonatology departments and Kangaroo Care units (a practice that involves keeping premature babies in skin-to-skin contact with their mother or father).

The specific objectives are:

  • Improving essential care to reduce the specific mortality rate related to prematurity and infections
  • Improving the care of newborns with respiratory complications and/or jaundice
  • Create a support and collaboration network between hospitals and health centers in the Tanguiéta and Cotonou areas, to improve care for mothers and newborns

Thanks to these activities, every year more and more newborns can receive quality care and have a real chance of surviving and growing up healthy.

How you can participate: run, raise funds, change lives!

The 2026 Milan Marathon offers two ways to participate in solidarity:

  • Marathon Relay: form a team of 4 people to share the route
  • Individual Marathon: complete the entire race by yourself

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced runner or a beginner. In either case, you can run for us and become a personal fundraiser: create your own fundraising campaign on our Rete del Dono page, involve friends and family, and turn every kilometer into a concrete gesture of solidarity. Every donation raised will go directly to the project “A healthier start for newborns in Benin.”

Why run with us?

Running for the Paolo Chiesi Foundation means:

  • Making a real contribution to children’s health in Benin
  • Live a unique experience of sport and solidarity
  • Become an ambassador for an important cause by engaging your network in a challenge that goes beyond running

Don’t miss your chance to make a difference! Register now for the 2026 Milan Marathon, choose the Paolo Chiesi Foundation as your nonprofit organization, and start your fundraiser on Rete del Dono.

Run with us, raise funds, and give a better future to newborns in Benin!

For more information about the project and how to participate, visit the dedicated page on Rete del Dono or write to us at info@paolochiesifoundation.org.

Have questions? Check out the FAQs

General information about the event

The 2026 Milan Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in the heart of Milan, passing through some of the city’s most iconic areas, offering a unique experience for both participants and spectators.

The start times for the marathon and relay will be determined by the organizers and announced a few weeks before the event. The start generally takes place in the morning, but it is recommended to check the official website regularly for updates and precise information on the times.

The Milan Marathon will take place rain or shine. Only particularly adverse weather conditions could lead to changes to the program or the event’s cancellation; the organizers will promptly communicate any updates.

On the official website of the Milan Marathon and on the Paolo Chiesi Foundation page on Rete del Dono.

Participation, registration and logistics

You can choose to run the full marathon or the Relay Marathon, the charity relay race open to teams of four. In both cases, select the Paolo Chiesi Foundation as the organization you’d like to support and start your personal fundraiser on Rete del Dono.

Write to info@paolochiesifoundation.org and start your fundraiser on Rete del Dono. The Foundation will provide you with all the details and support you need.

Each runner, upon registration, must declare that they have a medical certificate. It is recommended to carefully check the updated requirements on the official Milan Marathon website.

Race bibs can be picked up at the Marathon Village, which will be set up in the days leading up to the event at a location announced by the organizers. You will need to present an ID and confirmation of registration. We recommend checking the opening hours on the official Milan Marathon website.

A bag drop-off service is available near the starting area of each relay. Each participant will receive an identification bag that can be left and picked up at the end of their race. It is recommended not to leave valuables.

The marathon and relay start points are generally located in central Milan, easily accessible by public transportation. It’s recommended to arrive well in advance to avoid queues and unexpected delays, especially considering possible road closures on race day.

Route, services and organization during the race

Yes, there are several refreshment points along the route where participants can find water, supplements, and snacks. The refreshment points are located at regular intervals to ensure all runners receive the necessary support. If you’re running for the Paolo Chiesi Foundation, you’ll find a Foundation refreshment point in the nonprofit area at the finish line.

The Relay Marathon and how to participate in solidarity

It’s a relay race in which the official marathon course is divided into four legs, each between 6 and 14 km. Each team member runs one leg, sharing the challenge and joy of supporting a good cause. You can see the route and its division here.

Absolutely! We’re not looking for professional athletes, but motivated individuals: the relay is designed to be accessible to everyone, even first-time runners. The important thing is to share the spirit of solidarity and involve your network in the fundraising.

Absolutely! You can sign up a company or friends team, enjoy the experience together, and multiply the impact of your fundraising. Companies can also launch team fundraising campaigns.

Fundraising

After registering, you can create your own fundraising page on Rete del Dono. Share it with friends, family, and colleagues: every donation raised will go directly to the project ” A Healthier Start for Newborns in Benin .” Your goal is to involve as many people as possible and exceed the minimum fundraising threshold.

Yes, every nonprofit organization sets a minimum fundraising threshold for each runner or team. The Paolo Chiesi Foundation will let you know the required amount and support you in promoting your initiative.

Share on social

You might also be interested in