Published: 29 December 2024 | Updated: 19 December 2025 (Reviewed annually) | Reading time: 3 minutes
By Dr Simon Shaw | Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Fit Certify
Dr Simon Shaw is a UK- and US-trained Sports & Exercise Medicine Doctor, and the founder and medical director at Fit Certify — a worldwide provider of online sports medical certificates.
If you’re preparing for a marathon, there’s more to organise than just training and travel. Many events require a marathon medical certificate — a document signed by a doctor confirming that you’re medically fit to take part.
This guide explains what a marathon medical certificate is, why organisers ask for one, and how to get yours online quickly, without unnecessary delays.
A marathon medical certificate is a document signed by a licensed doctor confirming that you are medically fit to take part in a marathon and have no health conditions that would make participation unsafe.
Event organisers use this certificate to verify that runners meet the medical requirements for endurance events and to reduce the risk of serious health incidents during the race.
For a broader overview of sports medical certificates and how they apply to different events, see our Complete Guide to Sports Medical Certificates.
Some may view a fit-to-run medical certificate as just another box to tick, but it’s actually an essential screening tool designed to safeguard your health and ensure a smooth race day for everyone involved. Here’s why these certificates matter:
Running a marathon is no small feat — it’s a grueling physical challenge that pushes your body to the limit. Not everyone’s health can safely handle that level of exertion. A medical certificate ensures that common issues, such as heart or lung conditions, have been screened before you hit the starting line.
Meeting Legal RequirementsCountries like France and Italy have stringent laws for running events to ensure the health and safety of participants. By requiring medical certificates, organisers comply with these rules and protect themselves from legal issues in the event of a medical emergency.
Insurance and LiabilityHosting a marathon involves significant insurance coverage, and a key condition for that coverage is ensuring all participants have valid medical certificates. Additionally, if runners have personal insurance, not having the right certificate could lead to denied claims.
In short, a medical certificate protects both runners and event organisers — making it a win-win for everyone involved!
If you’re gearing up for a marathon in France or Italy, you’ll need to ensure your medical certificate meets their specific requirements. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Medical certificates are typically valid for 12 months, reflecting the importance of reassessing your health regularly. Make sure your certificate is up to date before race day.
Many marathons in France, Italy, and other parts of Europe require you to use their own medical certificate template. Popular events like the UTMB Series, Marathon des Sables, Florence Half Marathon, Transgrancanaria and Tor des Géants often provide templates that must be signed by a doctor.
French and Italian race organisers can be very particular about the wording on your certificate. Most events require it to state that you have “no contraindications to participating in competitive running events” or a similar phrase.
From 2024 onwards, some French running events like the Paris Marathon and Mont Blanc Marathon have replaced the medical certificate with a Health Prevention Course.
To get a marathon medical certificate, you can either book an appointment with your GP or regular doctor, or use an online service. If you’re in good health and don’t have a complex medical history, an online service is often the quickest and most convenient option.
Below is a simple step-by-step guide to obtaining a marathon medical certificate.
Select a provider with appropriate medical credentials and experience issuing sports medical certificates for endurance events. Some runners choose online services like Fit Certify because of the faster turnaround and familiarity with marathon requirements.
Depending on the provider, you’ll either complete an online medical questionnaire or attend an in-person appointment. You’ll usually be asked about your medical history and may need to upload supporting documents, such as test results. If your marathon requires a specific certificate template, make sure this is included at this stage.
Once reviewed and approved, your marathon medical certificate is issued. Online services typically send it by email.
To ensure a smooth approval process for your marathon medical certificate, follow these essential tips:
This wording is commonly required on medical certificates for marathon events in France and Italy.
A fit-to-run certificate is a medical document signed by a licensed doctor confirming that you are medically fit to take part in a running event and have no health conditions that would make participation unsafe.
You can get a marathon medical certificate by completing a medical questionnaire with a recognised provider. A doctor reviews your health information and issues the certificate if you are medically fit to run.
Yes. If diagnostic tests are required, you can arrange them separately and upload the results during your online application for medical review.
Most rejections happen because of incorrect wording, missing stamps, or formatting issues. Check the event requirements and ask your doctor or provider to amend and reissue the certificate accordingly.
Yes, you can usually use the same certificate for multiple events if it is still valid and meets each organiser’s specific wording or template requirements.
If you need a marathon medical certificate quickly and without the hassle of booking appointments, Fit Certify offers a straightforward online option designed for runners.
Our service is built around speed, clarity, and compliance with marathon organiser requirements.
If you’re ready to apply, you can complete the process online and receive your doctor-signed marathon medical certificate by email — allowing you to focus on training and race preparation.
Apply for your marathon medical certificate with Fit Certify today.
Sports Medicine Doctor • Athlete • Founder & Medical Director at Fit Certify
I’m Simon — a UK- and US-trained sports and exercise medicine doctor, family physician, GP, and the founder of Fit Certify. For several years, I’ve led a team of doctors specialising in medical certification for endurance events, including marathons and long-distance running races.
As an athlete myself, I understand how much planning goes into preparing for a marathon — and how frustrating last-minute medical paperwork can be. Fit Certify was created to make obtaining a marathon medical certificate simple, fast, and reliable, so you can focus on your training and race preparation rather than admin.
If you need advice or have any questions, you can contact us at hello@fitcertify.com and we’ll be happy to help.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and should not replace personalised medical advice.
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