Event and Race Reviews This is a growing collection of Race and Event Reviews. All of these reviews were written by our members and represent each author's experiences and opinions only. Back to Events Listing
Rome Marathon
(Rome, Italy)
Author: klewlis
Date: 2006-04-07
My thoughts: overall I thought it was a very well-organized race. My only two complaints were the confusion in the beginning (which Angela mentioned) and the fact that there was NO FOOD at the finish line! There were some drinks and oranges... that was it! But aside from those two minor annoyances, it was very well done and enjoyable. The crowd support was phenomenal, and the volunteers were very cheerful and encouraging, even right up to the end. The course was well-marked and staffed. I would definitely do it again (but brace myself for those blasted cobblestones...). Author: runlikeagirl
Date: 2006-04-07
As many of you know, Holly and I ventured to the Eternal City to run the Rome marathon on March 26/06 as part of the Team Diabetes group.
The course begins at the Colliseum, where about 12,000 runners divide into corrals - although Holly and I were a little confused as to where we were to go and were afraid we'd end up with the 4K runners instead. We were glad to find out this wasn't the case.
The weather in Rome at this time of year was spectacular. It was a lovely sunny day and I believe the high was 20C. I much preferred this weather to the chilly Canadian weather I'd trained in over the winter.
The course has runners pass by many historic and breath-taking landmarks of Rome, including the Vatican/St. Peter's Square, Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, etc. etc. I found myself awestruck and could hardly believe that I was running past these sites.
Support for runners was incredible. I heard so many positive, uplifting comments, clapping and cheering from spectators, race volunteers and other runners. My race singlet identified me as Canadian and I can't tell you how many cheers and encouraging words I heard.
The course is VERY flat, with one tiny hill approaching the halfway mark. It was actually a highway on-ramp, which wasn't very long at all.
The lack of hills does not mean this is an easy course. The long stretches of cobblestoned streets keep one on their toes, no pun intended. The cobblestones have been known to do a number on runners' knees, ankles, feet, etc and slow people down.
I personally felt like a had to "brace myself" a tad more than normal, as the terrain was uneven and the odd stone was missing. This also meant that while on cobblestones, I often had to keep on eye on the ground instead of the beautiful surroundings.
Water/Gatorade stations are located at every 5K and tables offering food (apple and orange slices) begin after about 10K. They also provide sponge stations located about 2.5k between water/food stations.
Sponges were a welcome relief to wipe off sweat and cool down. But, being a back-of-the-pack runner, meant I had to jump and dodge the mine-field of sponges discarded around the tables.
Port-a-potties were few and far between. I had to use the facilities and ended up going to a cafe.
The course ends at the Colliseum, where volunteers award you with an awesome medal and cozy mylar blanket.
The race kit came in an Asics shoulder bag, that contained some yummy chocolates, a cotton t-shirt and a couple great magazines.
This is an amazing race and I would highly recommend anyone to do it through Team Diabetes, or on one's own as part of a spring holiday.
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