Serpie Planner - event reports
Rome Marathon (13 Mar 2005)
Biggest mass participation marathon in Italy to date with
around 10,000 entrants. Conditions on the day were excellent, 14 degrees centigrate. Event is well organised although crowds along the course were sparse and the event does not have the buzz of say London or Berlin.
However, it is a fast course, fairly flatish that goes past all the major landmarks in Rome. Some sections over cobbled streets, I would imagine this maybe a bit trickier in wetter conditions. A good marathon to see for sightseeing. Starting and finishing next to the colosium adds to the beauty of this race. Overall, I would recommend it to anyone.
Report by Maher Ahmed
Rome Marathon (18 Mar 2007)
On a beautiful Sunday morning following the end of the Six Nations and St Patrick's Day, the largest race in Italy started. The weather soon hotted up and must have been well into the 20s by the time most people finished. Dehydration is more of a problem than usual due to this heat and I saw more fast runners in trouble than normal.
The race is incredibly scenic with most of Rome's main sights along the course. Racing towards the Vatican is certainly a highlight and it's early enough into the race (15km) that you can enjoy it.
It was organised well and the past problems with timing chips seemed to have been ironed out with a strap around the ankle instead of a pocket on the race number.
Do this race if you want a great atmosphere, great scenery and a decent holiday to boot. However there are flatter courses, it can get hot and a large proportion of the race is on (reasonably flat) cobbles. It's certainly worth a go if you miss out on Paris or London or even if you don't.
Report by: Ian Sharman
Rome Marathon (17 Mar 2024)
BIB = place open or female