Run Rome the Marathon
Rome, Italy
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Run Rome The Marathon is a journey in the eternal city that will make you fall in love with running and the marathon, forever. The rhythm of your heartbeat will be as one with the other participants, with which you will share the wonders of the route: starting from Fori … MORE
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If you want to see Rome, run this!
Expo Expo layout was curious. Upon entering the expo building to get a bib, men and women were separated and sent different ways (at least for the full marathon). I … MORE
Expo
Expo layout was curious. Upon entering the expo building to get a bib, men and women were separated and sent different ways (at least for the full marathon). I picked up my bib number, then the flow went upstairs down a hallway (i.e., a dark, red tunnel with a sound of a runner breathing hard) then downstairs then outside to the back of the building to get the race shirt and drop bag. Then re-enter the expo building from the back and walk toward the front of the building to get to the expo vendors. Very odd.
Race day
Temps started low to mid 50s (F) and rose to 60. At times there was a cool breeze on the course and about halfway thru my run it rained lightly for 10-20 minutes. I did not use a drop bag, so cannot comment on that process.
I used the Metro to get to the start. (Pay your own ticket – convenient and inexpensive.) The course itself is relatively easy/flattish and took us past scenic landmarks of Rome. Very good volunteer and spectator support. There were several military bands that played along the course and other music provided by DJs. Parts of the course were made of small red bricks (stones?). Somewhere I read there was 6 km of this surface and it was spread in sections throughout the course. Mostly it was well-maintained, but you nevertheless needed to watch your footing. The course felt crowded from beginning to end. Around the 1 km mark I took a hard fall (knees then chest then hands hit the ground) when I tripped over an unexpected pedestrian median in the middle of the road whose view was blocked by the runner in front of me. My knees were bleeding a bit. Another runner helped me up and we assessed for injuries. I felt good enough to continue and indeed did finish the race.
There were 3 fluid stops in the first 10 miles, then about every 2 miles thereafter, which was sufficient. The portalets along the course usually had a line of 2-5 people and were positioned near the water stops.
Once you crossed the finish line, you received your medal. After that it was unclear where you needed to go for fluids and a snack bag. Eventually I stumbled upon it after some walking around, but it struck me how far away (0.2 miles?) and hidden that station was from the finish line. Maybe if I used and fetched a drop bag it would have been more apparent. There was a metro station near the finish line which was very convenient for getting back to my hotel.
Summary
Overall I do recommend this race, but watch your footing.
Beautiful course and people
The course ran by a lot of the major Rome landmarks beautiful crowds beautiful people good water stops no nutrition on course but food was they had sponges to cool … MORE
The course ran by a lot of the major Rome landmarks beautiful crowds beautiful people good water stops no nutrition on course but food was they had sponges to cool you down it got a little warm that day 70° f but again a beautiful race will be back next year for their 30th anniversary
tough, brilliant and a world class event
first time to italy and obviously my first time to the eternal city. the registration process was painful, but once you get it done (including the medical certificate and running … MORE
first time to italy and obviously my first time to the eternal city. the registration process was painful, but once you get it done (including the medical certificate and running group affiliation) it all goes smoothly from there. we stayed at an air b&b about 2km from the colosseum and as this is the start/finish area it was perfect. walking is the best option as the colosseum metro is closed on race day. the expo was good. plenty of space. it is about forty minutes from the city. there is no pre race 5km on the like Saturday like berlin, nyc and some other big city races. the 2018 edition had some very trying conditions. the forecast for low to mid 20’s (70’sF) and the day lived up to expectation. the staging area funnels you around the back of the colloseum and once in it was very smooth and super organised. bag drop, plenty of toilets (take your own paper) and then into the corrals. warm ups are always hard in big races. try to do so before entering the corrals. three waves. five minute gaps in between waves. race start at 8:40. the course is the star of the show. rome glistens and poses in every shade and you get to see it all. I won’t list all the highlights but I will say running towards st peters at the vatican is a pure “pinch me” moment. water stations every five kms with water, sports drinks and cut fruit. sponge stations every 5km (approx) in between the water stations. sponge stations are seriously the best thing. grab one, grab two, grab a few. so cooling and refreshing on a hot day. first hill around 28/29 and I was happy for the change in terrain. different muscles and up and over for the homeward run. it all gets pretty special as you head back to the old city and the cobblestones. the crowds thicken up and more spectacular scenery. the rub though is the cobblestones. tired legs, sore feet and uneven cobblestones aren’t a great mix, but that’s the deal. the second hill between 40/41 and then a really nasty down hill to the sprint finish. very uneven and steep with burning quads…but you do get it done…..I have run 11 marathons including five majors and this is up there. it ain’t no pb course, but they all can’t be that design. I don’t think I have any startling tips. like all marathons, race nutrition and pacing are the two ost important points to focus on. get away clean. keep your race pace or slightly slower for the first 10km/6 Miles and then do what ever you want. running too fast at the start is the biggest mistake in any race and you definitely need your energy for he second half of this one. great race, nice bling, wonderful city. do it…..
The Cobblestones make everyone limp
Obviously running a marathon in Rome is iconic but, get ready to hurt. There are cobblestones at the start for 1.75 miles, around the Vatican for 2 miles and again … MORE
Obviously running a marathon in Rome is iconic but, get ready to hurt. There are cobblestones at the start for 1.75 miles, around the Vatican for 2 miles and again at the finish off and on for 4 miles. Everyone was limping afterwards with many people being attended to by paramedics after mile 20. The race ran out of sponges at one stop around mile 18, I suggest carrying water, they could use more water stations on course, there is not enough bathrooms before or on course so men are urinating everywhere. The start had 3 waves but that didn’t matter, everyone just went at once so the start is very slow for the first 2 miles. As great as it is to run in Rome, just know it will be difficult
Cobblestones were killing me
Track course profile might look easy, but it isn't. Also the cobblestones were really bad for me. It might have been easier with better weather. During the course few really … MORE
Track course profile might look easy, but it isn’t. Also the cobblestones were really bad for me. It might have been easier with better weather. During the course few really amazing moments, like running through the Vatican. Last ten miles I was just struggling to make it to the finish line. This was my 1st marathon in Rome. I might come back if in better shape.
Very good race around historic sites
Well organized race. Race swag was pretty decent. In spite of the rain and running good part of the race on cobble stone was able to PR. If you are … MORE
Well organized race. Race swag was pretty decent. In spite of the rain and running good part of the race on cobble stone was able to PR. If you are not used to running on cobble stone, it takes a bit to get used to. Post race refreshment was decent
I love this marathon
A great time in Rome. This was my 1st time running in the Rome Marathon. I stayed at the StarHotel Metropole - a nice hotel, and the hotel staff were … MORE
A great time in Rome. This was my 1st time running in the Rome Marathon. I stayed at the StarHotel Metropole – a nice hotel, and the hotel staff were friendly.
The hotel has a fitness center. Also, within walking distance to some of the historical sites (Roman Forum, Colosseum, etc.) – the Start/Finish line is located in the vicinity of the Colosseum, and the same walking distance from the hotel. The Expo was nice – not large, but not too small. The weather upon arrival into Rome, to the day before the marathon, was sunny and pleasant; however, it was not to be so on the day of the race – rain, thunderstorms. The marathon started off with the rain coming down, and some noise of thunder, but cleared up during the middle of the race – however, the rain started up again at the end. Having run in rain before, this was not a problem, the problem was running on cobblestones – about 7% of the course was cobblestones – and when it rains, the cobblestones become slippery. There was plenty of water stations along the course, and plenty of snacks (i., bananas, oranges, cookies); however, not enough portable restrooms along the course, or at the water stations. Crowd support was outstanding. Although I did not finish at my normal times, I had a great time in running Rome, and would do it again. The Finisher’s Medal and T-Shirt were nice.
Destination Roma Marathon
With the Coliseum as a back drop, you know you're in for a treat! There was anticipation with each turn. I looked forward to what I was going to see … MORE
With the Coliseum as a back drop, you know you’re in for a treat! There was anticipation with each turn. I looked forward to what I was going to see next.
With 15 thousand runners it took me and my two friends 5 minutes to cross the starting line. The day started off with light drizzle. The rain would stay with us for most of the race. Around mile 18 it finally let up. The cobblestone streets were a new experience for me. You did have to watch your footing a little bit as you also had to navigate around the discarded trash bags and light weight panchos. All of us were just happy to be in Rome running a marathon. I brought along two cameras. I wanted to make this as memorable as possible for the first time international marathon runners in my group. For one of the ladies it was her very first marathon. I’ve never seen anyone else smile for the entire 26 miles. Our hotel was in a great location. We were able to walk to the starting line.
I hardly slept a wink the night before. I was just super excited about this race. I could not wait to get to the starting line. I knew I wouldn’t be racing it, but enjoying the scenery as much as possible.
For the first 10 miles, there was quite a bit of congestion of runners. I was happy for it because it kept my pace slower. I was not in a hurry. I was looking for places to stop and take pictures of the other runners. I had my chance after mile 10. From then on I would run ahead and take pictures or video of the two ladies.
I made it a point to try the food they offered on the course. When I race marathons I usually just stick to my gu’s. One bite of the blood oranges and I was hooked! I looked for them at every water station after that. They were super sweet and super juicy.
The most scenic part of the course had to be coming up to St. Peter’s Square. We could hear bells ringing as we looked down the street and saw the obelisk front and center.
As we ran through various tunnels and underpasses on the course, everyone would start whooping and hollering and blowing whistles. You were compelled to join in.
Miles 13 to 20 took us a bit outside of the main city. The change in scenery was nice. There were a bit more trees and got to run by some houses. Mile 20 brought us back closer into town and eventually back to the cobblestone streets. We ran past a few more well known sights including the Spanish Steps.
About mile 24 we had a little bit of an uphill through a tunnel. That was followed by some down hill before it leveled out for the finish. At the finish line there was a Roman guard standing by.
Overall it was a such a great experience!
The Ethernal City, a race to remember!
The scenery is amazing!! The Colosseum, Circo Massimo, Fontana di Trevi, Spanish Steps....you name it and chances are you'll run by it. The Expo is very well organized, and the … MORE
The scenery is amazing!! The Colosseum, Circo Massimo, Fontana di Trevi, Spanish Steps….you name it and chances are you’ll run by it.
The Expo is very well organized, and the swag is quite special (how about a backpack?)