We were, widzieliśmy, we ran!
In fact, it was the only marathon in Italy I had in mind. Evidence. Further on the horizon Bologna, Ravenna and Florence. I didn't expect anything, we went with “open head”, ready for new experiences and adventures. I admit one thing – the start was spectacular and the most beautiful of 21 I've seen in marathons (acrobatics on a tightrope in Medoc, fireworks in Honolulu).
After arrival, we went to pick up packages. The expo was big, lots of exhibitors and entertainment for runners. The packages included a t-shirt and a bag – with very nice graphics, related to the medal, cookies, baton, water and some bags, Overall a very good set.
The marathon started at one o'clock 8:00. We had an early breakfast at the hotel, because a group of runners stayed with us and we went, walk 3,9 km to the start at the Colosseum.
We were there an hour ago 7 and the crowd of runners grew thicker by the minute.
The weather was perfect for a marathon run – moderately warm and the sun hidden behind the clouds and so the whole distance. We took off from sector C, there was quite a crowd and the first kilometer I ran dodging and overtaking others. We started from the Roman Forum, we ran past the Mouth of Truth, Circus Maximus, UN building. It was getting better with every kilometer “luźniej” on the route and you could find your space on the route. There were plenty of water points, isotonic and fruit. On the first after 5 km it was difficult to squeeze into the water and there was no fruit, but it got better with each passing mile. Bananas, raisins and oranges, which I enjoyed using – because they are great refreshers, they served gels in several places.
There were also points with wet sponges. With the participation of so many thousands of runners, the organizers perfectly secured the buffets and I am full of admiration, because they took care of every detail.
Part of the route led among the monuments was cobbled, I wasn't happy about it, I was very careful and ran slower, controlling each step. There were interesting pieces – first kilometers, The Vatican and last before the finish line – Spanish stairs, Piazza Navona, there was also a huge crowd of fans. There were several cheering points along the route, orchestra, some people. The last kilometers irritated me, not winged me – narrow streets, use, a crowd of marathon runners and screams of fans, plus a lot of tourists trying to break through and explore. I had enough.
Frankly, I'm a bit disappointed with the route. I, that it is not easy to move in the city – and what kind, 42 km of route between monuments with views. The route was not pretty for me, I had the feeling of running around the same streets over and over with interesting accents at the beginning and end of the run. I think, that the potential of the Colosseum was not used – creating a storage and toilet area next to it.
Thermal foil and packets with water were distributed at the finish line, apple, orange and cookies. Not crazy but enough.
Jestem zadowolona, I'm glad, that we ran ROME THE MARATHON, it was another successful adventure. As a runner, I felt appreciated and taken care of, cannot be attached to the organization.
In general, I recommend, because it's always worth it, but we are not going back to Rome as a city and for the marathon, who didn't steal my heart.
P.S. The organizers have prepared an interesting surprise – marathon supplement in Corriere dello Sport with brief information and names of all finishers.
42K: 03:53:46 in 04:24:01
