The Rome Marathon, Maratona di Roma, is held annually in March, and is scheduled to take place this coming Sunday, March 18th. The competition is hosted by the city of Rome. The course, which seems to have been designed by Rome’s tourist board, will lead runners by many of the city’s wonders and sites. The competition seems to be held in an outdoor museum, as the starting line is placed in front of the Coliseum, with the course continuing past Saint Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia, Theatre of Marcellus, through narrow, cobblestone streets, past other magical sites of the Eternal City, then crossing the finish line as runners return back to the ancient Coliseum.
Last year’s Rome Marathon had a record number of almost 13,000 runners cross the finish line. This year will likely boast another record breaking turnout.
If the marathon course of 42 km is a little much for you, the city also sponsors ROMAFUN – ‘La Stracittadina’. It is a non-competitive 4km fun run. More than 80,000 children, adults and seniors are predicted to take the streets to participate. It begins 15 minutes after the start of the 42km race, and the two races share the same starting line. You can run or walk along at a leisurely pace. Feel free to also bring your furry friends along to this race, as pets are welcome to participate. Just be sure to leave the bicycles at home, as they are not allowed along the course.
Are you planning to participate next week? If so, will you be going the distance in the 42km, strolling along in the 4km fun run, or cheering on runners from the sidelines?
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