Held annually in March, when nice days exceed hot days and the herds of tourists haven’t arrived yet, Rome Marathon attracts more and more runners each year. On March 21 2010, when the last version of Rome Marathon – or to be exact, Maratona di Roma – took place, more than 15,000 runners showed up. Ethiopian winner Siraj Gena finished the race barefoot to honour his countryman Abebe Bikila who won the Olympic marathon in Rome exactly 50 years earlier. On March 20, the 17th annual Rome Marathon will be run.

More than 7,000 participants from eighty countries are expected to participate! The marathon is more than just a single event. There is also a RomaFun run called “La Stracittadina.” This is a non-competitive, 4k race. For some folks, it’s just a leisurely walk! Everyone participates including adults, children, grandparent, folks with pets, and even those on rollerblades. Last year, more than 80,000 people “ran” in La Stracittadina. You can register until the day BEFORE the race. Entry fee is € 7,00 and includes an official Race t-shirt. La Stracittadina begins immediately following the start of the Marathon.

Throughout the years, Rome Marathon has been making good use of its unique status as the capital of the catholic church. For example, the turn of the millenium was celebrated by moving the start area to Saint Peter’s Square and having the pope himself wish all the runners good luck before the run. And even though the start line is now back in the gladiatorial ambience of the Coliseum, the word has it that priests and cardinals are among the cheering crowds when the runners pass Saint Peter’s Church. And if you need more than spiritual nourishment for finishing a marathon, just arrive a day or two early and feast on the many temptations in a city where it is almost impossible not to carb load.

And the best news is that you – or maybe your less marathon-passionate travel partner – don’t have to cover 42 km of narrow, Roman streets to experience the special atmosphere on marathon day. According to tradition, 15 minutes after the bold marathoners are sent on their way, 80,000 children, adults and seniors head out for the non-competitive Stracittadina Fun Run. The 4 km course shares its start line at the Coliseum with the marathon and cruises around the ancient city’s streets before finishing outside of Domus Aurea – the ruins of emperor Nero’s Golden House.

If you’re looking for the ideal combination of athletic challenges and a nice weekend of sight-seeing, Rome Marathon is the place to go.

After the run you can relax at M&J Place Hostel Rome