Perfect weather, beautiful city to run through, delicious refreshments at water stops, good marshalling. Really enjoyed this race. Not many spectators, but it is a good, flat, fast course. Would highly recommend.

The course is spectacular, running through downtown Florence and by most of its major monuments. It's also very flat, the main 'hills' being a handful of bridges and a train overpass. The main problems were the narrow streets that created many bottlenecks, and the water stops being 5K apart, which was not enough towards the end even on a cool day. The crowd support was negligible. The pace groups were very large and got to start at the front, instead of in the appropriate corral (had I known, I'd have joined one), so they took a lot of energy to pass early on. Overall, a good marathon experience because of the beauty of the course and the effort of the volunteers, though improvements could easily be made.

Wonderful experience overall. I would note to international entrants that this race requires a medical approval form (something I didn't realize until two weeks before the race, since the instructions regarding what was necessary were not clearly communicated in any (English) correspondence I got after signing up.
Other than that, I'd say the race was fast, the organization was good, and the course was beautiful. The quality of runners in the field was also very impressive. This was my first race in Europe and I was surprised that my sub 4 hour time didn't even make the top 50%. It was awesome running with such a strong field. I'd highly recommend this race.

Superbly organised, great crowd support, and breathtaking (!) historic city route. And the weather this year 2011 was fine, cool and windless.

This year's Firenze Marathon was cold, rainy and windy, but that didn't stop 8,000 marathoners from running.

Where else can you run through such a historic, gorgeous city? The race starts up at Piazza Michelangelo and takes competitors through lush parks, past the Duomo and The Uffizi, across the Ponte Vecchio and along the Arno.

It is well organized with power drinks, water, fruit and hot tea offered every 5K.

Not too many spectators this year but who could blame them under these conditions?

Great swag - especially the beautiful, quality medal featuring Dante Alighieri.

The start and finish are conveniently close.

I'd do this one again and again. It's especially recommended for art and history lovers!

Set in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, this race did not disappoint. I combined the race with a few days of sightseeing and had a fabulous experience both in the city and in the Tuscan country side.

The expo was organized and efficient - the information relaxed and accurate.

The start was to die for - overlooking the city from Piazza Michelangelo, with clear blue skies and a really special, friendly atmosphere.

The course was tight in a couple of places, and some of the cobbled streets meant you had to be a little careful. Plenty of well stocked refreshment areas with plenty of volunteers on hand. My only complaint about the course was the section that runs out and back again in the park at 30 to 38 KM - this felt like a bit of an add-on to make up the distance and there were no spectators to cheer you on just when you really need it.

The finish was great, and if you are in a fit state to look around you in the square at Santa Crochem you will realize you have run in a very special place.
Loved it!

A good marathon in so many ways, but what a pity that they cannot cater to the numbers.

Online registration worked smoothly and the hotel booking scheme was a dream with a choice of hotels all geared up for runners (with early breakfast, late checkout and great prices). Thank you, Florence! One of the best starts ever as we looked over this historic city in the morning sun and then off we set. A crowded field of 10,000 took time to stretch out, and some of the streets were just too narrow to take it. My main gripe is about the drink stations. I still cannot understand why the world does not follow London and use bottles and pouches rather than cups; but given that everyone else seems to want runners to stop as they drink, at least you can make sure there is enough. The short stations just could not get enough water or electrolyte ready, so it was grab a cup and dunk away! Really irritating. On the positive side, the route was brilliant: flat, fascinating, and the sights of the Duomo and Piazza Signore were real heart-lifters. A bonus was the really stylish T-shirt (yes, Berlin - everywhere else gives them free). It was so stylish that it justifies running the race just to be able to wear one!

For runners wanting fascinating city locations, it surely doesn't get much better than running in the footsteps of the Medici and finishing in front of the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The race organizers say they will change the course in 2009 to reduce the elevation differential, but Florence is "una bellissima citta" and the good organization and infectious Italian spirit surely will remain. Italy has to be the easiest places in which to carbo load, and I recommend the Florence Marathon to anyone wanting to combine a marathon with a holiday with very enjoyable but potentially dangerous distractions (vino rosso, sambuca and climbing to the top of spectacular duomos).

Great organization - lots of energy drinks, bottled water, fruit, energy gels and tablets, although they could do with a few more refreshment points. The route is excellent - mainly flat, varied and you see all of Florence's sights. It's narrow at the beginning and in some streets in the center, but it's otherwise lovely. The crowds were the best part - the Italians really cheered you in the city center and spurred the runners on in the last couple of KM. Absolutely recommended, and good for a PB due to the relatively cool weather in which it is run.

This was a good marathon in a nice city. The course was very nice, but after KM 30, quite boring. Still, the start kit, organization and refreshments were great. I would recommend this marathon.