Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

May 2, 2024

Firenze (Florence) Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Firenze (Florence) Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.0

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 59 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

M. M. from Pennsylvania, USA (11/25/2007) "Loved This Race" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Just finished the marathon, my third, with my best time 3:26. This was also my first international marathon. Yes, the streets were narrow; it is not a new city. I would suggest that if you are looking for a running vacation, you would like this race.
G. G. from Napoli, Italia (8/29/2007) "Good Marathon" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Don't expect spectators, or much else but a race in Italy. Much wider streets than other Italian events and good water stops. Nice decline for the first 5K. The out-and-back at the end was killer only because you had to watch the fast guys fly. Unfortunately the race didn't go by any of the historic sites of Florence. Rome does this very well, but this one just moved you along the fringe. Well organized bus to the start.
Chris Negrete from Chicago, IL (2/24/2007) "Not bad for a first marathon" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 It's quite a shame that such a beautiful city should have somewhat lackluster organization and support for its marathon. This was my first marathon, and as such, I ran a slower pace, and was near the back of the pack. After the second sponge station, there were no sponges left for those of us at the rear of the field. The spectators were often sparse, although the ones who were along the route were very supportive. The section of the course that ran through the park around mile 21 was awful. Don't get me wrong - the view was lovley and peaceful - but the were absolutely ZERO spectators and support, just when you begin to "hit the wall." Had I not been running alongside a friend, I'd have been less than enthused about my prospects for finnishing around this point. I do recommend running this marathon. The city is gorgeous, and running on those cobblestones (they only really become a factor towards the conclusion of the race) is worth the awkward feeling in exchange for the connection with the history of the city. The other people who have commented are correct about the port-a-potties - they are far too sparse. I managed to stop at one around the 15-mile point. But it was foul and disgusting. I can't imagine how a woman would have managed to use one. The one I used (the only one that didn't have a long line) was covered in feces. The weather was gorgeous, and I must give a thumbs up to the people who worked the refreshment stands. They were supportive of those of us who brought up the rear of the field, and were nearly the only ones there to offer encouragement to the folks who ran a slower pace. The medal was fantastic (given by the marathon president himself), and the course condtions were as described by everyone else. I don't know that I'll be back to Italy anytime soon, but I would run this again.
eddie brown from los angeles, california, United States of America (1/21/2007) "Love running in this old city." (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I loved running this mararthon. The course was easy to follow and well supported by the locals. I can't wait to do it again in 2007.
Stefan Gunther from Silver Spring, MD (12/1/2006) "Beautiful course; for the most part well-organized" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 A beautiful course and perfect weather (65 degrees F) for my first marathon. Be aware, however, of somewhat uneven surface conditions; a severe shortage of port-o-potties (every 7.5 KMs, but only one per stop!), and the somehwat bemused demeanor of the Italian onlookers. Nevertheless, you can't beat the course for beauty and flatness (except for the beginning, which is downhill for about two KMs).
Gareth Jones from Chepstow Friends, Wales. (12/1/2006) "Superb course & crowd support; fantastic T-shirt" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This marathon has a wide variety of roads and paths to run on. Many of the streets had tall buildings, so if it was a hot day, you had plenty of shade. Some narrow roads through the center of town had atmosphere, as you passed numerous piazzas (no, not pizzas!) with fine buildings and statues, etc. A few supporting cyclists were a nuisance here, but marshals were quick to usher them off the route. A park in the last quarter of the race appeared on the map to be out-and-back but it actually felt like a loop as you didn't view the returning runners. Big, chunky medal, and very stylish, quality, technical, long-sleeved T-shirt given at the pre-race expo (usual noisy, hot, and crowded affair). "Trouble desk" seemed chaotic here. No orderly queue - just a big scrum. Overall, a very good marathon. Never easy to deal with, say, 6,000 people from many different nations, but it was an enjoyable day.
R. M. from An Cheathru Rua, Gaillimh, Ireland (11/30/2006) "Great course, great marathon" (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A great marathon for a PB (although a knee injury after 15 miles ended my ambitions in that regard!). The course starts off with a slight incline for 2 KM, followed by 3 KMs downhill, where it then levels off and stays pretty much like that for the rest of the marathon. A lot has been said of the cobbles on this course, but they are not an issue until the end of the marathon, and even with that, are not that much of a hindrance. The crowds were not huge, but were very friendly and enthusiastic (their genuine friendliness did strike me). The organization (except for chaotic scenes trying to get on the bus to bring you to the start) was first-class. Even though I was very much at the rear of the pack, and even though it was an unseasonably warm day (over 20 Celsius), there was plenty of water for everyone. The only thing I would say is when you get hold of a sponge early on in the race, hold on to it. Overall, a very enjoyable marathon, well-organised, around a beautiful old city. Go Halainn!
M. S. from London (11/28/2006) "Great city; surprises on course; Italian splendor" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Good organization, except buses to the start - chaos, but adds to the flavor of the event. Amazing views at the start; uphill for the first KMs then downhill for next four, so it was hard to find a pace! Then flat - watch narrow streets and runners who "drop" in on you - no manners in this race! Crowd was relatively quiet, but comes to life with encouragement! Minimal toilets, so keep an eye out for them - shame to have to use such beautiful streets....!!! Refreshments in excess including tea, water, sports drink, salt, fruit and pastries! Fantastic finish - great medal. Amazing city. Well done by the organizers - I will be back.
John Murray from Glasgow (7/27/2006) "A fast, flat race through a beautiful city" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I had heard horror stories about Italians being very impatient when this race was being run, but this certainly wasn't my experience. The course is fast and flat; however, the camber in the road and the incredible variations in road surfaces (you can literally have one foot on concrete and one on gravel during long sections), proved to be a bit of a burden. Me and my two friends all had pain down the left side of our left legs afterwards. The organization was good overall, with two exceptions: the starting pens were not marshaled, meaning runners of any ability were allowed to start in the wrong pen, and this led to some elbowing and jostling during the first kilometer. Also, at the finish runners have to return their chip and claim their 5-euro deposit. There was no queuing system and it became quite frantic and annoying, especially when your legs are very sore. Two tips: First, before the race, avoid the temptation to visit too many museums and galleries. They're fantastic but you'll walk miles and tire your legs out before the race. Also, don't start too fast; the first couple of kilometers are downhill. I'd recommend visiting the expo where there were great deals on running gear.
T. E. from New York/Ireland (12/23/2005) "Nice, flat course" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Weather was truly awful leading up to the day of the marathon but fortunately that morning the rain held off for a few hours. Nice, flat course with the first 4K of declines. The last 2K are a little tricky as they allow cars, & you are running on the cobblestones, which is rough on tired muscles! Well organized race overall. Spectators consists of groups of Italians standing mute in corners, so make sure you've music to keep you going. My real advice is to try at all costs to avoid flying Alitalia. We got delays & cancellations (30 hours in total) flying back to NY & everyone around us had horror connection stories (apparently this is nothing unusual for Alitalia). Some people had to spend 2-3 days in FLR/Rome airports trying to get home!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use