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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 41 to 51]

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

T. L. from Heidelberg, Germany (12/4/2005) "Good weather, false advertising on toilets" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This was my second marathon in eight weeks, and my attempt to requalify for Boston. During a weekend of bad weather, it was cool, clear and dry until the moment I crossed the finish - then pouring rain. The course was nice, but nerves got to me at 13KM, and I needed a bathroom. The race info said toilets were located each 5KM, with drink tables. At 15KM, I looked everywhere, but couldn't find one. I asked a race marshal, and she shrugged. With 16 miles to go, I wasn't able to wait, and had to find a discreet spot over a block off of the course. I kept a lookout on the rest of the course for toilets, and saw one at the 30KM mark, and at the end. I missed qualifying by 17 seconds, and feel I would have made it, if not for the excursion distance required. The overall experience was better than I expected, as Italians have warned me that locals can become impatient with road closures. Spectators and supporters were scarce, but somewhat supportive (or bewildered). The medal was nice, and we were able to purchase t-shirts at the expo.
Andy Walker from Guernsey (12/1/2005) "Renaissance run through history" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A 4K descent at the beginning and then virtually flat all the way should give you a good time in this marathon; cool November weather helps as well. You get to run through the historic parts of Florence near the start, around the 29K mark and at the finish. This takes a good bit of organizing and it is done exceptionally well considering that you have to share the city with tourists with barriers that had marshaled crossing points. Panoramic view at the start (a bit exposed, so don`t go to early). This was the best supported Italian marathon I have run, partly pure chance with people just there on holiday. Good for family or friend support as you can move from point to point quickly to follow the runners. No pasta party (this doesn`t bother me), and no t-shirt (but you do get a rucksack - a common thing for Italian marathons). The city is fantastic and the Florentines the most amiable hosts, and I rate this as the top Italian marathon (that I have done). Numbers are increasing every year, so get in quick before it gets too big!!
Simon Cox from London, England (11/29/2005) "So lucky with the weather!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The weather for the weekend of the 2005 edition was awful. Biting cold rain & snow. However, for marathon morning it cleared and we had perfect running weather, clear skies and temperature of 10C. It's a beautiful city to run a marathon and it truly is an international event as there is a large overseas contingent amongst the 4,800 runners. It's well organized, with a great finish at Santa Croce. My only criticism is that that the marathon hasn't been sold to the locals. Although there is very good support in the old town from tourists, there should be more participation from the local community with music & bands along the route.
M. S. from Bournemouth, UK (11/29/2005) "Firenze Marathon 2005" (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The organization of the Firenze Marathon was good and the course was interesting over the last 5K. Spectators were few and far between until the last 1K. Overall an enjoyable marathon to run, but don't expect large crowd support.
A. R. from Chorley, Lancs (1/10/2005) "Every bit as good as I hoped!" (about: 2004) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Really enjoyed the marathon and the build up (i.e., visiting the expo, etc). Particularly enjoyed the last 5K or so through the city. As previous comments noted, found the locals a bit frustrating (i.e., cars pulling out in front of you, 3-point turns, etc) - extremely frustrating! Get it done, it's brill!
R. L. from New Jersey, USA (12/10/2004) "Great course - limited crowd support" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Firenze (Florence) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 As an American visiting Italy - this was a great race to participate and experience European running/events. I felt the course was great including refreshment stands every 5KM which included water, Gatorade/Powerade (not sure which one) and warm sweetened ice tea. Additionally, there were sponges available at the 7.5km frequency, but I didn't find them necessary as it was a cool day. Plus, some areas had bananas, crackers or lemons. The start of the event was at the top of the hill overlooking the city with a downhill for the first 5km. The remainder of the race was flat and snaked through various neighborhoods of Florence. I found the event marked mileage and KM very well, most runners were protected from traffic and I enjoyed the last 3km as you were surrounded by other runners who just finished to give you encouragement. My only complaint was too many cyclists and mopeds traveling with the runners - this caused some hazardous conditions as they disturb runners in my opinion. Otherwise, great event in a great city! Expo was simple and easy to find. And the post-race area is congested but manageable. I'd definitely run it again if my travels allows.
B. G. from Italy (4/19/2004) "Firenza Half Marathon" (about: 2004) First Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This past weekend I ran the Firenza Half Marathon. Although it was not the full, I feel my comments may benefit those who may run the full. My biggest gripe is the marking of the course. Their system of marking consisted of a person standing in the middle of the route (amongst all the shoppers) with a flag and some barriers at different locations. Where there was only a person I had to stop numerous times to ask them which way to go... as they were too busy talking with the locals to direct me. My running partner got completely lost because they had pulled some marking personnel off the route early. The other issue I had was the surface to run on. Yes, Florence is a beautiful city to tour, but you won't see the beauty when you are running. I was too busy looking down to make sure I didn't twist an ankle on the uneven surfaces. Despite these major drawbacks, the refreshment stands were excellent and there were port-a-potties at the water stops. Would I suggest this run? No, I personally prefer a better course (not so many twists and turns) with a different pavement to run on, and one with spectators that actually cheer once in awhile instead of just walking in front of you to get to their next shopping destination.
Jessica Roberson from Germany (1/5/2004) "Bella Firenze - A good first marathon" (about: 2003) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the Florence Marathon 2003 with three friends - it was the first marathon for all of us. As Americans living abroad, we thought Italy would be a good location for our families to meet us, and Florence is a great city for exploration in the days before and after the race - especially if you want to check out the countryside. The course itself was really flat which I appreciated. The other runners were from all across the globe and my strongest memory of the race will be of 'bonding' with them, not necessarily the crowd, which seemed pretty apathetic. I was yelling at the spectators to cheer for me at one point! One other point - the food at the drink stations was kind of odd... pieces of cake and lemon wedges. I'm used to having power gels while I run so I brought my own supplies with me. And there didn't seem to be many portable toilets. I saw lines of women 15 deep looking annoyed at each one. Overall, though, I'd recommend it.
Charlotte Dalgarno from Manchester, England (11/28/2003) "Great Marathon - Shame About The Locals!" (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Having just returned from the Florence Marathon 2003 which was my first marathon, I am on a high! A gentle downhill start and a flat course snaking through a beautiful city. The event was very well organized from the expo to the marshalling on the day, and I found staff to be very approachable and helpful. The race has a very international feel and I met people from all corners of the world and felt a real sense of camaraderie. A very enjoyable atmosphere amongst the participants. I finished the marathon in 4h 56 mins and received my medal with pride. The only negative comment I have about the whole experience is about the local support - or lack of it! Yes, there were some eager locals cheering us on at various points, but these were vastly outnumbered by bemused Italians staring in confusion as we passed by. I was really disappointed by the number of angry motorists I saw throwing a tantrum when told they couldn't drive down a particular street due to the event. The Florence Marathon is perhaps the only marathon in the world where you have to dodge shoppers and scooters! If you are thinking about doing this event next year don't be put off by this. It really is a great course and the positive aspects more than make up for the negatives. I would certainly consider doing this marathon again some day!
Tommaso Gazzoni from Bologna, Italy (11/24/2003) "A great race by Italian standards" (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I am an Italian citizen who had never run a marathon in my home country and decided to do so this year in Florence. I have previously run in London and Stockholm, Sweden. The pre-race expo was well organized and had lots of interesting products on sale; no queing for bib numbers. I found the race in Florence very well organized by Italian standards: fast course, very scenic and 100% traffic free (which is almost impossible to find in any other Italian race). Spectators were few and not very interested in what was going on but along the crucial last 7-8kms (ran in the heart of town) they were very enthusiastic. Refreshment stations were well organized: on both sides of the road with water, salts, hot tea and sports drinks. Finish area was great too in magnificent piazza Santa Croce. A race that I advise to anyone who wants to try to beat his PB and visit a beautiful city at the same time.

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