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May 2, 2024

Venice Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Venice Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.3

Organization 4.1

Spectators 4.0

Number of comments: 46 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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

F. O. from West of Ireland (11/3/2010) "Well organized, enjoyable, scenic marathon" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Venice Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 We stayed in Mestre, which made it much much easier to get to the race start on the day and for getting to the expo and airports. On the morning of the race, it was a bit chaotic getting to the race start town, more so from Venice itself. Once you got there, there wasn't a lot of time to get ready. The queues to the toilets (too few) were very long. There wasn't much time to drop bags at the lorries, so that people had to strip off while waiting to go to the toilets while others volunteered to go to the bag-drop/lorries (which left half an hour before race start) People were in a panic trying to get their bags on before they drove off. Then you had to join back in line for the loos. The route was lovely and there was plenty of space to be able to run smoothly at your own pace. Lots of pace balloons, which were easy to follow for those who wanted them. Great crowd support through the towns with traditional drumming and flag throwing as well as rock bands every 5 miles or so. If you have a dislike of bridges, this is not for you. I have a bridge phobia and had a nightmare time. I had asked a previous poster about this and he said I would be fine. But the bridge across the grand canal is like scaffolding and fireman's ladders and it moves a lot. The smaller bridges were ramped, and as it was raining at the end, it got quite slippery, so you need to be careful. The race leader slipped on the third to last bridge and ended up coming second overall as a result. We didn't get through St. Marks Square because it was flooded but the course had been adjusted through the park earlier in the route. Medal was huge metal piece shaped in a "25" for the anniversary. Well organized at end of race. Hot tea and hot pasta and drink available after the clothing changing area. Bring money or a travel card and pay to go on the usual vaporetto to your destination. There is free transportation but there were quite a number of people queueing for the free boat and many of them were shivering severely with cold in the wind and rain for over 20 minutes before they got on. Get on far more quickly on the regular service and get back to somewhere warm promptly. My finishing time was texted promptly to my phone. Overall, the crowds were very supportive and all aspects of organization - from well stocked expo to any questions - were promptly answered. My medical form did not arrive so I just signed a form when picking up my number. NO problem. Very good marathon overall.
Luca Ricchi from Prague, Czech Republic (11/23/2009) "Good organization, nice route and fantastic fans" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Flat course in a nice environment. This was my second marathon, so I'm not experienced, but what I liked more is that the number of runners is limited to 6,000, so everyone can easily get his pace from the beginning. I ran with the pacer for the entire course, and they brought me just below the target time (3:50). The end in Venice in the last 2 KM is spectacular, and pays back all of the pain. The 14 small bridges at the end are not an issue, as you are at the end inside Venice, which will give you the extra energy you need. Also, the final 2 KM are on a narrow path, and also the bridges are very narrow, which brings you very close to the supporting crowd. If you have accommodations in Venice and aren't staying with family, be sure that your credit card is fully loaded - it's very expensive (but worth it).
Greg Phillips from Toulouse, France (11/9/2009) "Superb organization, unique finish" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Venice Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Venice 2009 was a point-to-point race, starting in Stra on the mainland and finishing on the islands of Venice. Only the last 5 KM or so are in Venice itself, which is probably for the best, Venice being what it is! The course was beautiful and mostly flat, the spectator support was intermittent but enthusiastic, and the organization was excellent. Overall, this is a race well worth running. I managed a PR despite not running my race as planned, so I was very happy with the experience. Some details: The race expo was held in an inflatable building at Parco San Giuliano in Mestre, right at the foot of the Ponte della Liberta (the causeway to Venice). It included a smoothly run race-kit pickup with excellent goody bag and various vendors and advertisers for other upcoming races. The park is easy to reach by bus from either Venice or Mestre and there seemed to be plenty of parking. On race day there were buses to the start from the Troncheto area of Venice and from Mestre. If you're staying in Venice, you'll want to make sure you have a good water-bus connection to Tronchetto or you could be facing quite a pre-race walk. Then there's the wait for the bus, about a 70% chance that you'll end up standing on the 30-minute bus ride, and the usual standing around at the start. In total, I was on my feet for almost three hours before the gun which made for tired legs; however, I'm not sure how it could have been organized differently. The starting area was very well structured - get off of the bus, use the change room if necessary, go through the toilet line (plentiful toilets), drop off your bag at the trucks, and enter the (controlled access) race corrals. There were lots of signs and continuous announcements in Italian, English, German and at least one or two other languages in case you weren't sure what to do next. The start itself was about 20 minutes late. Apparently the entire race is broadcast on Italian television and the start is at the mercy of the TV crews; this was explicitly mentioned in the race info packet, so it wasn't a surprise. The first 28 KM or so ran through a succession of towns and semi-rural areas, mostly along the Brenta River. This part of the course is almost completely flat. There were plenty of spectators in the towns, but few between. There were bands playing every kilometer or two - mostly rock oldies, but also some punk, some rap, and some high-school brass. Refreshment stations were as advertised: every 5 KM, bottled water and cups of PowerAde, plus fruit and cookies at later stations. At around 29 KM, the course did a loop through Parco San Guiliano, and then navigated the on-ramps to the Ponte della Liberta. This section includes some mild hills and was where I fell completely off my planned time; however, seeing the Venice skyline in the distance did give a big boost and made it easier to struggle across the causeway. Once into Venice itself, the course wound initially through a near-deserted industrial area (which was a bit disconcerting) before eventually coming out onto Venice's southern waterfront. There's nothing like this in the world, and even through the pain in my legs I could really appreciate the unique and beautiful place I was running through. As advertised, there were 14 bridges to cross in the last three kilometers. All of these had been fitted with ramps at an eight-degree (or less) incline, so they weren't too difficult to navigate. Most impressive was the enormous pontoon bridge that had been put in over the end of the Grand Canal just for the marathon. The "N bridges to go" signs in front of each bridge were either helpful or maddening, depending how your legs were doing by that point. The finishers' area was also very well run with minimal congestion. The medal was a bit disappointing; an interesting, uniquely Venetian design, but a bit on the lightweight side with a very skinny ribbon. One thing I did particularly like about the finish was the feeding approach: rather than scrounging in boxes or having to queue, every finisher was handed a plastic bag with a bottle of water, a bottle of PowerAde, a small carton of chocolate soy drink, and several pieces of fruit. There was also hot sweet tea and pasta available just past the finish area. Would I do it again? You bet!
Ian Rowe from London, England (10/28/2009) "Queen of the Adriatic" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Venice Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is one to make sure all marathon runners tick off. I booked a small hotel in Mestre on the mainland just around the corner from the train station. Good place, as it is much cheaper and easier to get from the airport and where the expo is. On race morning, buses picked us up from the station and took us to the start in Stra (approximately 20 miles away). With a 6,000-participant cap and six starting corrals, it never was too crowed. Running back along the river Brenta is flat, and then a bit up and down through Parco San Giuliano. It all starts to happen when you hit the 3840 meter causeway bridge to Venice. Looking at Venice getting closer is exceptional, but it's not until you finally put a foot on the island that it really begins to happen and massive support starts. With the sea on your right, and ramps of eight degrees erected for runners over 14 canals and a pontoon bridge over the Grand Canal with people in gondolas giving support, this is not the atmosphere of other marathons. Phenomenal support is received past Piazza San Marco, the basilica and onto the finish at Riva Setta Martiri. At the end there was a free water bus and bus back to the station in Mestre. Well organized, and a finisher medal that is not like any other that I have, with a nautical Venetian theme.
R. E. from Birmingham (8/3/2009) "Easy and beautiful marathon!" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Venice Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was an easy and beautiful marathon! I was delighted to run the '08 Venice Marathon for many reasons - especially because it's very flat, the organization is very good, and the Palladio Villas are great (even if I was too tired and concentrated to see them during the race). I also had the chance to spend a few days in the Venice area after the marathon. I was was lucky to sleep in the countryside, close to the race start. I'd like to improve my time (3:25), maybe in two years' time. Good luck, guys! Have fun! Viva Venezia!! - Rob
T. B. from Portsmouth, England (11/10/2008) "Fantastic finale" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Venice Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 My advice to anyone considering this one is to pick a hotel in Mestre, and the closer to the station the better, as this is where the shuttle buses to the highly efficient expo and to the race start in Stra originate. The start was a little congested, but I was running at my own pace by the 1K mark. The first 28K are fast and flat, with very few sharp turns. It's reasonably scenic and well supported through the villages, with plenty of bands. There are a few gentle hills through the park in Mestre and some more as you negotiate the motorways that lead to the causeway. Once on the causeway you have Venice in your sights, which I found to be a tremendous lift just when I needed it most. Then you head into Venice itself, and 5K of cobbles and bridges with jelly legs. The biggest of the bridges is the temporary one that they build across the Grand Canal just for the day. Charging down it into St. Mark's Square in pursuit of a PB has to be one of my best marathon memories. I was dozy enough to lose my medal. I e-mailed the organizers and they sent a replacement straight away. It's a great marathon and a great weekend away.
M. M. from Bournemouth, England (11/1/2008) "This really is a "must do" marathon." (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Venice Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 There cannot be many greater finish areas than in Venice. Although you only get to run in Venice for the final 5K, it is worth all the effort. And the rest of the route is mainly pleasant. Apart from the chaotic scenes outside of Mestre Station at 7 a.m., where hundreds of runners tried to board the trickle of buses to get to the start at Stra, every other aspect of the organization was text-book. From number pick-up at the expo, to the chip removal at the finish, I experienced only good organization and friendly helpers.
R. W. from Germany (10/27/2008) "5 things other marathons should learn from Venice" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Venice Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Let me start by saying that this marathon has spoiled me forever. There are so many reasons that this is the best marathon I've ever run... but here are the five that I wish all other marathons would adopt. 1) Bottled water and sports drinks. You don't have to worry about drowning yourself while drinking from flimsy paper cups at race pace. Nobody enjoys drinking water through their mouth and nose at the same time. 2) Only marathon runners... no relays, 5K or half-marathon runners. You don't have to worry about people sprinting past you at mile 18 simply because their team handed off to them. Everyone around you is in for the long haul. 3) Fast course. Only a few hills and small bridges at the end. Go for a fast time! Everyone around you probably will be. 4) The race is capped at 7,000 people. Too many races invite too many people trying to be the biggest, but their logistics can't handle the load. Venice is setup to handle 7,000 people... so that's the total number of runners allowed. Bravo. 5) There is an honest-to-goodness chute. The importance of this cannot be underestimated. I'm not talking about some meaningless suggestion, ropes lying on the ground, or signs saying, "Pretty please, start here if you want to run sub-3:15" (only to have guys pulling kegs of beer push ahead of you). There are color-coordinated bibs and fences and volunteers steering people in the right direct. The result? I hit my stride early and by 800 meters was in with a group of peers. Try that at Frankfurt or Berlin. I don't want to sound elitist... but seriously, this marathon should be held as the example of how to organize a race and an event. Sure, the crowds should have been louder. Sure, only the last 5K really are in Venice. But I think that's unimportant compared to everything that this race gets right.
A. S. from Tel Aviv, Israel (10/28/2007) "great first-time marathon." (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and it has been a great experience. the organization was superb, from the registration until the end. The course was fantastic, flat except 3 big ascensions at the end. The 13 bridges after the 40th KM are a great challenge. Overall, it's been great.
J. P. from Kuhmo, Finland (4/19/2007) "Unique competition" (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Venice Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon for the first time in autumn 2006. Weather was fine, 7-12C, and the sun was shining. The route was beautiful for the first 25KM and unique after that to the end. San Giuliano Park was fine, then came the long, long, long bridge to the island, which is also a unique place. Last 2 kilometers were rough, but small bridges helped a little - at least mentally. Very nice competition - I recommend this race.

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