I choose which marathons I run based on the possible surrounding tourist opportunities while I'm there, and for that the Rome Marathon was perfect!! Got most of my site-seeing done enroute. The course is brilliant - a couple of little hills, but it was seriously interesting and had no annoying double backs or loops. Spectators were present most of the way around, though whey were not generally as supportive as, say, the ones in London or Berlin. The race went by so fast because there was always something to look at and the finishing stretch coming into the Coliseum is just amazing. The organization was mostly flawless - though a little confusing at the finish when trying to walk back to where we started. That was quite slow and agonizing. Altogether, a great run - highly recommended!

I really loved this edition of the Rome Marathon. It was absolutely perfect- everything!!!! I must suggest that ALL runners get a chance to run this course. If you do not know Rome, you will be amazed about the beauty of the ETERNAL CITY and the views you get while running; if you know it well, it's a paradise to enjoy! JUST PERFECT... THE BEST SCENIC MARATHON OF ALL THE WORLD!

Great medal, great bag, great t-shirt. ALL THE ROADS LEAD TO ROME (a beautiful truth)!

As mentioned in my title, 5 stars just don't do this course justice. Any notion that the Paris route was unbeatable was quickly put to bed as we approached the Vatican City, with the sun blazing down and the Pope on the big screens.

This was all before you run through/pass the Stadio Olympico, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona, and before rounding the Coliseum to finish. More an outdoor museum than a run. I can't think of a run that comes close to matching it.

Even the organization and t-shirt slogan were perfect: Veni, Vidi, Vici -- Marathona Di Roma.

All roads lead to Rome, and when you get there you won't be disappointed.

I won't lie: the cobblestones did hurt, so don't forget to bring shoes with excellent cushioning!! However, I have NOTHING NEGATIVE to say about this race. It was organized well; packet pick-up was fast and easy. The fans were great, but it's the route that's the real winner! Amazing, incredible, historic route. I don't even remember it being tough because I only have great memories about this run. I'll gladly run this one again. It's not a run; it's an experience. Grazie mille, Roma!!!!

I really enjoyed the run and the city. I shall return one day.

I, like many others, have always wanted to do a marathon, just to "tick that box," so to speak. After much research, I decided on Rome. All I can say is that, if like me you want to do one marathon in your life, this is the one to do. The course is primarily flat, set out as if the Rome tourist board had designed it, as you will see all the sights on your run. Nothing can prepare you as you enter St. Peters Square. and there's an eruption of noise from the crowd; it is truly AMAZING. The support throughout the course is constant and vocal. The food and drink stops are of a high standard, and are very regular, with a mass supply of water, sport's drinks, food, etc. The finish line is magical as one loops around to the Coliseum, a memorable finish and a great photo-op with friend, family, etc. The medal is nice - unique in terms of race medals - and the t-shirt is as good as you will get. That night in Rome there was a good buzz with plenty of runners looking to celebrate the day... and celebrate we did.

Loved beginning and ending at the Coliseum. There was no need to sightsee the next day. The last 3 miles were great; bring a map, but watch your step on cobblestones. Great race package, and good amenities during the race.

This is an easy course, though it was a bit congested in the early stages. Ample aid stations; though there were no syrup-type energy gels, they had fruit and sugar cubes. If you rely on gels, bring your own. It's beautiful with lots of spectators and sights. It can be warm, as it starts at 9 a.m. It's amazing to stand outside of ancient Rome in a huge crowd, awaiting the start! If your time is really important to you, I suggest you put down a really good finish time, as the starts are staggered, and by the time they get to the 3.5-hour finishers, it's pretty congested.

Just got back from Roma after running this race. It was amazing. Although the expo is not very convenient, it was well organized and Asics was a great sponsor. The race itself was fantastic. I didn't mind the cobblestones, and starting at the Colosseum was like a dream. When we reached the Vatican, I got the chills! This was my first international race, and jetlag aside, it was perfectly organized, and the weather was great. I made the mistake of doing the entire Vatican tour the day after, but that was worth seeing, too!

Definitely recommended; it was worth the jetlag.

Well organised race with drinks every 5K from 5K and sponges every 5K from 7.5K.
Hill in last 1K feels like a killer as does running on 20K of cobbles.
Great sight seeing opportunies though.
Value for money one of the best- EURO 35 got me race, t-shirt, rucksack, great medal.