Ran this in 2006. A flat and fast course that runs through downtown Ferrara, around the outside of the ancient city wall, and then a straight shot through the suburbs into the Italian countryside. The marathon's namesake, Vigarano, is the small village that serves as the turnaround point. The route is a loop course. Water stops are small but adequate. I don't remember sports drink but they did have fruit and packets of processed sugar. While sugar packets are considered obsolete nowadays, they did keep me from hitting the wall. Take Gu if you need or want a more "sophisticated" means of refueling. The run through the flat countryside is peaceful and scenic... no crowds to block the view.

Registration was a breeze because of the low number of entrants. The finish line looked fun but I never got to enjoy it. Post-race leg cramps sent me hobbling immediately back to my B&B. Supposedly runners received a bottle of wine after finishing but I never saw one.

Don't expect big fanfare from this marathon. It is a small low-key mostly local event. Ferrara is a beautiful city. English is rarely spoken but each restaurant has at least one waiter who can understand English and speaks it in broken fashion.

As an American, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Quite frankly, it would be a shame if the marathon become more popular because it would lose a lot of its local flavor and charm. I highly recommend and hope to return myself someday. By the way, the best place to stay is Locanda Borgonuovo - a quaint, accommodating and affordable B&B just around the corner from the starting line.

This was my second marathon after Singapore, and it was like running in 2 extremes. I probably have not seen an easier race-pack pick-up. The lady at the counter did not even have to ask my name - she just saw me and gave me the pack. I was probably the only Indian. The only negative about the run is that there was almost zero crowd support. You see people cheering at the end of the run. If you are English-speaking, and think you can chat with other people, forget about it. As this was a low-key event, I could only find a couple of people who spoke English. Also, the marathon could start a couple of weeks later, as it will get a little warmer.

The organization of this race was great: easy packet pick up, well stocked race kit, regular water stops and sponges, showers and massage at the end. The first part of the race was scenic, running through the medieval city of Ferrara and along the city walls. The next part was in the Italian countryside (also scenic but few spectators and a few sections open to car traffic). The race is free for women and people doing it for the first time. It was a great experience and I highly recommend it as a vacation-destination race!

This was my first marathon. It was a very FLAT course, and had EXCELLENT refreshments (snacks/water/enervit every 5km, sponges every 2.5 km in the middle). It was easy to find everything, and as a smaller marathon the toilets they had were sufficient. They lay out a red carpet (literally) for you as you run the last hundred meters! The two complaints I have are about the support (okay in Ferrara, but none outside of the city), and the protection. I was nearly hit by cars twice, and part of the race is on a rural highway with little sidewalk and cars whizzing by in both directions. All in all, a great experience and I would run this marathon again.

I ran this in 2002 while on a Business Trip. Beautiful town with a great pre-race atmosphere (start and finish next to an old fortress with a vibrant outdoor market). Course is very flat and very fast. Support during the race itself is fantastic with water in small hand-held bottles every 3.1 K throughout the race followed by water-sponge handouts every 1.5 K thereafter. Very few spectators after the 1st 4 miles. Picks up when you re-enter the old town area. Finish area is fantistic with large crowds. Only downside was a too few port-a-potties at the start. Great way to see Italy!