Napoli (Naples) Marathon

I encountered had no such problems as the previous reviewer. The course is no where near 60% cobbles, yes you do run on them for a time but only when in the city centre and you are able to avoid these by running on the side. I stayed in Naples itself and got the train to the start (15-20min journey) I left my hotel nice and early and followed other runners to the station. The course is not the best (although pretty flat) you start (along with the half) by doing a 1.6k lap which brings you back to the start and then you set off on the course proper at about the 12k mark you split (left marathon, right half). The best part of the course is when you exit the tunnel that brings you into the bay of Naples and you see Mt Vesuvius in the distance (23k). You then run along the bay and then turn left up a short but sharp hill into the main square, this leads to my only negative of the route as you head straight for the finish but still have about 10miles to go and turn left run around the finish are and then left again and in to the town (where the cobbles are). You don't get a finisher t shirt but get one with your number and yes there is no date but it's still good quality and I have used it many times since. You receive a nice medal and ok goody bag at the finish and it was nice enjoying a post run beer overlooking the bay of Naples in brilliant sunshine! I would do it again, just don't expect all the bells and whistles that come with a big event.

I didn't expect much having read previous reviews but the 'organisers' clearly are out of their depth or just don't care about improving. I checked the date 3 times by email before booking my flight and they changed the date two days later. Emails of protest did not even get a 'sorry' in response. An uploaded and accepted medical certificate was requested perpetually even on BIB day. Vests were generic and one size (a small medium) probably left over from last year as not dated, and there was no finishers shirt. Transport to the start was by email request and my email went missing allegedly. The race is probably 60% on cobble stones and often on crowded streets of disinterested shoppers. I did finish but then found I am missing from the finishers list. Hopefully this email request will get a response. UNPROFESSIONAL FIASCO.

I just finished the 2013 edition of the Napoli half marathon. I have run many marathons, but this one was unique. There were no waves to begin the race. Instead everyone crowded into the same cluster to begin. As others have also mentioned this marathon is poorly organized with cars and spectators still in the street. The aid stations consisted of whole unopened bottles of water and sponges. There weren't any restrooms on the course so people constantly were darting off course to relieve themselves in alleys. My goodie bag consisted of cough drops, a bag of noodles, and a sports drink mix. Oddly, my shirt is very nice. I wouldn't suggest this course to anyone new to marathons, but if you're experienced and want to try an authentic neopolitan style race, give this one a try.