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.

This is Italy, and timeliness and organization are not their strong suits. But if you are a vetaran marathon runner, this one deserves a try - the vistas of Vesuvius, spectacular mosaic sculpture and cascading ponds that you circumnavigate, and narrow lanes through ancient buildings make it memorable. No, you won't have a fast time and yes, expect interference from pedestrians and wheeled vehicles. Still worth doing.

I lived in Naples for four years and should not have been surprised at the disorganization. The course was poorly marked - myself and half a dozen other runners found ourselves at the finish line after 10 miles. We had to run back to the correct course!!! I admit I am a slow runner, but it does not help you mentally when a van is following you and you are threatened to be disqualified for going off the course to attend to a cramp, and continued to be followed and asked if you want to quit! Terrible, just terrible!! All this even though I finished and was not nearly the last one!!

I have lived in Napoli for 5 years, so I was very unsure of what to expect. You had to register by bank transfer and fax, which is much more difficult than credit card/on-line. There weren't many people registered for the full marathon, unlike the 12,000 in Rome. The course had a LOT of cobblestones, or as I like to call them, "wobblestones." There were 3 long out-and-backs, which mess with you mentally when you are heading one way and can see the people that are miles ahead of you going the other way on the opposite side of the street. Traffic was not always stopped and people were constantly crossing the street in front of you. I was hit from behind by a mountain bike in the Via Communale. Race organizers were packing up the finish line and barricades at the 4:30 mark! Many runners finished after this time only to find the marathon village almost empty! The t-shirt totally sucked too. One big sponsor's name in the middle front with the race name in tiny letters on the left front side. The bag was good though! Definitely NOT doing this one again.