Enjoy the run in the eternal City
The annual marathon has been held in Rome since the start of the twentieth century. There have been many unforgettable moments such as the victory of Dorando Pietro in 1906 or Adebe Bikila who ran barefoot along the floodlit Appia Antica, to arrive as a triumphant winner under the Arch of Costantine in the Olympic Marathon of 1960. Another now legendary winner, was the Kenyan-Japanese Douglas Wakihur who won the rainbow jersey on 6th September 1987 by beating champions Ahmaed Saleh and Gelindo Bordin. Competitors from Africa and Italy have always been the major players in the men’s field while for the women’s, Africa and Eastern Europe.Wannabe competitors had until 5th March to register their name and then pick up their bib and race packet from the Marathon Village. The Village is an exhibition centre where you can check out different products from many companies that can help improve your fitness. On Saturday 21st you can enjoy the sounds of Waza Africa Troupe as well as other performances all day long, outside the Piazza J.F.Kennedy.
All runners will feel like a champion as everyone receives a medal! This year the medal has been drawn by Master Alfiero Nena (President of the Sculptors’ Association) and represents Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and stoic philospher. The doctrine of the stoics is very similar to that of marathon runners in that there is a strong belief in will power and control over passions and pain. The medal is also engraved with the slogan of the anti-racism campaign, which has been an important idea of the Rome Marathon for years “Vinciamo ogni discriminazione†(“Let’s beat every discriminationâ€). The 42,195 km race begins in Via Fiori Imperiali and makes it’s way past such famous sites as the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna and ending in fantastic style at the Colosseum.
For those just wanting to have some fun, take part in the non competitive 4 km Fun Run or otherwise known as the “Stracittadinaâ€. This is more of a leisurely walk where everyone can take part from grandparents, young children and pets and is a great family outing. You can meet at the Colosseo at 8:00am for a 9:15am start, just after the mass race begins. Besides the mass race there are also categories for wheelchair, handbike, tetraplegic and the vision impaired. The first three overall winners in every category receives a prize.
There are also many art, aerobics and fitness exhibitions and events happening around town to get you in the mood for some exercise!
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