Renaissance Running: Florence Marathon 2016

Sunday, Nov. 27: FLORENCE MARATHON. Piazza Duomo. 8:30 am start time. By previous registration only.

For many running 42.2 kilometers (26 miles) would be a grueling endeavor but Italy’s second largest marathon anticipates a record crowd with close to 10,000 participants, one third of whom are non-Italians. The Florence Marathon, commemorating its 33rd year, takes place Sunday November 27.

The event begins at Piazza Duomo, with runners collecting there early in the morning for an 8:30 starting gun. Although there is a six-hour limit to complete the race, the fastest runners should enter the finish zone, again in Piazza Duomo, between 11 and noon. Trophies will be awarded to the first three women, men and wheelchair and hand bike racers.

This year’s marathon route, altered from previous years, winds through narrow streets surrounded by centuries of history, art and culture. The course runs past landmarks and buildings that have made Florence famous throughout the world including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and providing views of surrounding hills and countryside.

Much of the race is along the Arno River, with a zigzag through leafy Cascine Park, the city’s largest green space. Runners will cross the Arno River four times via four different bridges, travel from Porta Romana in the southern part of the city to the Campo di Marte sports complex in the north providing a full fast-paced tour of Florence’s historic center.

Although it’s now too late to register for the race, race organizers urge spectators and well-wishers to come cheer on the athletes. Favorite spots to watch the event are Piazza Santa Croce, Cascine Park and the finish line in Piazza Duomo.

Concurrent Events

The Florence Marathon Expo in the Luigi Ridolfi Stadium, (Viale Malta, Campo di Marte) includes 70 booths featuring race equipment, latest products, techniques and presentation of the top runners. Samples of Tuscan products and special offers for restaurants along the race route can be found. The Expo, open Friday and Saturday before the race from 9:30 am to 8 pm, serves as the welcome center, meeting point and spot for race participants to pick up their bibs and race kits. The Expo is free and open to the public.

The popular Ginky Family Run, a 2 km. race for “Little Big Champions,” invites primary and secondary students to participate beginning at 9:30 am in Piazza Santa Croce. Kids under 14 are free but accompanying adults are requested to contribute €10 to support the event.

Finally a grand post-race party at ObiHall offers race participants and guests the opportunity to celebrate with food, music and dancing.  (rita kungel)