Florence’s Urban Trail: Runners Unite by Night

Saturday, March 4 – Sunday, March 5: URBAN TRAIL RACE AND WALK 

See the beauty of Florence in a different perspective and get lost among the city lights by participating in the 13k (8.08 mi) race on March 4 starting in Piazza Santa Croce at 9 pm. The course will lead runners through Florence’s most historical and popular sights: Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery portico, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, up the San Miniato al Monte hill and passing by Erta Canina and Piazzale Michelangelo to end up back at Piazza Santa Croce. The entry fee is 25 euro. For those who like to take things more calmly while still staying fit, the event also offers a Nordic walking 10k (6.2 mi) on March 4 starting from Piazza Santa Croce at 9:05 pm which will be led by Franziskus Vendrame, master trainer of the Italian Nordic Walking School, for only 15 euro. Headlamps are obligatory for all participants.

For those looking for a longer route off the beaten path, the event also offers a 30k and 45k race towards the countryside, also passing through the mentioned cultural sites starting on Sunday morning. For those who would like to se the city in both hues of day and night, two options available are the races “Challenge” which includes a 13k run Saturday night and 30k Sunday morning, along with the “Ultra-challenge” with 13k by night and 45k on Sunday morning. For registration (through March 3) and more information see www.firenzeurbantrail.com/en/  (martha gonzalez)