Most Romantic Marathon in the World – Venice, Italy
Beatrice Lessi
Running a marathon in Italy is something else.
Pace makers will talk to you all the time (and I mean all the time, without taking a breath. They must be superhuman). Competitors will also interact, by offering you a drink, or asking you something, or just doing small talk even when you think you’re going to die. Finally, the beauty of Italy, and of Venezia, in this case, will almost overwhelm you.
The 27th October I run Venice Marathon, and I loved it, of course! Here are my highlights:
1. Nonna Adelina turning 102 years old
At the beginning of the marathon, before reaching Venice, I saw a leather armchair on the street, and a beautiful smiling lady, sitting on it. She was wearing a cream suit, her hair was styled in an up-to-date blonde bob, and a group of people of different ages – probably her family – was surrounding her. A big sign said:
Nonna Adelina is turning 102 today!
We runners went crazy. Instead of being cheered, we ourselves cheered this gorgeous family. Auguri! Happy Birthday, the runners shouted. What a great way to celebrate a birthday, making it public and super inspiring.
Finally reaching “El parò de casa”, the boss of the house
2. Counting out loud
“Where are we?”
Said someone very loudly every time a street sign with the km number came up.
CHILOMETRO UNO! CHILOMETRO DUE!!
We answered, with our best and loudest Navy Seal tone.
”English!”
Said someone else.
KILOMETRE ONE! KILOMETRE TWO!!!!
We shouted, again.
That went on until km 42. It was hilarious, and being tired made us even more giggly.
The finish line is coming up
Colourful indoor running for a little portion of the race
3. Venetian costumes
Staff and voluntaries dressed up in 18th century Venetian costumes helped the participants to get their bib number, or simply stood at the beginning and at the end of the marathon. Tourists loved it. And me too!
Venetian costumes are a must!
4. Venice is running to you
The marathon starts in Stra (a small country town about 25 km west of Venice), at the beginning of “Riviera del Brenta”. The first part of the route snakes in a beautiful landscape rich in vegetation and in marvelous Venetian villas facing on the waters of the river Brenta.
The race proceeds in the renewed harbor area of Venice and reaches the city center for the last kilometers, which are simply unique and unforgettable. Marathoners run next to the Giudecca Canal to Punta della Dogana, where they cross the Grand Canal on a floating bridge, especially built for the race. Passing through St. Mark’s Sq., by the Campanile and by the Doge’s Palace, the marathon route gets to the finish line located in Riva Sette Martiri.
So when you start seeing the famous city silhouette, you know you are getting close to the end. Goosebumps. Venezia becomes even more beautiful. You are getting there.
You are not running to it, it’s the city itself coming to you to welcome you with open arms!
The pacemakers said. I felt emotional.
5. The Food
Never was a carbo load as interesting as in an Italian marathon, and never was the post race dinner as delicious as in Le Calandre, the best restaurant in the area, located in Rubano, 46 km away.
No wonder this place has three Michelin stars.
As the chef’s motto says:
Like a needle pulling thread through a series of successive holes to create a delicate but sturdy seam, cuisine binds us together without us even realising it.
Max Alajamo.
With Max Alajmo, three Michelin stars
The first appetizer at Le Calandre