Florence Marathon 2024

Florence is one of the most legendary cities in Italy 🇮🇹. Everyone knows Rome, the capital, Venice as the city of love ❤️, and Milan for fashion and soccer ⚽. Florence (or Firenze, as it's locally known 🗣️), stands as the city of the Renaissance, a period that witnessed numerous timeless artists shaping the history of painting and sculpture 🎨. Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo 👼 and even Leonardo da Vinci were all either born in or near Florence. The city also plays a significant role in sports; Fiorentina is a powerhouse of Italian football, the city districts compete annually in a calcio fiorentino tournament (a game unique to the city 🌆), and the highlight being the Florence Marathon, drawing countless runners from all over Italy 🇮🇹 and Europe 🇪🇺 year after year to tackle legendary distances.

The Firenze Marathon has been a tradition since 1984, offering marathoners a chance to explore the City of Lilies ⚜️ across the 42 km course. The route is known for being particularly smooth 🛼, making it ideal for beginners or those looking to break their record ⏱. The marathon route focuses on the city's northern part, crossing the Arno river, a central element of the race 🌊. You'll run numerous kilometers alongside this river, crossing several iconic bridges along the way. First, you'll cross the Ponte alla Vittoria, commemorating the battle of Vittorio Veneto, crucial in the First World War. A few kilometers ahead, you'll pass through the city's oldest and most famous bridge: the Ponte Vecchio 😍, a medieval bridge that houses several shops, including jewelers and goldsmiths 💎. Next is the Ponte alle Grazie, offering a lovely view of the tower of Piazza della Signoria, an important public square in Florence. The last bridge your shoes will touch: the Ponte San Nicolo. Along the way, you'll notice the roads are mainly made of tightly fitted, wide cobblestones, perfect for running. This area is largely pedestrian, making it an excellent setting for the participants 👍. You'll also catch sight of the city's monuments, like the Artemio Franchi Stadium 🏟️, the Fortezza da Basso, or the Basilica of Santa Croce ⛪. Additionally, you'll run through the Cascine Park, the city's largest public park. Here, you can spot the statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of unified Italy 🤴. The race starts and finishes near the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo), a symbol of the city and the fourth largest cathedral in Europe 🏆.

After the race, you can visit the cathedral (but only after changing into proper attire - appropriate dress is required for both men and women 👗). This will also be an opportunity to visit some museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery or the Academy Gallery 🖼, where Michelangelo's famous David is displayed. The sculpture is so awe-inspiring that many visitors have experienced a sort of hysteria upon seeing it. Watch out! 😜 Interestingly, this overwhelming reaction to art is medically known as the Florence syndrome. It makes sense given the city's deep connection to art! 👆 If sculpture isn't exactly your cup of tea 🫖 and you prefer the beauty of Mother Nature 🍃, head to the Boboli Gardens, a true breath of fresh air in the city. The Bardini Garden also offers an incredible view of the city, along with gorgeous flowers 🌻, making it an unbeatable dating spot. Finally, we recommend the vast San Lorenzo Market, where you can try all sorts of specialties made with tripe 🙃.

Speaking of food, did you know that Tuscany is famous for its diverse gastronomy? 🙃 The region is vast, so dishes are categorized into three families: those from the Maremma, coastal dishes, and those from inland. Still, you'll find lots of similarities across the region: olive oil 🫒 (Tuscany is renowned for its quality) and aromatic herbs 🌿 are staples in Tuscan dishes, including Florentine specialties. A typical meal often includes fettunta (unsalted bread with garlic 🧄😋) and starts with an appetizer of Crostini, the local version of liver pâté. For the main course, we recommend trying Ribollita, a hearty vegetable stew perfect for replenishing your energy after a challenging race. If you prefer meat, the region is also known for the quality of its beef 🥩. End your meal with almond biscuits and a little wine 🍷 (to be enjoyed in moderation). Buon appetito! 🤤

Bibs sell out quickly! So, even if you don't have any "flow(rence)" when you run, book now for the Firenze Marathon! 🏃‍♀️ And remember, if you're not up for a full marathon, you can always opt for the equally spectacular Florence Half Marathon.