Rome marathon

Nowadays when places to running races sell out in the same speed as concert tickets you need to grab one when the sale starts to the popular races. In July 2025 I bought my spot to Rome marathon that happened 22nd March 2026. the day finally came and I looked a lot forward to visit Rome again. As you probably already know I am a big fan of Italy so spending a weekend there is always a pleasure.

Saturday

Pre race day and I arrived to the city at 9:30. Perfect, headed to my small hotel just about 500 meters from Colosseum dumped my North Face bag and went to pick up my race kit at the Roma Circus. Logistics worked like you count on in Italy but the 5K race was ongoing at the same time so also watched that a little. The vibes and excitement was there.

Walked a little to much like easily happen in big cities. Tried to not do but it is hard. Had lunch watching Pantheon. Passed by Fontana trevi and wondered where all these people came from and discussed over tourism with my fellow running buddy. Something we both also are part of. Went to a coffee place to get some Java and tiramisu. Strolled around a bit more from one plaza to another. Got our pre run breakfast from Carrefour. My friend gave up walking but I went to an apero place to read my book and have another drink.

Rested at the hotel a little before pre race pasta dinner at a random place near Colosseum. Was one of the best pastas I ever had. The place was filled with runners not so surprising when 36 000 participants was going to hit the start line 08:10 the next morning.

Race day

I didn’t rolled out of my bed very early. 06:30 I got a coffee, Keifir and half banana. Ready or not? It would soon show off. At least there was time for a last-last toilet visit and when our group started and we ran through green, white and red confetti I just felt happy. I did not had “the” feeling but it was fine. The legs needed some warmup and the spectators helped to get them started. One after one of the famous sights we passed by. It was special to run here. 6 kilometers was cobble stones and it was rolling hills from time to time.

Had picked the perfect shoes in my Adidas Adizero Boston I think. Not to soft and just perfect for the mixed running.

An absolute amazing moment was when we ran up on the street and then the Vatican City was just in front of us. This I will never forget. This small micro state. I saw they actually had a marathon the day after the Roma one. It was a good mix at the course. Major sights, along the river, in more quiet neighborhoods, narrow cobble stone streets, flat and straight avenues. Absolutely great.

Captured pictures throughout the run. Embraced and enjoyed the moment. Chatted with some Norwegians the last 14K and all of us had our ups and downs but helped each other to push through. The run was all about enjoying and run fast enough to be at the airport on time to catch the flight back.

Got a nice medal for the job. Be proud. Yes I’m proud over my legs that managed another run and that they doesn’t feel very damaged today the day after. Marathon 48 in the books. Thought it was 47 but counted. Soon 50. Don’t know how to celebrate that milestone. Think I will have a break from marathon running and racing now for a bit. Have sort of overdone it since last summer. Ask me again in a week I might have reconsidered. Roma marathon was absolutely another level. I could do it again and again but I will not do this one again. It’s enough to keep the good memories from Sunday 22 March 2026. They will stay forever.

/ Pernilla that was a happy finisher at Rome marathon