Running around Florence
Spring is almost here, and who doesn’t love to get some fresh air and take a walk alongside the Arno river? With the coming of the warm season, you can visit Florence’s most beautiful gardens or participate to the several sporting events scheduled in the next weeks. It begins with the Ecotrail on March 30th, the Italian edition of an international marathon that takes place every year in the main European capitals: Paris, Brussels, Stockholm and many other, until the amazing landscapes of Ireland. Two different courses twist and turn among the streets of the city: a trail of 80km for the most trained, and the other trail – in a manner of speaking – lighter of 43km.
The appointment is at Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can admire Florence’s monuments from above. Passing through San Miniato al Monte, you descend to the river bank and then climb up to wonderful Castel di Poggio. While the 80km arrives at a 2400 mt to Madonna del Sasso and Monte Senario, the 43km hikes up to Monte Fanna (1100mt) and then climbs down in the heart of Fiesole, which with its landscapes and hidden alleys will let you even more breathtaking. Finally, the descent towards the Cave di Maiano and then, with a final effort, you go back up the steps of Piazzale Michelangelo, the well-earned finish line that will repay the strain with a stunning view.
The second appointment is on April 7th with the Half Marathon, a recurring event where atlets hit the streets every year for a stimulating and competitive run. The Half Marathon of 21km articulates among the streets and squares of Florence: from Lungarno arrives at Piazza Santa Croce, passing through the historic centre and reaching the appealing atmospheres of the Oltrarno roads. Otherwise, it is possibible to participate in couple at the Run in 2. It’s another event with the same course of the Half Marathon, but there is a meeting point in Corso dei Tintori where the two runners that race together can switch up. A great occasion for team bulding, meeting new people and tiring less!
If you want to take it easy and stop to enjoy the landscape, you can participate at the Non competitive race 8km and spend a spring-like Sunday morning full of emotions, fun and cheerfulness.
In addition, on April 6th it takes place the Charity Walk, a stroll of solidarity open to children, families, adults and seniors. The perfect occasion to discover the centre of Florence at a slow speed and to support a project promoted by the Associazione Trisomia 21 Onlus, that has been operated beside people with the Down syndrome or with genetic mental disability and their families for forty years. The event with the slogan “My walk, My fun” takes place in the centre of Florence starting from Piazza Santa Croce, accompanied by a guide that will tell curiosities and stories.
For your stay we suggest you the Grand Hotel Adriatico and the Rivoli Boutique Hotel, two great choices a few steps away from the centre of Florence. After so much effort, all you need is a well-deserved rest! Our hotels and rooms have all the comforts right for you. Even better, there’s a special offer created for the runners – but also for who only wants to watch!
