ROME MARATHON
MARCH 13 - 17, 2025
Interested or have questions? Complete the contact form at the bottom of the page or email team@activeodysseys.com
TRAIN. TRAVEL. TRIUMPH.
Overview
Rome is one of those places that not only lives up to our pre-arrival expectations, but manages to exceed them. This is a trip for runners, companions, emperors and gladiators alike. And just think of those carb-loading opportunities.
HOTEL
The 4-star Hotel Pace Helvezia is in the top tier of hotels in the city. Centrally located just a 15-minute walk from the start / finish line and a stone’s throw from the famed Piazza Venezia, it is the perfect blend of classic elegance, charm and comfort. And their breakfast is a bona fide Italian version of pre-race fuel. You’ll look back fondly at those morning coffees on the rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline…
TOUR DIRECTOR
A Rome-based Tour Director will be with our group from arrival to departure. Our Tour Directors are the best in the industry and appreciate the unique importance of the trip to our guests. They are passionate about helping everyone realize both their travel and their running dreams. They know the best places to eat, drink, shop, and visit. They share stories that only a local can. Your Tour Director will have a truly indelible impact on your trip.
MARATHON
Starting and finishing in the shadow of the iconic Roman Colosseum, the course is a mostly flat 26.2 miles of an outdoor museum that takes in some of the most inspiring sights of any marathon in the world, including St Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Circus Maximus (where the people racing at least got to use horses and carts). Prepare for a sore neck to match your sore legs after you take in the sights along the route.
Itinerary
Thursday March 13 - Arrive in Rome by your own means (be sure to book an overnight flight departing on March 12 if coming from the U.S.) and transfer to the beautiful, 4-star Pace Helvezia (help with how to get there will be provided). Meet the Active Odysseys team and the rest of the runners and companions. Start exploring the wonders of this unrivalled historic city on a leisurely orientation walk with our Rome-based Tour Director, who will be with our group for the duration of the trip. Tonight, we will meet for a welcome reception and an overview of the upcoming adventures.
Friday, March 14 - Opt to join a morning shake-out run. After breakfast, a local guide will join us for a private walking tour, sharing local insights into the history and culture of the city that go far beyond the guide books. We will build in time to treat our tastebuds to some local culinary delights before heading over together to the marathon expo at the Palazzo dei Congressi to collect our race bibs. Return to the hotel from the expo at your leisure and then use the rest of the evening to fall in love even more with the modern Roman way of life.
Saturday, March 15 - Opt to join a morning shake-out run. After breakfast, we will have a free day to explore the wonders of the Eternal City. A visit to the Vatican will be high on most people’s list, but our Tour Director will also provide unrivaled local knowledge and suggestions to ensure that we can see, eat (and possibly buy) the very best that Rome has to offer at the best price. Or, if you prefer, you can choose to stick with the group for the day visiting some local highlights. Tonight, the itinerary includes a 3-course dinner in an authentic local restaurant. Then get some sleep…
Sunday, March 16 - Race Day! The start line is a 15-minute shakeout walk away. Non-running companions will be given the best advice on where to shake their cowbells. After triumphing in your race, the Active Odysseys team will help you get back safely to the hotel. Opt to swap stories with the rest of the group in a post-race celebration near the hotel before enjoying your last, so well-deserved Italian dinner (our Tour Director can give you some amazing suggestions and make reservations).
Monday, March 17 - You did it! Wear your medal with pride as you make your own way to the airport or on to more adventures in Europe.
What’s included:
Guaranteed race entry (at additional cost).
Four nights' accommodation at the 4-star Pace Helvezia in Rome.
Daily breakfast at the hotel.
All hotel taxes.
Full-time Rome-based Tour Director and support of on-site Active Odysseys staff, including founder Chris Montgomery.
Welcome reception on arrival day.
Private guided sightseeing tour.
Transport to the expo for number pickup.
Escort to the race start line and from the finish line.
3-course pre-race dinner on Saturday evening in a local restaurant.
Initial coaching consultation with certified coach Chris Montgomery (runner-guests only).
8 optional bi-weekly, virtual group-coaching sessions in the lead up to the race (runner-guests only).
what’s not included:
Anything not mentioned above, but specifically:
Flights - guests are responsible for arranging their own flights.
Travel Insurance - guests are strongly encouraged to take out their own international travel insurance.
Travel Documentation - guests are responsible for ensuring they possess a valid passport and any additional documentation needed for the trip.
Transport between Rome airport (FCO) and Pace Helvezia hotel. Please request this additional service (for arrival and / or departure) if needed.
Tour Director gratuities - while tips are at your own discretion and are not mandatory, they are an industry-standard component of a Tour Director’s income in Europe, much like for workers in the service industry in the U.S. A customary tip for a “job well done” by our Tour Director for the entire Rome trip would be $60 per person. They will be worth every cent!
Any extra hotel nights or services not listed above - please let us know if you want any help extending your stay.
PRICING
Twin / Double Room: $1349 per person
Single Room: $1499 per person
Race Bib (if applicable): additional $100 per bib.
Event Information
Race Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025.
Marathon Start Time: 8:30am
Weather: Average temperature at end of race: 55°F / 13°. Average temperature at start of race: 48°F / 9°C
Eligibility: Must be over 20 on race day
Time Limit: 6 hours 30m
These folks seemed to have a pretty spectacular time…
