[LeftRightRepeat]

As an 80th birthday present for my dad, the two DS's, Gator Girl, and I are taking him to Italy in a few weeks... Back to the home country and all. (His parents came over in 1901!)<br><br>
Can anyone recommend any fun running routes around Rome? Sorrento?

 

[RunningForT3]

Wherever there are no cars. I was scared to drive over there, I wouldn't walk in traffic areas. To be honest, haven't seen many runners, but a lot of cyclists. There were many green hills east of Rome, there must be some parks where you can run. In the center, there was this long ancient track, forgot the name... it was all covered with grass and pretty empty, probably half a mile long... close to the Collisseum.<br>
Maybe Sparty can help, she's been there more recently (I was last April, which is soooo long ago).

 

[juliemboyle]

DH and I went to Italy April 2006 for our 10 year anniversary. We did the Amalfi Coast (Positano) and Rome. I think Sorrento is similar to Positano regarding the hills........there was no where to run....the hills were incredible!<br><br>
I know there are some places in Rome to do it, but DH was terrified of me running there, so I skipped it. It was funny as the Italy trip was 2 weeks before my first Half Marathon and I was really worried that I would screw up my training.<br><br>
BUT, we walked everywhere, ate TONS of wonderful food (drank lots of yummy vino) and I didn't gain a pound!<br><br>
Have a great time, it is an AMAZING place, I can't wait to go back.

 

[pete_72]

Villa Borghese is a park in central Rome and had some runners on Sunday morning when we were there over New Year. Probably have to do a couple of laps of the park to get a 6 miler in. Looked a good place to run - wide tree lined paths and roads (we were walking - DW described it as romantic). You'll see it on any city plan. Where are you staying?

 

[hobey]

Speedwork at the Circus Maximus. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br>
You can always run up & down the Spanish Steps.<br><br>
Have fun! I'm so jealous.

 

[therambler]

Oh, man you guys are gonna have fun!!! Rome is such a great city, there's cool stuff around every corner, and under your feet!<br><br>
If you want a good route in Rome, Look at the Rome Marathon Course. <a href="http://www.maratonadiroma.it/eng/percorso/percorso_en.asp" target="_blank">http://www.maratonadiroma.it/eng/per...ercorso_en.asp</a><br><br>
It basically takes you by every major tourist destination in the city. I did it in 2006 and I think that course is the best way to see the city!<br><br>
A good pedestrian area to run is South of the Tiber Island (kind of by the Monument to the reunification) It's all blocked off so no traffic can get in, It's a neat little area.<br><br>
Another great place is right along the river. There are nice wide streets on either side with wide sidewalks. It is pretty incredible to run along especially if you take the bridge into the Vatican.<br><br>
Make sure you run at least one of The 7 hills. It gives you a different perspective on the city!<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[SpartyGirl]

I second Villa Borghese, it's kind of a Roman version of Central Park. Also, along the river where there are pedestrian friendly paths close to the water.

 

[ericd256]

didn't someone just go to rome over the holidays?

 

[SpartyGirl]

Me<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> It was fabulous-although I must admit I didn't run while I was there...I was on a total vacation and walking the city w/all of its hills was good enough for me!

 

[Kate60]

Sounds like fun. My experience has been I never run as much as I think I will when I travel, too much other fun stuff to do! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[jkaiser20]

I put Rome low on the list of places on earth I would visit again. Dirty, crowded, expensive. But, if you are into history, it is worth it. LRR, there are enough ancient things in that city that you might feel young!<br><br>
I don't recall seeing any runners while there. I can get on board with smaller towns in Italy. We spent a week going across Tuscany a couple years ago, and the smaller towns were really nice. There I saw runners.<br><br>
Remember though, I am one of the most uncultured people around.

 

[Tithers]

I recommend you run in a speedo.

 

[neil donnelly]

Hi John<br><br>
I love Italy especially the coast along from Sorrento to Amalfi<br><br>
The last holiday DW and I had before we had the kids (She was 5 months pregnant at the time) was to rome and sorrento . I wasnt running at the time but we did walk an awful lot - One possible run route from Sorrento is heading out of town and keeping the sea on your right towards Massa Lubrense There is a couple of roads that lead right down to the coast Off the top of my head I cannot remember the actual distances but it was really beautiful<br><br>
I bought a book before we went out there - I think it was called Walking in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast - I have it at home so I will let you know the actual details - But it has loads of walks in the area (which would easily translate into running routes )<br><br>
I am sure you will have the whole trip planned but if you get a chance take a trip out to Capri and wander around the island - even when we went in the height of summer it was really packed in the main town square but go 2-3 minutes in any direction and there is nobody around<br><br>
ANother great place is Positano and AMalfi and Ravello further around the coast - We took the local market bus to get there which was an experience in itself<br><br>
I will try and get the name of thta book as it has loads of good information<br>
Neil

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

This is my memory as well from being there once a long time ago...<br><br>
In Rome, we've rented an apartment sorta near the Spanish Steps.<br><br>
Not sure I'm trained up for the marathon but... Good tips, thanks!<br><br>
I <i>love</i> running when I travel. I run early, before the rest of the family is up. I've had some of my most memorable runs early mornings on trips. Neil - one of my <i>most</i> memorable has been running through the colleges of Cambridge, England!!<br><br>
This image scares even me.<br><br>
I've been to the isle before - but I don't think we'll make it this trip. Walking books are a good idea to check out - thanks for that!<br><br>
Thank you all for responses!!

 

[hobey]

Been digging up some of the eats gems we visited in Rome a few years back from my blog. Me, I prefer Tuscany (BD & I spent 7 days biking through) but Rome is great from a historic standpoint as JK mentioned.<br><br>
A few great places....<br><br>
'Gusto Pizzeria (Piazza Augusto Imperatore 9, Rome)<br>
Il Gelato di San Crispino (Via della Panetteria 42, Rome)<br>
Pizzeria da Baffetto (Via del Governo Vecchio 114, Rome)<br>
Trattoria Matricianella (Via del Leone 3/4, Rome)

 

[Stitcher]

I've never ever eaten better than when I was in Italy.<br>
Oy!<br>
It was magnificent!<br><br>
I'm hoping to be in Greece or Croatia this summer.....<br>
love Greek food (I'm pretty sure..)<br>
What style of food might I see along the Dalmation coast of Croatia?<br>
Anyone have an idea?

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

You don't get to choose where your family comes from. Both Rome and Sorrento are a bit of a compromise for my Napolitano father. We'll be spending time in Benevento as well - where the "family farm" remains.

 

[hobey]

Yeah, there is that. Heck any time in Italy is time well spent, for me at least. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[pete_72]

if you're staying nr the Spanish steps, you're a 3 minute walk (not brochure talk!!) from Villa Borghese.<br><br>
Bob's your uncle.