Italian Marathon Memorial Enzo Ferrari

This is a very poorly run marathon. Multiple e-mails and faxes went unanswered, and the advertised 30k actually turns out to be over 2 miles further than 30k, though this isn't apparent from the Web Site. Very unprofessional.

This is a great little marathon and half for anyone wanting to experience running away from big city events in a beautiful part of Italy. The organisation team do a really great job, from the registration in Carpi to the start in Maranello and finish in Carpi. Good organisation, friendly support and a flat, fast course make this a good choice for runners at both marathon and half marathon. Highlight has to be running through the Military Academy in Modena - great memory.

About 2,500 runners turned out to relive Dorando Pietri's heroic failure in the London Olympics of 1908. Six vintage Ferraris led the race from their hometown start line in Maranello along a winding and often rural course to a splendid finish in Dorando's hometown of Carpi. Plenty of spectators in the towns and villages, although often they were surprisingly quiet, unless they recognized someone (then all hell broke loose in Italian style). Water and iso-tonic drinks every 5K, and sponges alternating kept us cool - with the 25C heat, we needed them! Highlight was running through the Military Academy in Modena. Stunningly beautiful, and the route lined with soldiers in dress uniform was awesome. The finish was very well organized, with a high-quality medal and T-shirt. Beware of The hotel President near the Corregio; they bumped 12 people who had reservations there and sent us to a hotel 15 miles away. That was not good for getting to and from the race. DO NOT book there. Worth doing, even if you are not a Ferrari nut.