I chose to run the Lake Garda Marathon principally to run in beautiful surroundings. And it is indeed beautiful with the first 20 miles of the course following the shoreline either on the road or by the cycle path. The (new for 2014) course starts in Malcesine, goes south to Brenzone, returns to Malcesine then along to Torbole (where the 15 and 30k runners finish)and then on to Riva and finishes back in Torbole. It's a small marathon with only 402 finishers in 2014 and so there's no chance of getting crowed out, In fact, it's quite the opposite and not easy to find someone to pace with if you wish. The course at the last 6 miles is less scenic but still attractive in parts. For a small marathon, the support is excellent with lots of water, sports drinks, bananas, cakes! and sponge stations. The medal was fine and there are hot showers close by which was very welcome as the weather heated up during the late morning. The administration was adequate but the website was not updated and so there was very little up to date information. A map with the 42 kilometres set out would have been very helpful as the map on the website was incomplete. Results were however emailed the same evening. These are small grumbles in what was otherwise a wonderful race. It was my 10th marathon and what a wonderful setting for number 10. I would love to race there again.

Outstanding beautiful setting for a marathon. Considering you are surrounded by mountains it is a surprisingly flat course, but be prepared for a slight rise over the last few Kilometers into Malcesine. Did a PB so I can't complain. Very well organised for a relativly small marathon, ample water/sport drinks, bananas and biscuits to go round. If you rely on spectators to encourage you round you will be in trouble as the roads between the villages are deserted but well enough supported within them. Don't rely on your GPS as there are lot of tunnels and you keep loosing reception but what the heck you are that busy looking around when you are in the open you can be forgiven about checking your pace and it appears to look after itself anyway. I stayed in Limone (where the marathon starts) which was ideal as I didn't have to stress about getting onto a crowded boat at 7:00am, get a good breakfast at a reasonable time and dander up to the start at my leisure. Getting back, from the finish in Malcesine, was simple as the ferry is free, on race day, for all runners and they put on extra boats. In essance if you want to do a PB in one of the most beautiful parts of the world (and at a reasonable cost) this has to be on your agenda.

Very beautiful flat marathon.Running along the lake, through tunnels, by vineyards, through old European city streets makes this a must do marathon.This was my 9th European marathon and one of the nicest. It is located in small resort town on Lake Garda. It was neat taking the ferry across the lake for the start. Great weather this year!