More from Venice ….

[Shake-and-run]

Sandie1961 has already given you the detailed report, so here are my highlights.

It was a delightful morning, very typically Italian with no one knowing what was going on but everything turning out fine. We joined the many thousands before it was light and queued for ages for a toilet, being bitten by mosquitoes as we waited. There seemed to be no pens or order, just competitive and non-competitive so it was all about shuffling forward until we crossed the line. It then became apparent that a lot of people enter the Venice marathon, not to run it but to walk, so I spent the first 3kms trying to dodge around walkers, some with rucksacks, some with buggies and many with poles. Needless to say there was no lane discipline. We saw a lot of the industrial side of Venice before reaching the picturesque part and a new challenge, 14 canals to be crossed. There were ramps but they were steep and narrow and a great spot for more congestion. I really enjoyed the circuit of St Mark’s Square and was happy to see the finish line just as the first half marathon runners was coming past (shouting Passo, Passo to clear their way). A race that was very different, bit frustrating but quite amazing.

Now chillling at the hotel before going in search of a post-run banana (that hopefully looks a lot like a big bowl of Italian ice-cream).

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

What an experience! It sounds fascinating and most definitely unique Shakes! Enjoy that healthy ‘banana’!

[Cmoi Graduate10]

Glad you enjoyed the experienceShake-and-run - sounds like fun, apart from the mosquitoes!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Very well done Shake-and-run , it sounds like complete madness but what an experience! You given us all a new idea for a girly weekend away. Maybe without the last minute cancelled flight and having to change hotels. Enjoy the rest of your city break.

[Runnerno Graduate10]

Wow what an amazing experience very well done Shake-and -run & thanks for sharing with the rest of us

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Amazing! What an adventure! Hope you found a suitable 'banana' 😍

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Sounds and looks just fabulous! Well done both of you 👍

Where next?

[Shake-and-run Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Sandie was looking at a 10k in Paris in March earlier!!!!! I think we would need med certs for that one.

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Shake-and-run]

Someone on the forum a few years ago posted about racing in Europe and how they got the medical certificate. It sounded a fairly straightforward process but it probably depends on your GP surgery and how efficient they are.