The Pisa Half Marathon is one of the fastest half marathons in Italy that courses through the most suggestive place of the city, from San Rossore Park to the world-famous Leaning Tower. The weather was lovely, clear blue skies and sunshine but also a cool temperature making perfect running conditions.
A group of the Harrier girls travelled to Pisa in Italy at the weekend for the Pisa Half marathon. Cheryl Thomas, Liz Gemmell and Fiona Macfarlane completed the Pisa Half whilst potential future Harrier Elaine Anley took on the full Pisa Marathon.
The race starts from Miracles Square in the centre of Pisa, finishing next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, at Baptister line. Athletes run the path measured by FIDAL, Italian Athletic Federation (departure, riversides, district of Porta a Mare, La Vettola, San Piero a Grado, via Bigattiera, Tirrenia and Marina di Pisa, Viale d’Annunzio, Porta a Mare, Bridge of Cittadella, via Roma, Via Santa Maria, dei Miracoli and Piazza).
The Pisa Marathon lies between art, history and nature and is a flat (elevation of under 60 metres) and fast route. After the first kilometre runners cross the Natural Park of San Rossore and if doing the half, veer off and head back whilst the marathon runners continue to the sea and then return along the Arno, the historic river, and arrive under the Leaning Tower!
The event offers a 4 mile race, Half Marathon and Marathon. The event has pacers for anyone chasing a PB who run with balloons tied to their backs with their times scribbled on.
Liz Gemmell was first Harrier home in an impressive time of 1:39, followed by Fiona Macfarlane (1:43) and Cheryl Thomas (1:50) All girls were delighted to complete the course.
Elaine completed the marathon in a time of 4:07 taking 12 minutes off her previous PB.
Pisa has so much to offer and was the perfect way to end 2023.
For any Harrier looking for a bit of winter sun and a scenic marathon, then this event’s for you.
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