Can I go running in Rome?
 

I'm training for a road race that takes place the week after we get back from Italy. Everything I've read says that Italians wear shorts only at resort towns/beaches. Running 10 miles in pants (in the heat) would be unbearable. Would it be acceptable to wear shorts for 2 hours as we run? No tourist stops along the way. Or should we just suck it up and climb steps for our exercise this week?

Hi RG - No problem. Lots of people go running around Villa Borghese - that would be the best place in central Rome. You wouldn't want to run the streets, that's for sure ...

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Of course you can wear shorts to run. You will see that a lot of Italian do the same, expecially in parks.

There are runners in Rome and they wear shorts. We were in Rome in April - and my husband ran every day in his shorts. The Villa Borghese is a large park that will provide ample room for your runs.
Since you are an avid runner, you might be interested in Sight Jogging. www.sightjogging.it
My husband did the Spanish Steps to Vatican run and reports that it was one of the best vacation experiences he's had anywhere. The guide/trainer is an art history major and had lots of good information as they cruised through town.
The other good news for runners is that there are water fountains everywhere.

Thanks! Sorry if that was a silly question... I remember now that Runner's World magazine actually had routes around Rome. I'm going to look that up..and pack my shorts!

We were in the Pincio Gardens (the ones referred to here around the Borghese)on a beautiful Saturday and it was full of runners. The streets are wide with no cars and tree lined. It was so lovely and peaceful and many acres. You'll love it.

my husband and son ran while we were in Rome wearing running shorts and tee shirts or singlets. the big joke was that they ran around an entire country (the vatican!)