This year, the city of Rome marathon will take place on 13 March. The 42-km race will start and finish in Via dei Fori Imperiali, with the route encompassing the citys main monuments and historic sites.

Registration costs e45 and the deadline is 28 Feb. Over 5,000 people have already registered, including some 100 disabled participants. To register you need to present a completed entry form, payment and a self-signed health certificate, which can be downloaded from www.maratonadiroma.it and completed either online or sent by fax. For more information contact Italia Marathon Club, tel. 064065064, fax. 064065063.

The marathon village, where runners can pick up their bib numbers and race packet, will open from 9 to 12 March at Paraparioli, in Largo Sergio Leone, off Via del Pentathlon (near Villa Ada). The village will also contain stands, sports facilities and entertainment.

If 42 km sounds like too much of a strain, the 5 km Stradacitt fun run will set off immediately following the start of the marathon. The route will take in Piazza Venezia, Bocca della Verit, Teatro di Marcello, Circo Massimo, and the Colosseo. Registration is e5 and can be completed at the marathon village.