I love running in scenic places

Running in Italy is not only a fascinating endeavor for the terrain, the sights, the culture and the many trail options; it is also a spiritual experience

My wife Michelle and I love running in scenic places. From our original home in California, and present surroundings in the American Midwest, to various cities in Europe, where we have participated in various marathons. In 2007 we ran in Rome, and fell instantly in love with that experience. The streets were closed to traffic so we could run with views not normally accessible, and that, plus the fabulous crowds, was exhilarating.

Rome Marathon finish

We went back at Christmas time and spent a week in Tuscany. We would rise early and jog through the streets and alleys of San Gimignano, with its wonderful character and medieval look and feel - it was as if one were running in the Middle Ages. Very special.

Running in San Gimignano

In 2010 I ran a half marathon at Lago Maggiore, from Verbania to Stresa. The sights are stunning and the ambience is Italian "original" - laughter, camaraderie, fun and filled with good times before and after. The boat ride from Stresa to the race start was a scenic and happy prelude to the sights and sounds that colored the 21 mile course. When I visit friends near Novara, I love going to the Ticino valley. I start off at La Picchetta, at Cameri, and jog down river along the natural boardwalk, with the beautiful views of the alps and the fresh Piemontese air filling my heart and lungs with energy.

Jog in La Picchetta

I am a better and happier runner because I have experienced those thrilling jogs in that beautiful Country. I can't wait until my next. What makes it always special is how Italians make us always feel at home, always convey joy, and quickly become friends. Running in Italy is not only a fascinating endeavor for the terrain, the sights, the culture and the many trail options; it is also a spiritual experience - a taste of nature and civilization which has endured for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years, in the same form we experience it today. There is something very special about that. One cannot really define it in words. It must be felt; and then you never forget it.

Steve Bigatti

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I love running in scenic places