EVENTSUMMARY

FACTS &FIGURES

Maratona Di Roma is one of the top marathons to run in 2013 and an ideal trip for anyone fascinated by thousands of years of history, culture, and artistic treasures. Starting at the Colosseum, the route is relatively flat and encapsulates all the city’s well-known attractions –Trevi Fountain, Stadio Olympico, Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square, Spanish Steps, Roman Forum and Piazza Navona. This race is more of an outdoor museum than a marathon. The unforgettable warmth and hospitality from fellow runners and volunteers will ensure your memories here at Maratona Di Roma will last a lifetime.

All roads lead to Rome, and when you finish you will be pleased they do.

Event: Rome MarathonDate: 14th-17th March 2014 Distance: 26.2 MilesMinimum Age: 18

COSTS

Registration Fee: £145.00Fundraising Target: £995.00

Your Fundraising Target is due on the 17th January 2014

TRIPITINERARY

SATURDAY 15TH MARCH

FRIDAY 14TH MARCH

Depart the UK and arrive in the Italian capital, Rome late afternoon. You will be collected by a Choose a Challenge representative at the airport and chaperoned to the hotel. After an arrival briefing and staff introductions, Friday is free for you to explore the city. If you need to do any last minute shopping, there are plenty of shops to provide energy bars & gels and other running accessories - simply ask your Choose a Challenge rep to point you in the right direction.

A gentle jog for your final preparation is recommended today but don’t overdo itwe can’t have you injuring yourself before the big day. Breakfast is included at our hotel in the morning, after which you can spend the day exploring “The Eternal City”. With sights and sounds round every corner, there is no better way to explore Rome than by foot. This evening everyone will gather for our pre-race pasta meal in preparation for the 26.2 miles ahead. It’s an opportunity to meet the fellow runners and exchange knowledge, stories and good banter.

Following dinner we will all make our way to the marathon briefing where we will receive our official Maratona Di Roma t-shirts, running chip and other goodies having let one of our reps impart all their marathon secrets for you to put to good use tomorrow. Relax this evening as tomorrow morning’s an early start!

Breakfast and dinner included

Today you will be able to enjoy a well-deserved lie in after running the wonderful Rome marathon. This will be your final day to relax, shop and bask in the glory of this magnificent city. You will transfer back to the airport in the afternoon for your return international flight.

Breakfast included

Up early to indulge in a hearty breakfast and a protein shake – today’s the big one. We will depart early from the hotel to ensure we are present, registered and ready to run. The race itself is organised professionally with spectacular sights along the way. Every 5km there are refreshment stations providing water, energy drinks and later sponge and fruit stations. The last few kilometres tackle a few gentle inclines and descents, but when you spot the Colosseum on the home stretch it provides the last lift you need to make it through the finish line. Surrounded by an international cheering crowd, we will freshen up and prepare ourselves for a night of celebrations. Ensure you stretch thoroughly or you will regret it tomorrow!

Breakfast included

SUNDAY 16TH MARCH - RACE DAY!

MONDAY 17TH MARCH

TRIPITINERARYTRIPITINERARY

ROME IN 72 HOURS…

You might be in Rome to run a gruelling 26.2 mile race but hey, Rome is one of the world’s great cities! Whilst you’re here why not…

CHECK OUT THE COLOSSEUM &ROMAN FORUMDating back to AD 70, this amphitheatre was once an arena for slaughter on a mass scale. The Colosseum reveals epic stories of battles between gladiators, prisoners, slaves and wild animals, and remains a vital part of Roman culture.

WATCH THE WORLD GO BY ONTHE SPANISH STEPS

Full of elegant cafes and hotels, The Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) is one of the most famous images in the world. At the foot of it you will find the Barcaccia Fountain – a monument to recall the story of the historic flood in 1598. Legend has it the fountain is a replication of a fishing boat found at that

exact spot.

MAKE A WISH AT THE TREVI FOUNTAINVisit the dramatic Fontana di Trevi, the world’s most famous fountain and one of the most beautiful cultural landmarks in Rome. Although the glistening waters may look refreshing, plunging in for a dip is strictly against local bylaws – so don’t get to carried away!

SAVE THE CARDINAL!TRACK THE ANGELS & DEMONS SET

A great way to capture most of the cities hotspots, follow Robert & Vittoria’s route along the Pantheon, Piazza

Novana and Sistine Chapel across the city and re-enact their attempts to save the Cardinal!

TAKE A PIZZA MAKING MASTER CLASSFeeling adventurous? Rome is home to the world’s most delicious pizza. If you’re looking to impress your friends

and family back at home at that next Come Dine with Me, there are many of Roman cooks who will teach you how

to prepare real Italian pizza.

MEET THE NEW POPE AT VATICAN CITYTake a stroll around St Peter’s Square and admire St Peter’s Basilica – one of the world’s largest churches with a maximum capacity of 60,000! Although the Pope’s official seat is St. John’s Lateran, most of the papal ceremonies are held here at St Peter’s.

YOUR QUESTIONS...What’s included in the trip?Please refer to the trip itinerary for specific inclusions and exclusions.

What’s not included in the cost of the trip?The following are not included in your challenge and will be at your own expense: tips and gratuity for the local support staff, personal travel insurance, items of a personal nature including souvenirs and telephone calls, any additional meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, country visa, travel to and from UK meeting points.

How much do I have to fundraise to take part?The fundraising target for each event varies. Please refer to the itinerary for further fundraising details.

How much of the amount I fundraise goes to the charity? The cost varies between each event. We can guarantee that at least 50% of the minimum fundraising target will always be donated directly to the charity. Whilst the cost will remain the same, some charities increase their fundraising target in which case on occasions well over 60% will be donated directly to the charity.

How big is the group?The group size may vary, but you’ll be part of a team of at least 20 runners taking part with Choose a Challenge.

What is the accommodation like?All accommodation will be in good quality 2-3 hotels. We have a good relationship with our suppliers who offer safe, secure and comfortable accommodation suitable for large groups. Rooms will be used on a twin/triple sharing basis unless otherwise stated.

Do I need a Visa to take part?If you are a British National holding a British Passport, you do not need a visa to travel to Europe, however you do need to ensure you are carrying your passport with you.

If you are a non-British National, please contact the relevant country embassy to enquire whether you will need a visa to travel. Additionally, visit http://www.contiki.com/contikipedia/articles/visas-travelling-to-europe for information on all visa entry requirements.

Do I need special running equipment?Before taking part in the race, it is advised to seek advice from a specialist running shop. Each individual has a slightly different running technique, from transition to toe-off. Many Running shops offer a one-to-one service to analyse your running gait and find the most suitable shoes for you. Spandex and micro-polyester clothes are recommended for running as they absorb the sweat quickly, however this is dependent on your own running preferences.

How much would you recommend as spending money? You will not need a significant amount of spending money since some of your meals and event activities are covered in the cost of the event. We suggest you bring a cash card capable of withdrawing money abroad (check with your bank about charges). You will only need money for additional food & drinks, gifts & souvenirs and any extra activities you wish to partake in. €125-150 should be sufficient.

What if I can’t complete the marathon?If you injure yourself along the way or simply cannot finish the race, be sure to pull yourself off to the side as to not get in another runners way. If you can, take public transport to the agreed meeting point after the finish line. Alternatively make your way back to the hotel and inform us by text to let us know you are safe.

What if I get injured whilst I’m running?Medical experts are available throughout the course. Whether your hamstrings begin to cramp and you need a hand stretching, or you seriously injure yourself en route, paramedics and ambulances will be nearby.

When should I start thinking about training?Whether you are already relatively fit or starting from scratch, running a marathon requires months of preparation. We recommend a 24 week training programme to ensure you complete the full 26.2 miles. There are a plethora of training schedules online depending on your current ability.

What if I get thirsty during the race?All races will provide water and isotonic drinks every few kilometers unless otherwise stated in the race itinerary. During the race itself there will be signs providing you with notice that a refreshment station is ahead. There will be helpers distributing the water from the sidelines and it’s easy to grab the bottle or cup without interrupting your pace.

Where do I put my personal belongs during the race?We would recommend you keep all personal belongs locked in your safety box in the hotel. If your hotel does not have a safe, be sure to keep your passport and any other personal belongings in a locked suitcase kept in your room. At the start of the race we will collect any jumpers/jogging bottoms and other clothes you do not wish to run in, and deliver them back to you after you finish.

What support can I expect from the Choose a Challenge team?Choose a Challenge will meet you at the airport, transfer you directly to your where we will offer you an introductory briefing to the city and the itinerary ahead. During the trip we can help organise city activities and tours, we will conduct an in depth race briefing, organise starting and finishing points and celebrate in style with the group in the evening of the race.

What’s Included• Return flights from London to Rome.• Airport transfers to and from your hotel.• Comfortable hotel accommodation in Rome on a bed and breakfast basis.• Pre- race carbo- loading dinner.• In country marathon briefing on how to tackle the race.• Race number, official marathon t- shirt & timing chip.• Marathon entry fees.• Post- marathon celebrations. • A certificate of completion.• Training tips from leisure training experts.• Services of professional English speaking Choose a Challenge representatives.• 24/7 support and emergency line available throughout the itinerary.

What’s Not Included• Tips and gratuities.• Travel Insurance.• Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs and telephone calls.• Alcoholic / soft drinks.• Country visa (if applicable – please check entry requirements).• Meals not included in the itinerary.

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