Palermo Marathon, 16th November 2025

Better late than never, Lucy Ward has recovered enough to send us a few words about her marathon achievements this year, finishing with a trip to Sicily to run in teh Palermo marathon:

“Finally I’ve got marathons out of my system (….I think ?)! What a way to end the journey, in Italy.

15 years and 12 done. I managed 7 this year in my personal 2025 challenge, so that’ll do.

Rob and I aren’t well travelled so for this one, why not do a mini tour of Italy and chuck in a marathon in Sicily whilst we’re at it. ?

We actually picked Sicily as somewhere warmer than the UK in Nov and with a Parkrun alphabet we needed. U for Uditore in Palermo….. as it happened we didn’t need a U as Ushaw happened. Oh well.

Anyway we survived the 5 accommodations, numerous transfers, the night train (which included a ferry ?), even survived being ordered off a train in the outskirts of Naples (scary), meeting the mafia and not eating much more than croissants, expresso, pasta and pizza. Just as well there was a marathon.

I loved this one, so a great way to end things. The climate helped my arthritis, it was the right type of warm. The event included a half, who were starting just behind the marathon, which, putting myself at the back, felt a bit intimidating (see pic)!
The course was 2 laps and mixed between parkland and the city itself. We even ran through a royal palace.
Not my fastest not my slowest but possibly the loveliest, if marathons can be lovely.

Not sure walking 2 miles to get on a night train that evening was wise, but it was amazing, and well, who sleeps after a marathon anyhooo!

Thank you marathons and goodnight!”

Lucy completed the marathon in 4 hours 31 minutes – well done. Now enjoy Christmas and have a rest!