Running/petty crime in Italy (related topics, believe it or not)

I've never been, but I understand that there are lots of cobblestone streets/plazas. Maybe this calls for 100-200m speedwork on local brick/cobble surface prior to your trip, to acclimate properly?

I've never been to Sorrento, but I can speak for the other places. Let me first wish you a wonderful time- it surely won't disappoint.

Running is by far the best way to see and explore new places. There is no comparison. My advice is to get off the breaten path. Don't do laps around the Colosseum (though do go see it- it's RIGHT next to the train station..a little strange), and don't do 200 reps on the boardwalk next to the bridge of sighs. In Venice, its obviously more difficult, but elsewhere- get out of town.

Not sure how serious you are about catching the 'perps', but in terms of threat, I've never felt any more threatened on a run in Italy than I have in some places in the US. Running is respected worldwide, often much moreso than in the US. Running in Siena, there are often springs along side the road where people fill their pitchers- and every time I stopped for a drink, the whole crowd, sometimes of 20 or more, would step aside and allow me a sip. That NEVER happens in the US.

Have fun, and explore. You'll never forget it.

When my wife was 19 she was in Rome and had her purse pick pocketed by what the locals called a "gypsy". My wife noticed after a few minutes, went back and screamed at the gypsy woman until the woman returned all her stuff. Not exactly a running down a perp story, but it suggests that if you were so inclined, it would not necessarily be difficult.

The hotel we stayed at in Florence was a short jog from a nice park that ran along the river for a mile or more, so you could easily get a 3 mile loop on trails in a wooded park. I'm sure you can locate it with Google maps or something.

I never once felt threatened while running in Italy. I did get some strange looks. It seems to me that running wasn't so common, at least in urban areas, and those who did run never ran without a shirt (as I did) or in "short" running shorts.

Enjoy.

you mention the 'gypsies'...I had forgotten about that.

Especially in 'Roma Termini', the airport terminal-sized train station, this is an enormous problem. Not so bad once you're out in the city. Just be careful, especially becuase you will be easily identified as a foreigner (with $$). You will also most likely be approached by guys selling 'last minute deals on suites in a local hotel.'

Just use good juudgement. For the most part, people are friendly and helpful.

Also, I've found that if you make even the slightest effort to speak Italian, as opposed to screaming "I WANT MORE COFFEE- DO YOU HAVE MORE COFFEE?!!", it does wonders.

I've spent a lot of time in Italy and have never been the victim of petty crime. As long as you behave with the kind of standard caution you would also use in New York City, your chances of falling victim are about the same as they would be there.

On running in Florence, it depends a bit on just how far you wish to go. There are some truly wonderful trails north of Florence so if you want a run of more than 10M or so, I would strongly recommend finding how to get to those. There is a map of the trails available in most bookstores in Florence. I can look up the precise title of the map at home if you wish (just drop me an email.

If you want to run shorter, running along the Arno, heading East, you can go for a couple of miles alternating grass, gravel, and old flagstones. Very pleasant.

If you want good views, take the bus 7 up the hill to Fiesole and run around there. By the way, bus 7 is allegedly notorious for its pickpockets, so do be extra vigilant.

In Rome, if nobody has suggested it yet, I strongly recommend Villa Pamphili -- the best place to run in all of Rome.

Thanks for the info so far. I might not have been clear in the second part of my question. I wasn't even thinking about safety issues while running, since I won't be carrying anything of value. I was wondering more that if I'm sightseeing and someone grabs a purse, for instance, from someone in our party, would it be foolhardy to take off after him (or her, whom I would have a better chance of catching).

OldXCguy wrote:

I was wondering more that if I'm sightseeing and someone grabs a purse, for instance, from someone in our party, would it be foolhardy to take off after him (or her, whom I would have a better chance of catching).

I wouldn't risk it, then again guns aren't very common in Italy (or anywhere else in the EU to be fair). It would make much more sense just to be careful, muggers in Italy like to grab handbags off women from motorbikes, pickpocketing too - that's what you have to watch out for..

I don't know many places up north to go run, but if you like to run on the beach most are open all the time. Also, depending on where you are between 12-4 is a great time to go run if it's not too hot. Most shops and places close for lunch and the streets are pretty empty. You could go for a tour around the city without much traffic around then. You can also find some pretty sweet running shoes out there that you can't find here if you look around.

I DO know alot the petty crime though. One time in a park my cell phone was stolen and the person who took it tried to sell it back to us for 50 euro. It was probably worth about 5 euro. A friend of mine hid in the park called my phone to see if the theif actually still had it (he was hiding it in his back pocket) and when it rang he freaked out and jump kicked another one of my other friends in the leg and bolted with the phone. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen. This guy was like 220 pounds and about 5'6" and couldn't jump higher than my friend's shin. The kid who got kicked told me it was so weak he almost started laughing but then remembered that he was running off with my phone.

On the crowded buses is the worst place to lose something to a pickpocket and not know about it. If youre on a bus keep anything with a zipper in front of you and at least one hand on it (especially digital cameras). Try not to ride the bus between 11-12 or around 4pm when kids get out of school or just late at night. Depending on where you are in Italy when they see americans they see easy prey. Gypsies tend to stay at train stations or on the street sides in more public areas. They usually don't have the money to get on the bus and you can usually avoid them if you're smart. Most of all, just act like you know what you're doing and nobody will bother you.

Oh, and for gelato, go where the people go (don't get it at train stations or rest stops). They know whats best.

salutami l'italia, che mi manca troppo...

Where's the best place to partake of Italy's renowned hookers?