As far back as we can remember, running has been viewed as an individual sport – after all, it’s only you that you need to carry across the finish line. Say goodbye to lonesome races, endurance relays are on the rise, where runners can participate in teams of 2-6, working together to complete the full distance, whether that be a half marathon, marathon or even an Ultra.
We’ve teamed up with Ellie Watling (@ellierosefitness_pt), an experienced runner who has smashed numerous half and full marathons around the world. She wanted to take on a slightly different challenge, which is where the Run4Rome Relay 2025 comes in.
Within this article, we’ll cover all things Run4Rome Relay 2025, including when it took place, what the course looked like, and what our ambassador, Ellie, learned about herself whilst running this race. Read on to discover some invaluable lessons to take into your first (or next) marathon relay adventure!
The Run4Rome Relay 2025 was no ordinary marathon, split into four legs, it was completed by teams of four over a 26.2-mile (42.1km) course. Held on 16th March 2025, Run Rome The Marathon could only be entered by those running for charity, and we were proudly chosen as the charity partner for Rome4Run!
It’s a flat and fast team race with a buzzing atmosphere, starting in Via dei Fori Imperiali (Colosseum), this incredible route passes the Piazza Venezia, Lungotevere, Castel Sant’Angelo, Basilica di San Pietro, and Piazza di Spagna, before crossing Circo Massimo at the finish line.
Each leg of the Rome Relay varied slightly, which is where you can play to each of your team member’s strengths. Each leg was as follows:
There’s no physical baton (sorry to disappoint you!), but there are handoff zones for runners with large arches to mark them. Runners cross timing mats on the ground, find the next Relay runner in their team with announcers letting your team members know your bib number as you approach, and ‘tag’ the next runner in. You run for a short distance with your teammate, which is an amazing photo opportunity and a chance to grab their hand, embrace them or just wish them luck as they start their leg!
Now you know the basics of how the race was set up, it’s time to learn more about how it feels to run the Rome Relay…
Our influencer, Ellie, simply “loved being able to participate in a mass marathon event”, especially “without the training of a full marathon”. Along her first relay journey, Ellie discovered a few things about herself as a runner, things that you might notice when you run your first marathon relay:
Relay marathons are a great way to soak up the unmatched atmosphere that race day brings without having to run the full (and taxing) 26.2 miles. Ellie said, “Relays are a great way to either practice for a marathon or just experience that marathon day buzz without having to put yourself through the whole race!”
“The excitement of waiting and meeting your ‘baton buddy’ before you set off” is unlike any other feeling, the anticipation of your running partner handing over to you, and that brief moment where you run together. It’s something that Ellie’s “never experienced in a race before”, and she’s run her fair share of marathons and distance events!
Most of us default to solo running, but when a race weekend is paired with a team getaway, a whole new buzz is created. As Ellie said, “I’m a very lonely runner… I always run alone!” But everything changed when “a race weekend was combined with a girly/team weekend.” The social vibe of a relay, especially abroad, was “such a fun idea for a weekend away with friends — and what a great way to see the city!” New places get explored, race-day nerves are shared, and memories are made.
For seasoned racers, your usual distance will be around the 13.1 - 26.2 mile mark, and this was the case for Ellie, her “usual racing distance is a half marathon”, but she “really loved running a shorter distance over a larger race”. Running shorter distances means that recovery isn’t all-consuming, and you can enjoy the post-race celebrations a little more. Plus, you can always go for a PB!
The thing that Ellie “loved most about running a relay was running as a team”, cheering on her team members, building each other up, putting aside the competitive nature of running and simply enjoying the participation. Instead of feeling the nerves that race day normally brings, you feel lifted by your team's spirit and excited to get stuck in!
Has Ellie’s experience inspired you to take part in a relay? Whether this is your first relay race, or you’re a seasoned relay runner, why not sign up with realbuzz and make your miles mean more. Whilst you’re enjoying the race day atmosphere and cheering on your team, your miles could be raising much-needed funds for causes that mean something to you.
Take a look at some of the upcoming relay races that we’re supporting as a charitable partner and discover the perfect one for your team. You can choose from a marathon relay or half-marathon relay with a range of distances available:
Sign up for Antrim Coast Half Marathon Relay 2025 - 24/08/2025
Sign up for Run4Rome Relay 2026 - 22/03/2026