On the second weekend of November, the charming lakeside town of Riva Del Garda became the gathering point for our club members, a diverse bunch hailing from various parts of Europe.
The event was inclusive for all runners, with distances ranging from a light 4km to a full 21km half marathon. We were ready to run, relax, and make the most of our club retreat.
On Saturday, our club started the day with an easy morning run, feeling the fresh lake air fill our lungs. After working up an appetite, we gathered for a hearty and delicious breakfast, sharing stories and laughter over steaming cups of coffee and plates of local fare. With spirits high, we then set off for a boat trip across the serene waters of Lake Garda. Our destination was the picturesque town of Limone sul Garda, known for its postcard-perfect scenery and tranquil ambiance
Sunday morning was charged with an infectious energy as we all made our way to the starting line of the race. The atmosphere was one of eager anticipation and camaraderie. We snapped a quick group photo to immortalize the pre-race excitement, followed by a collective stretching session to get our muscles race-ready. Spirits were high, and with a final round of stretches, we were pumped and ready to rock the course!
The run was an absolute blast, perfectly capturing the essence of our club's spirit. We didn't set out to break any records or push ourselves to the extreme; instead, we savored each step of the way and the breathtaking scenery around us. It was about enjoyment, not endurance. As we jogged through the verdant vineyards, a fortunate few of us even got to enjoy an impromptu mini-lecture on the art of tying grapes from our wine expert.
And then it was time to celebrate!
After an exhilarating Sunday, we still had one more treat in store at the beautiful Parco Termale Villa dei Cedri. We soaked in the warm waters of the thermal lake, letting the last day's adventures melt away. The wellness center offered a peaceful retreat for our tired muscles, and as evening fell, we capped off the day with a delicious dinner in the historic city of Verona.