Day 419 – EU – Italy [Udine to Gorizia]

28/05/21

39km

  From Udine (Italy) to Gorizia (Italy)

Europe

A very green summery run to Gorizia, with some Google Maps blunder again

Running by the Julian Alps on quiet empty roads

Today was my last “full run” in Italy – tomorrow being a very short run (25km) to the Trieste airport. I had elected to follow the “bike route” from Google Maps which promised to take me on some nice wild trails in the countryside. I was very excited about the run! About 8km into the run however, I came to a halt all too familiar to me. Google Maps was AGAIN sending me to cross a river on foot! This time though, I was not having it. I went to investigate. It was at least waist-high deep with some current. I decided it was not worth it and backtracked 500m to join another route, less scenic but… “runnable”!

NOT crossing that river on foot!

Throughout the route I could see the snowy summits of the Julian Alps. The road was very quiet with little traffic and that was how I enjoyed the day. Very green, very scenic… I am quite sad that my crossing of Italy is coming to an end. The country is an absolute treasure, I have literally discovered it on the journey. I have been welcomed very warmly, I have been awestruck by the beauty of the cities, architecture and the beautiful landscapes. It’s hard to tell now which country of the 16 I have run through in Europe would be my favourite!

Bridge over the Socca river to Gorizia

Tonight I stay in Gorizia, which is as close to the Slovenian border as can be. I will get more pictures of the city tomorrow as my run will start with a run around the old town and the castle! I will then run south towards the airport. In Ronchi dei Legionari I will cross paths with the route I ran on Day 117 “Fogliano Redipuglia to Trieste” 19th June 2020. That will mark the end of my Italian tour. In total I will have run 3,060 kms in Italy, the highest mileage of the 16 countries making my European crossing…

Personal note: Congratulations to my good friends in Singapore Maelle & Tristan who welcomed their 3rd child this week, little Louison. Looking forward to meet everyone again soon!

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: