A wonderful Cetilar Marathon in Pisa
An incredible day: over 2000 runners from 62 countries, kissed by the sun, joined the 23rd edition of the Cetilar Marathon in Pisa, the race run yesterday beneath the Leaning Tower.
A great success in terms of participation and a perfect race for the Italian 2020 marathon champion Giovanni Grano (Nuova Atl. Isernia), who won in 2 hours, 17 minutes and 55 seconds, almost 4 minutes better than his previous participation in 2012, when he came second. “The last year and a half have been quite tough, so I’m really happy to be back in the race, winning in Pisa, a city that I know very well as my wife lived here for a few years. Now I’m ready to try and beat my personal best,” the winner declared.
In second place was Andrea Soffientini (ASD Dinamo Sport), and in third place Roberto Patuzzo (Azzurra Garbagnate Milanese).
A thrilling female race too, with a surprise win by Benedetta Coliva (ASV Gherdeina Runners), on her début at this distance, ninth absolute and first in category at 2 hours, 35 minutes and 43 seconds, a new women’s record. In second place was the Kenyan Lenah Jerotich (Atletica 2005), and in third place Claudia Marietta (GS Lammari).
The Mayor of Pisa, Michele Conti, was present at the starting line: “The Pisa Marathon is a great event for our city, attracting many foreign runners, who counted for 35% of the athletes, from 62 countries. We are particularly proud of having created a virtuous blend of sport and culture, offering free visits to the museums and the “I Macchiaioli” exhibition at Palazzo Blu. I would like to thank everyone who took part, the organisers, volunteers and partners who made this splendid event possible”.
Representing the partner PharmaNutra were also the Pisa footballers Hjortur Hermannsson and Ettore Gliozzi, following the three goals scored at the match won against Brescia last Saturday. “As footballers, we must work closely with the running world,” Hermannson and Gliozzi said in unison, “At the end of our careers we will certainly be moving in this direction.”
Taking part in the race was also the 93-year old Angelo Squadrone (Asd Marathon Club Pisa), an athlete with an extraordinary record who has run this race many times.
As regards the Pisanina Half Marathon, the men’s winners were Alessio Terrasi (GP Parco Alpi Apuane) who beat Youssef Khatoui (Atl. Vallecamonica) and David Borg, while the women’s race was won clearly by Lisa Marie Bezzina from Malta, who beat the British Hannah Russell and Francesca Bianchini (Brontolo Bike Asd).
