23/07/2022
The big party signed by FollowYourPassion crowns Varis and Iozzia, but many smiles on the finish line in Livigno for the runners in the half marathon and the relay
What a desire to run in Little Tibet! This is how we can sum up the 2022 edition of Stralivigno, the half-marathon by FollowYourPassion.
On the long afternoon of Saturday 23 July, which started with a refreshing downpour and ended under a splendid sun, more than a thousand runners invaded Livigno's streets, the cycle path and the gravel trails, taking part in both the individual 21 km race and the relay race composed of 2 athletes each covering 10,5 km.
Start and finish line positioned near the Aquagranda sports centre, which has recently officially become a CONI-recognised Olympic Preparation Centre. Having said goodbye to the centre of Livigno and left the cycle path after the first half of the race, the route of Stralivigno 2022 plunged totally into nature before swooping back towards the finish arch. The altitude profile, with 200 metres of positive height difference, included a start at 1800 metres and a passage to the maximum altitude of around 2030.
As for the competitive aspects, it was the Finnish flag that flew over the finish line thanks to the outstanding performance of Kari Varis, a cross-country skier lent to running who triumphed in 1h20'42". Second step of the podium for Manuel Molteni (G.S. Villaguadia) who finished in 1h21'02", third place for Martino Galvani (Daini Carate Brianza) in 1h24'16". After a really aggressive start by Giulio Molinari of Team Livigno, who literally set the home crowd on fire, the passage of the kilometres made the situation regarding the fight for the medals clearer. At the halfway point of the race, Molteni, Varis and Galvani were already occupying the positions of the virtual podium, but the second part of the course showed the superiority of the Finn who went on to win a magnificent victory.
In the women's sphere, eve's predictions were fully respected. The eagerly awaited Ivana Iozzia (Calcestruzzi Corradini Excels.) did not betray expectations by crossing the finish line, as winner, in 1h28'06": a real domination, from the first to the last metre. Place of honour for German Melanie Albrecht, who finished in 1h35'08", while Valentina Violi (Atl. Casone Noceto) climbed onto the third step of the podium in 1h43'47".
At sunset, with the prize-giving ceremony and the rich pasta party, this wonderful edition of the Stralivigno came to a close, but tomorrow there will be more running: at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday 24 July, the marathon runners of the future will be the protagonists of the Ministralivigno. One can bet that in a few years time, they will be competing again at the Piccolo Tibet Half Marathon.
