The Wine Marathon shines, with almost 700 performers. The winners are Casati and Licciardi – Sicilia Running

The sun is shining in Marsala and the festive atmosphere can be felt from the early hours of the morning. On stage is the City of Wine Marathon which took place this morning in the Libyan city; event that does not disappoint expectations and which offers, thanks also to its almost 700 participants, a beautiful and intense day of sport.

Three 7 kilometer laps starting and finishing from via Lungomare Mediterraneo in front of the monument to the Thousand, passing through Porta Garibaldi and the Stagnone with a view of the Egadi.

The race is fast, of quality, the route allows it, the actors too. To win, complete with a course record Federico Casati (DK Runners Milano) who finished his effort in 1h11’09. A solo race for the athlete originally from Lecco, at home in Marsala but who lives in Geneva, who in June will take part in the Rome half marathon dedicated to the Masters and which will be run as part of the European athletics championships scheduled in capital. Behind him, the very young jewel of Universitas Palermo Dario Pietro Ferrante, from Pantelleria DOC, for him a time of 1h13’14 at the end of a race full of strength and determination. Top step of the podium for the Maltese Joseph Borg who finished with an eloquent 1h14’33. Fourth and fifth respectively were the stainless Pietro Paladino (Team Francesco Ingargiola) in 1h15’58 and the Lombard Federico Negrini (AS Lanzada) in 1h16’06.

There is also strong running in the women’s race; she is the one to win by imposing her pace right from the start Claudia Licciardi (Atletica Bagheria) the course record for her, stopping the clock at an excellent 1h26’13 (only 55 men will finish before her). She fights with generosity and determination, the “little” Maria Grazia Bilello (Universitas Palermo) who finishes second (last year she won here) with a time of 1h27’25. Another quality race for Luana Russo (Sciacca Running) who signed her personal best with a time of 1h29’44. Fourth place for the now consolidated reality that goes by the name of Florinda Mercadante (5 Torri Fiamme Crimisi) in 1h32’38, fifth for the woman of steel (a week ago winner in her Alcamo) Carla Grimaudo (Lipa Atletica Alcamo) in 1h32’53.

Also competing was Vito Massimo Catania who pushed the wheelchair of Giusi La Loggia, the “most beautiful couple in the world” who fills with emotions at every step. Thanks to today’s performances, Maria Grazia Bilello and Simone Scordo consolidate their leadership in the special Gold jersey ranking.

The awards ceremony took place in front of the monument of the Thousand, in the presence (among others) of representatives of the municipal administration. The mayor of Marsala Massimo Grillo also opened the event and kicked off the race.

Once again excellent organization by Polisportiva Marsala Doc, race package, refreshment package, gadgets, medal, and awards with local products. The support of sponsors, both loyal and new, is also fundamental. A synergistic work for the team led by president Filippo Struppa assisted by Michele D’Errico & company. The synergy with the Turin Marathon was also appreciated, representatives of the event were present in Marsala to consolidate a twinning that has lasted for a few years. Finally, the company with the most athletes who reached the finish line was also rewarded. The organizing company has been removed. the GS Atletica Mazara of president Salvo Piccione took home the trophy.

The event was valid as the fourth round of the regional GP of half marathons. Now, having reached the halfway point, the spring/summer break; it will resume on Sunday 6 October from Cefalù with the VI Maratonina Perla del Tirreno Trophy.

Men’s ranking