Every year one of the most awaited events, if not the most awaited, by runners is the Pistoia-Abetone. There is now just a week left until the 47th edition of one of the most prestigious ultramarathons on the calendar. On June 30th, at 7.30 am, the numerous athletes at the start will start from Piazza del Duomo, which is one of the first novelties, considering that the ranking start was in San Giovanni Fuorcivitas, to begin their climb towards the Abetone Lungo 50 kilometers. A difference in altitude of over 1300 meters (from 65 at the start to 1388 at the finish) for a Sunday that will be a great celebration of sport and sociality, given the precious support of numerous bodies and associations which have reconfirmed their desire to be close to the race organizer, Asd Silvano Fedi. “The first thank you – says the president Guido Amerini – goes to the over 400 volunteers who gave us precious logistical help in the organisation. I have been on the staff of the Pistoia-Abetone since 1976, an all-round event which is much more than a simple foot race. This year too the level will be very high, with many leading national players as well as from abroad”.
There are currently around 1300 registered members, with the number expected to grow as there will be until tomorrow to submit your application. “Such an event further strengthens the bond between the city and the mountains – underlines Luca Marmo, president of the province of Pistoia -. Year after year, Pistoia-Abetone always takes a step forward, renewing itself and demonstrating great attention to social issues”. The race will be valid as the Italian Fidal 50 km Absolute and Master Championship, as well as for the National and Regional Gran Fondo Donatori Avis Championship and for the Romagna-Tuscany Challenge. Furthermore, the Armed Forces and Police Corps Trophy was also established, reserved for those belonging to the two categories. “Teamwork proves successful once again – states councilor Alessandro Sabella – and it is nice that a similar event involves three municipalities in our province. The Pistoia-Abetone confirms itself as an event capable of bringing sporting and economic tourism in the city”.
There will be five routes that can be followed, each with a different level of commitment and difficulty. In addition to the “classic” distance of 50 km, there is the 30 km Pistoia-San Marcello, the Free Walking walk between San Marcello and Abetone, over a distance of 20 km, the night trek starting in the middle of the night and the Fourth Finish Line, appointment reserved for disabled athletes and their companions, with departure scheduled in Le Regine. The latter in particular is one of the flagships of the event. Created in 2002 by Floriano Frosetti, it perfectly embodies the message of Pistoia-Abetone: a race that is not just sport but also social inclusion, fun and the pleasure of being together. At the new headquarters of the ASD Silvano Fedi, a mural created by the students of class 3E of the Brunelleschi Art School in Montemurlo was also unveiled.
Michele Flori
