One less to the 47th edition of the Pistoia-Abetone, one of the most important ultramarathons in Europe, feared and respected by the runners who every year attracts many athletes from all over Italy and the world. In fact, there are 22 foreign nations that will be represented by at least one standard bearer. They range from many European countries such as Spain, Germany and Poland, but also non-European nations such as China, Japan, Australia, Ivory Coast and the United States, with a delegation of twenty athletes from Chicago. This year too the organizational machine was led, as has been the case since 1976, by the Asd Silvano Fedi, who, thanks also to the precious support of bodies and associations, has developed the entire process to allow the day to run in the best possible way. Around 1600 people have registered, of which more than 800 for the main finish line in Abetone, for an edition which will also have double value as it will also offer the Italian titles over the 50 km distance.
The start will be at 7:30 tomorrow from Piazza del Duomo, with the platoon of athletes who will begin their race until reaching the intermediate finish line of Piastre, set at 14 kilometers. This will be followed by a downhill stretch along the Reno Valley until reaching Pontepetri, to then encounter a new and tough climb that will lead to the competitive intermediate finish line of 30 km in San Marcello Pistoiese. Those who have the strength to continue will face another descent before the final climb with an average gradient of 5.5% that will lead to the much-desired finish line of Piazza delle Piramidi.
The Abetone finish line will award some “Memorials” in memory of people who have left their mark on the race. Among these the 18th Artidoro Berti Memorial, which will go to the first ranked company, the 21st Lucia Prioreschi Memorial, awarded to the woman who finishes in first place, and the 5th Tiziano Spampani Memorial, awarded to the first man and first woman belonging to Tuscan companies that will cross the final finish line. There are also many records and curious statistics that give further charm to the event. One of the most historic is that held by the veteran Giordano Chiapelli, capable of arriving at Abetone in all 46 editions played. The best male performance was achieved in 2007 by Roberto Barbi, capable of crossing the finish line in three hours, thirteen minutes and twenty-seven seconds. The best female performance is that of the Hungarian Simona Staicu, who in 2015 arrived at Abetone in three hours, fifty-eight minutes and nineteen seconds.
Michele Flowers
