Italy's recent weekend saw thrilling displays of athletic talent as local competitions celebrated both endurance and speed, highlighting the prowess of regional athletes. The spotlight was on several events, particularly the 18th Cross della Volpe held in Volpiano and the Napoli City Half Marathon, which showcased the commitment and skill of participants from across the country.
On February 23, 2025, the 18th Cross della Volpe attracted numerous competitors of all ages, including rising stars from Valle D’Aosta. Cecilia Lazzarin, representing Atletica Pont Donnas, had the crowd cheering as she took home second place with a time of 8 minutes and 59 seconds in the cadette category of the 2 km race. Her performance exemplified the potential of young athletes from the region. Following closely in the same race, Merilin Mortara finished seventh, battling through the course with determination.
The male athletes also made impressive showings, particularly Luca Beltramelli, who completed the 3 km cadetti race with a time of 12 minutes and 58 seconds, securing fourth place. Fellow competitors from Pont-Saint-Martin, Mattia Consol and Simone Bertolin, also delivered commendable performances, showcasing the strong athletic foundation present within the community.
The weekend continued with vibrant energy at the annual 7th Karneval Run held on February 22, 2025, in Biella. This fun and spirited event was not only about racing but also incorporated the festive elements of carnival celebrations. Rossano Pignocchino, born in 1976 and representing Atletica Monterosa Fogu Arnad, came through at 18th place overall, clocking 17 minutes flat, which also earned him second place within his age category. This event allowed participants to embrace the spirit of carnival and competition simultaneously.
Meanwhile, Juri Mafrica from ASD INRun put on an inspiring performance during the XI Napoli City Half Marathon on the same weekend, achieving a personal best time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 37 seconds, placing him 126th overall. Chiara Buttaboni also participated, finishing the course in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 56 seconds, demonstrating the varied skill levels and dedication present at this event, which continues to attract athletes year after year.
The celebrations didn't stop there; on November 16, the community gathered to honor the achievements of athletes during the Memorial Codeluppi awards ceremony held at the Walter Tobagi Hall in Aulla. It was here the Codeluppi family acknowledged various participants, from youth leagues to seasoned competitors. Mayor Roberto Vallettini praised the organization of the event, stating, "The organization of the award ceremonies was flawless!" as he shared the stage with members of the local government and sports organizations.
Categorized winners were celebrated for their outstanding performances over the season, with Dennis Belloni and Sofia Coppedè Pittanti taking top prizes among others across various categories. The event, culminating with the announcement of the upcoming season’s calendar, promises to sustain the enthusiasm for running and athletics across the Lunigiana area.
The continued support of local events fosters not only athletic skill but also community spirit, encouraging younger athletes to strive for excellence. With many upcoming races, including the revered Corsa delle Castagne, planned for November 2025, anticipation builds for both competitors and spectators alike.
The weekend’s festivities reaffirm Italy’s commitment to sports and the celebration of physical achievement, as local athletes continue to make significant strides and mark their presence on both national and regional stages. With more events set to take place throughout the coming months, the excitement for Italian athletics remains high, promising more exhilarating performances from both seasoned and new talents.