A resounding success, complemented by a breathtaking panorama. The fourth edition of "Torre delle Stelle Corre – Una corsa tra le stelle," which this year also took on the title of the 1st Edith Pelgrims de Bigard Memorial, attracted nearly two hundred participants last night in the seaside village, taking part in the competitive race and the fun-motor walk.
Organized by ASD Atletica Maracalagonis with the approval of the UISP Territorial Committee of Cagliari and the patronage of the Municipality of Maracalagonis, in collaboration with ASD Atletica Selargius and SSD ARL Parco Torre delle Stelle, the event took place on the village's dirt roads, starting and finishing on Via Orione in front of the amphitheater: a 3-kilometer loop along Via dei Pesci, Via della Fenice, and Via Ercole, to be repeated twice for the approximately 6-kilometer competitive course, overlooking the views of the Golfo degli Angeli.
The race
Overall victory for Valerio Caredda (Atletica Selargius), who finished in 20'48" ahead of Roberto Patuzzo (DK Runners Milano), second in 21'00", and Stefano Floris (Atl. Edoardo Sanna Elmas), third in 21'42". Completing the top five were Nicolas Orrù (22'14") and Francesco Usai of ASD Atletica Maracalagonis (22'50").
Among the women, Elisa Spazzafumo (Atl. Edoardo Sanna Elmas) won, seventh overall in 23'29", ahead of Raimonda Nieddu , her teammate, tenth overall in 24'12", and Elisabetta Orrù (Cagliari Marathon Club), thirteenth in 24'40".
79 athletes were classified, with an international presence guaranteed by the Cuban Tomas Sablon Ibanez (27'38") and the French Gautier Pierre Carles (30'23").
Well-deserved applause for the more experienced: Francesco Ambus (Atl. San Sperate), M70 category, finished in 29'57" in thirty-seventh place overall, ahead of several athletes twenty years younger; behind him in the category was Giuseppe Pireddu (GS Runners Cagliari) in 34'01". Among the ranks of the ASD Atletica Maracalagonis, Rita Barbara Ligas also put in a good performance, while in the M70 category, Giovanni Pili of the ASD Atletica 4 Mori stood out.
<p>The first two women, Spezzafumo and Nieddu</p>Awards and ceremony
The prize pool was impressive: in addition to awards for the top three overall, the top three finishers in each category were also honored, while those who took part in the 3.25-kilometer walk were awarded by drawing. Speaker Giulia Innocenti hosted the evening with her usual flair.
The final ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Social Policies Maria Paola Corona and Councilor for Culture, Entertainment, and Major Events Maria Maddalena Serra , representing the municipal administration. Mayor Francesca Fadda was unable to attend for personal reasons. Both emphasized the value of events like this from every perspective: the visibility they provide for the town and the surrounding area, the impact they have on the economic fabric of the village during the height of the summer season, and, last but not least, the social function of sport as an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and participate.
Lucia Mascia , president of ASD Atletica Maracalagonis, also expressed satisfaction, speaking of the efforts having paid off: months of organizational work had been reflected in the numbers and atmosphere of the evening.
Among the participants were also numerous tourists, attracted by the setting and the evening time of the event.
Giorgio Dessì of ASD Sulcis Atletica Carbonia sums it up in his own words: "First of all, a stunning location, a race course with breathtaking views—a little tough, but we're used to it—and excellent organization. In short, it was worth the few miles: a beautiful evening. If they do it again, we'll definitely be there."
