Scarpadoro, the year of the restart on Sunday the pre-Covid formula returns

The two non-competitive ones have been restored alongside the half marathon, valid for the provincial titles Fidal Manuela Merlo: “There is still fear of the virus, but also a great desire to run and normality”

VIGEVANO

Scarpadoro returns to its traditional pre-Covid guise with races over three distances: the competitive half marathon and the two non-competitive 5 and 10 kilometers. The 15th edition of the classic of running, scheduled for next Sunday, was presented yesterday in the council chamber of the Vigevano town hall.

«I always get excited when we talk about Scarpadoro – said Gianni Merlo, president of Atletica Vigevano – we have been talking about it for 42 years, first as an international elite race and for 17 as a half marathon. It is important for the city and for the people of Vigevano. I am proud that with my daughter Manuela there has been continuity of organization and that there has been constant improvement ». Federal Councilor Oscar Campari added: «I have lived the Scarpadoro since its birth. This year it will be even better and I can say that, having seen so many, this organization and this half marathon have few equals in Italy ». After the intervention of the municipal councilor for sport Nunziata Alessandrino (who underlined how Scarpadoro represents Vigevano and the Vigevanesi), Manuela Merlo explained: «After two years we can re-present all the races, even the non-competitive ones. Let’s go back to the original format, which aims to make the whole city run. I feel great enthusiasm around the event. The numbers of registrations are not yet high, there is still fear of the virus, but the projections indicate that we will have a total of 1500-1600 participants, not far from the ceiling of 1800. I believe this is still a zero year for us and for runners , because many things have changed with the pandemic ».

The commitment of volunteers

The president of the provincial committee Fidal, Claudio Baschiera recalled that the half marathon will also be valid as a provincial senior and master championship. Athletes enrolled in the half marathon will receive the official technical fabric t-shirt supplied by Fox Sport and the souvenir medal for free. “The anti-Covid regulations do not yet allow you to put it directly on the neck of athletes, but it will be found in the refreshment bag – explains Manuela Merlo – it is important to remember that Sunday will be in force for summer time, so it will be necessary to set the alarm clock a ” now forward. I am happy with the support that the three Lomellini running groups, Garlaschese, Escape Team and Buccella, will guarantee us along the way. I also thank the local police and the over 200 volunteers who will be busy guarding the path and the three refreshment points, while sponging is not provided, again due to the rules to protect health ». –