3rd Annual Filecchio to Tiglio Alto Foot Race
In front of the broad arched portico of the Church of San Giusto in the normally quiet mountaintop village of Tiglio Alto at 764 meters on Saturday, officials welcomed runners crossing the finish line of the third annual mountain foot race which began at the sports field at Filecchio.
509 grueling meters change in altitude, 60 years difference in age, the diverse group of participants were challenged on all levels.
The race was the final test in the sixteen race Criterium of Tuscany and the only steep hill race in the criterium. The 5.5 kilometer race was won by the marathoner “Il Greco” with a finishing time of 23 mins 35 seconds. The women’s category was won by Ilaria Bianchi with a time of 29 min 36
seconds. There were 105 runners, almost twice as many as last year, in 6 categories as well as a group of non-competitive entrants. The eldest runner was 83 and the youngest 23.
The sponsors and organizers included The Misericordie of Filecchio-Loppia; The Misericordia of Tiglio led by the indefatigable Leonello Diversi; The Gruppo Podistico Parco Alpi Apuane; The Donatori di Sangue Fratres; The Antica Norcineria of Ghivizzano and others.
The sponsors and runners expressed great appreciation of the organization of the event and vowed to return next year.
Article by Kerry Bell
Article by Kerry Bell
