Abbadia Lariana, Italy – The 20th edition of the Corsa del Viandante, a roughly 10-kilometer race weaving through the landscapes of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, concluded Sunday with victories for Eros Radaelli and Martina Brambilla. The event, organized by the Abbadia Lariana municipality in collaboration with Centro Sport Abbadia, Pro Loco, and Team Pasturo ASD, drew 206 participants to the starting line at Parco di Chiesa rotta. The race, under the direction of Giovanna Cavalli, has become a local tradition, celebrating both athletic achievement and the region’s natural beauty.
Radaelli, representing Falchi Lecco, dominated the men’s race, finishing with a time of 39 minutes and 54 seconds. His performance solidified his position as the pre-race favorite. Maurizio Del Giovannino, also of Falchi Lecco, secured second place with a time of 42 minutes and 54 seconds, while Davide Panzeri rounded out the podium in 43 minutes and 27 seconds. The course, finishing near the municipal gymnasium, presented a challenging mix of terrain for the runners.
In the women’s race, Martina Brambilla of Team Pasturo took first place with an impressive time of 48 minutes and 48 seconds. She led from start to finish, demonstrating strong endurance and pacing. Carla Fontana and Raluca Lungu followed, securing second and third place respectively, with a time of 52 minutes and 30 seconds.
Beyond the Podium: Community and Participation
The Corsa del Viandante isn’t solely about elite athletes. The event saw participation from a wide range of runners, including local officials. Riccardo Fasoli, the mayor of Mandello, reportedly participated in the race, highlighting the event’s integration within the community. Riccardo Gaddi was recognized as the first runner from Abbadia Lariana to cross the finish line, receiving a commemorative gift bag from the municipality and supporting organizations Pro Loco and Centro Sport.
Awards were also presented in various age categories, recognizing the achievements of runners across different demographics. Virginia Corneo (17-30 years) won the senior female category with a time of 53 minutes and 23 seconds. Francesca Penati Ferrerio took the top spot in the women’s 31-40 age group (52 minutes, 30 seconds), while Marta Dell’Oro claimed victory in the 41-50 category (54 minutes, 25 seconds). On the men’s side, Adriano Ticozzelli won the 35-39 age group in 39 minutes and 54 seconds.
Celebrating Experience and Team Spirit
The event also honored long-time dedication to running. Giuliano Tagliaferri, born in 1948, was recognized as the most experienced athlete participating in the race. The Team Pasturo was awarded a prize for having the largest group representation, with a total of 17 athletes competing. This demonstrates the strong sense of camaraderie and team spirit fostered by the local running club. The Corsa del Viandante, now in its 20th year, continues to be a significant event for the region, promoting physical activity and community engagement.
A full list of category winners is as follows:
- Senior femminile (17-30 anni): Virginia Corneo 53’23”
- Donne 31-40 anni: Francesca Penati Ferrerio 52’30”
- Donne 41-50 anni: Marta Dell’Oro 54’25”
- Donne 51-60 anni: Antonella Cruffero 52’30”
- Donne 61+: Donatella Rota 55’21”
- Ragazze (Dal 2010): Virginia Vanni 52’30”
- Uomini 35-39 anni: Adriano Ticozzelli 39’54”
- Uomini 40-44 anni: Daniele Tagliaferri 47’17”
- Uomini 45-49 anni: Gerolamo Villa 45’27”
- Uomini 50-54 anni: Tiziano Bertoldini 43’41”
- Uomini 55-59 anni: Alessandro Volontè 48’37”
- Uomini 60-64 anni: Romano Panza 52’30”
- Uomini 65-69 anni: G. Battista Muttoni 52’30”
- Uomini 70+: Giovanni Lunardi 52’30”
- Seniores 17-34 anni: Andrea Maggi 43’48”
- Ragazzi Arcobaleno: Ulderico Bagato 1h22’39”
- Ragazzi (dal 2010): Gioele Cardamone 59’31”
Organizers are already looking ahead to the 21st edition of the Corsa del Viandante, with planning expected to start later this year. Details regarding registration and the race date will be announced on the official event website. The continued success of this annual event underscores the importance of community-based athletics and the enduring appeal of a challenging course set amidst the stunning scenery of the Italian lakes.
What did you feel of this year’s race? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
