Spampani Trophy, a race to the Piastre in memory of Tiziano. Photos and winners.
Pistoia, August 1, 2025 – The seventh edition of the trophy in memory of Tiziano Spampani , a runner born in this magnificent mountain village near Pistoia, was celebrated at Le Piastre di Pistoia . For many running enthusiasts, Tiziano was also the voice that commentated and encouraged participants as they reached the first finish line of the Pistoia-Abetone race, and encouraged those continuing the long climb to the summit. Tiziano passed away in 2015, but his memory lives on thanks to the efforts of the organizers of the Ascd Silvano Fedi , in collaboration with the Pro Loco Alta Valle del Reno , the local branch of the Misericordia , and the Accademia della Bugia , famous for the annual Italian lying championship.
Excellent participationThe town was a true gem: the central church square and the surrounding streets were festively decorated, displaying graphic art inspired by the theme of lies. Consistent with past editions, this year's event saw lively participation, with over 140 runners, joined by numerous walkers and non-competitive runners. Everyone challenged themselves along a challenging 8-kilometer course, characterized by constant ups and downs.
After the race, many lingered in the square, where the Pro Loco welcomed participants with refreshments of coccoli and salami, followed by pasta alla matriciana and watermelon. As evening fell, the inevitable coolness typical of the area arrived: the temperature quickly dropped to 17 degrees, while when they returned home, the thermometer still read 27 degrees. Photo credit : ETS Regalami un sorriso .
The winners
The overall victory went to Samuele Oskar Cassi (Atletica Calenzano) with a time of 28:56, 36 seconds ahead of Morgan Petrucci (Orecchiella Garfagnana) and 2:11 over Marco Pallini (Atletica Porcari). Martin Falasca (Atletica Vinci) finished fourth, and Enrico Manfredini (Gruppo Podistico Parco Alpi Apuane) finished fifth. After numerous top-five finishes in the veteran category, Gabriele Giachi (Meeting Club Pescia) from Pescia managed to climb to the top step of the podium, finishing in 31:37, leaving Roberto Ria (Gruppo Podistico Parco Alpi Apuane) and Maurizio Bozzi (Atletica Montecatini) behind.
Claudio Casalini (Il Ponte Scandicci) won the veterans silver category with a final time of 33'20'', followed by Daniele Giusti (Orecchiella Garfagnana) and Giuliano Burchi (La Stanca Valenzatico).
In the veteran gold category , Franco Olivari (Orecchiella Garfagnana) took first place in 37'19'', followed by Rinaldo Bolognesi (Atletica Vinci) in second place and Fabrizio Soldi (Silvano Fedi) in third.
Among the women's overall, victory went to Beatrice Macelloni (Atletica Castello Firenze) in 36'58'', with Bethany Thompson (Atletica Reggio Emilia) coming in second after 1'54'', Alessandra Tonarelli (Team Sansoni) taking third place, Stefania Palmieri (Silvano Fedi Pistoia) coming in fourth and Carlotta Tonari (Individual) fifth.
Damiana Lupi (Atletica Vinci) once again took the top spot in the veteran women's category with a time of 34'59'', followed by Michela Francione (Atletica Castello Firenze) and Camelia Barboi (UP Isolotto Firenze).
Gloria Gandini (Podistica Pontelungo Bologna) won silver among the veteran women in 41'50'', followed by Maricica Lucaci (Atletica Vinci) and Silvia Giudice (UP Isolotto Firenze).
The Silvano Fedi Pistoia team is in first place in the club rankings with 27 members.
Rankings by Giancarlo Ignudi
La Nazione
