The 19th edition of the Captains' Race was spared by rain.
Cutigliano (Pistoia), July 13, 2025 – A mild sky watched over the 19th edition of the Corsa dei Capitani , treating participants to a bright day amidst fir forests and enchanting ups and downs. A true summer postcard from the Pistoia Mountains, spared—almost magically—from the rains that plagued the weekend elsewhere. The race counted as the UISP regional mountain running championship, as well as the provincial championship for the same discipline.
A technical and evocative event named after the historic Palazzo dei Capitani in Cutigliano, built in 1377 to house the official sent by Florence to govern these lands, known as the Captain of the Mountain. The route, starting in Cutigliano, took runners to the highest point of the race: La Cuccola, 1,040 meters above sea level. From there, the route began a continuous ascent and descent through thick, cool forests, in a suspended, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The main race was 14.3 km long, with a shortened 6 km route dedicated to walkers and trekking enthusiasts. The impeccable organization was handled by the Pro Loco of Cutigliano, with the technical collaboration of the ASD Silvano Fedi Pistoia, and the patronage of the Municipal Administration of Abetone-Cutigliano.
The official photoshoot was entrusted to ETS Regalami un sorriso , which for years has captured the beating heart of Tuscan running through images. In these races, where fatigue meets nature and rain gives way to determination, the deepest meaning of running is rediscovered: an act of freedom that unites the body with the beauty of the landscape, and the soul with the inner journey. Every step uphill, every breath among the fir trees or along the ancient Tuscan roads becomes an opportunity to remember that running is not just a sport, but also a way to feel part of something bigger, made of history, solidarity, and dreams that continue to rise, just like us.
The winnersLuigi Pietrini won the race with a time of 1h00'38'', beating Morgan Petrucci (Orecchiella Garfagnana) by 7' and Fabio Zanieri (Mugello Autodoor) by 7'20, a good fourth place for Enrico Manfredini (Gp Parco Alpi Apuane) and fifth place for Giacomo Bugiani (Pistoia Atletica 1983).
In the veterans category, Lorenzo Naldi (Trail Running Project) took first place in 1:08:54, followed by Federico Badiani (Orecchiella Garfagnana), and Maurizio Bozzi (Atletica Montecatini). Claudio Casalini (Il Ponte Scandicci) took the veterans silver medal in 1:10:34, followed by Giuliano Burchi (La Stanca Valenzatico) and Mileno Frediani (Montecatini Marathon). Rinaldo Bolognesi took the veterans gold medal with a time of 1:25:03, followed by Sergio Gelli and Carlo Matulli, both of Silvano Fedi Pistoia.
In the women's absolute category, first place went to Beatrice Macelloni (Atletica Castello Firenze) who completed the distance in 1h20'08'', followed at 1'14'' by Chiara Ghiselli (Montecatini Marathon) and at 1'50'' by Stefania Scali (Atletica Vinci), in fourth place Jessica Perna (Orecchiella Garfagnana) and fifth Anna Turrini (Apd Isolotto Firenze).
Albana Bulku (La Fontanina) took first place in the veteran women's category with a time of 1:26:58, followed by Camelia Barboi (Apd Isolotto Firenze) and Carolina Parascandolo (Montecatini Marathon). In the veteran women's silver medal, Anna Marini (Runcard) reached Piazza Catilina with a time of 1:39:59. The bridesmaids were Sonia Parenti (Upd Isolotto Firenze) in second and Silvia Sicuranza (Upd Isolotto Firenze) in third.
Rankings by Giancarlo Ignudi
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