The scenic and historic Throne Room of Miramare Castle was the setting for the official presentation of the 7th Joma Castles Race in Trieste this morning. This renowned running competition, which will cover a distance of 10 km on a FIDAL-sanctioned road, is set to heat up the asphalt on Sunday, October 15, 2023, with a 10 a.m. start.
Conceived by the brilliant former Italian blue athlete Michele Gamba and organized by ASD Promorun, the race is held in cooperation with the City of Trieste and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region. This year, the event welcomes for the first time the 1st International Road Race Running Match u.23 10k, a race that is part of the World Athletics calendar, coordinated together with the Italian Athletics Federation (Fidal), and is an initial step toward the Rome 2024 European Athletics Championships.
THE RACES.
The city of Trieste is revealed in all its magnificence, with the departure set from Miramare Castle to the Castle of St. Just, the city’s patron saint, along a route that enhances its architectural, scenic and cultural richness. The first section, fast and smooth, leads to the entrance of the stunning Piazza Unità, from where participants will venture into the beating heart of the city, traversing the alleys that wind their way up sinuously toward San Giusto Castle. The last kilometer, known as “The Wall” for its challenge, rewards the effort with the finish between the ramparts of the Austrian fortress. Alongside the main race, the event also includes the Non-Competitive Ten, a parallel event with no membership or medical certificate required, and the Family Run 8 km, which promotes the culture of sports for mental and physical well-being.
The presentation was attended by several dignitaries.
Andreina Contessa of the Regional Directorate Museums FVG, Historical Museum and Park of Miramare Castle, extolled the idea of uniting Trieste’s two symbolic castles with a sporting event, now an established tradition.
Fabio Scoccimarro, Regional Councillor for Environmental Defense, Energy and Sustainable Development, highlighted the importance of sustainability and solidarity in the event, with gadgets made of recyclable or environmentally sustainable materials. Sports Councillor of the City of Trieste, Elisa Lodi, highlighted the growth of the event and the new 1st International Road Race Running Match u.23 10k.
Silvia Gianardi, president of Asd Promorun, spoke about the various projects in the pipeline, international-level competitive racing, and solidarity toward Burlo Garofolo Hospital. Giacomo Biviano, president of the FVG Provincial Committee, anticipated the adrenaline rush of the new under-23 international challenge, with the participation of double world 5000 meter champion Muktar Edris.
Erika Dessabo, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region Sport and Health Coordinator, emphasized the collaboration for the 7th Joma Corsa dei Castelli.
Paolo Santangelo, Secretary General of the CRTrieste Foundation, expressed the link between the race and the castles of Trieste, and Michele Gamba emphasized the celebration of the city that the race represents, welcoming all participants, from blue champions to families and young people.
International Scenarios and Running Stars: The Magic of the Joma Corsa dei Castelli
The appointment with the 7th edition of the JomaCorsa dei Castelli is tinged with international overtones, expanding the borders beyondItaly to touch the lands of France, Greece, Israel and Switzerland. These four nations, responding to Asd Promorun’s invitation, have confirmed the participation of more than 50 young under-23 talents, who will represent the colors of their respective national teams. The city of Trieste is preparing to experience a weekend of sports and sharing, welcoming athletes and fans in an atmosphere of healthy competition.
The curtain will rise on Saturday, October 14 at 4:30 p.m. with the opening ceremony, a time to share and introduce the national teams. The scoring system adopted for the awards promises an exciting competition: each athlete will contribute to their team’s score, with a sum of the times of the top three athletes from each representative team determining the team standings. There will also be no shortage of recognition for individual performances, rewarding athletes who take the top three places in both the men’s and women’s categories, as well as the top three nations.
Among the most eagerly awaited protagonists, two-time world champion in the 5,000 meters, Muktar Edris, is preparing to take to the track to provide excitement and, who knows, set a new record on the track that joins Miramare Castle to San Giusto Castle. On the other side, Daniele Meucci, the Pisan engineer with a distinguished record of achievement, will represent tricolor pride in this competition that celebrates the union of sport and territory.
The history of the Joma Corsa dei Castelli is full of unforgettable moments and big names in international running. From the debut in 2017 with the victory of Kenyan Ezekiel Kemboi, through subsequent editions that saw both the number of participants and the technical level grow, to the extraordinary edition of 2022, with new course records signed by Birhanu Balew and Nancy Kerubo Kerage.
Not only race, but also solidarity. The collaboration with the Burlo Garofolo Foundation continues this year, with the goal of supporting important projects in the health sector. An opportunity to combine passion for sports with passion for social work, showing how solidarity can make a difference.
For all registered participants, a special gift: a technical T-shirt provided by Joma, the event’s technical partner, which, with its style and technical features, represents the symbol of an event that, year after year, continues to grow, excite and unite under the same sky athletes, fans and citizens.
As a reminder, part of the proceeds from Family Run registrations will be donated to charity, a choice that reflects the spirit of community and sharing that animates the organization and all participants of the Joma Corsa dei Castelli. An event that is not just sports, but a true gathering of values, passion and commitment to others.
Title: “Between Emotions and Solidarity: The 7th Joma Castles Race Unveils Its Medals and Broadens the Horizon.”
The 7th Joma Corsa dei Castelli, now just around the corner, continues to impress with new features that enhance community spirit and passion for the sport. In particular, the beating heart of every runner, the finisher medal, takes on an even deeper meaning this year.
A sustainable memory
This year’s finisher medal, part of the Promorun tradition, is a tribute to sustainability. Made by the IFeelWood line with recycled wood from FSC and PEFC® certified and controlled plantations, this symbolic object is not only a tangible reminder of the event, but a reminder of our commitment to environmental protection. The medal, in addition to evoking Trieste’s profile, carries the motto “Yes, We Run,” celebrating the pride and passion of runners.
An event beyond running
The Joma Corsa dei Castelli is not just a competition, but an event that embraces wellness, environment, tourism and culture. With the Family Run 8 km, recognized as the most participated running event in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Promorun elevates the event to a solidarity campaign in favor of the Burlo Garofolo Hospital, involving whole families in a day of sports and sharing. The event also aims to raise awareness of gender equality and opportunities for athletes with disabilities, continuing a path taken in previous editions with exceptional testimonials such as Paralympic champion Annalisa Minetti.
A bridge with schools
Collaboration with Trieste’s educational institutions is one of the pillars of the event. Through promotional registration rates and dedicated initiatives, students, teachers and parents are called upon to actively participate, promoting values of solidarity and respect for the environment. The 8 km Family Run, the heart of the event, is confirmed as a moment of celebration and aggregation, also made possible by the support of the CRTrieste Foundation.
The CRTrieste Foundation
Active for more than 30 years in promoting local development, Fondazione CRTrieste supports sports practice as a vehicle for personal and collective growth, supporting the area’s many sports associations.
Make TRIS:a successful running circuit
The synergy between Italy’s northeastern regions is renewed with the “Fai Tris” running circuit, uniting Udine, Trieste and Verona in three international events. After kicking off with the 23rd Udine City International Marathon, the baton will pass to the 7th Joma Corsa dei Castelli in Trieste, concluding with the 9th Zero Wind Verona Run Marathon 21k, weaving a thread of passion and competition through the most beautiful cities of the northeast.
With the 7th Joma Corsa dei Castelli, the heart of Trieste will beat to the rhythm of racing, celebrating not only the love of sports, but also the deep connection to the community and the commitment to a sustainable future.
