{:en}PRESS RELEASE (11/15/2017)
Everything is ready to Loano for the first edition of the trail running race “4 Chiese Trail” - CSEN Trophy - Lucio Burastero Memorial organized by the’A.S.D. Krav Maga Parabellum Urban Combat Selfe Defense under the auspices of the’Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the City of Loano, of Municipality of Pietra Ligure, of the Municipality of Giustenice and the CSEN (National Educational Sports Center).
The race, scheduled Sunday, November 19, will involve the territory of the municipalities of Loano, Ligurian Stone and for a very short distance Justenice (about 200m). The track will touch the 4 churches located in the vicinity of Loano (St. Mary of Grace Church - St. Martin's Church - St. Free Church - Chapel of the Visitation) for a total length of 17 km and a total positive elevation development of 1200 meters.
The Competition is included in the official calendar of the CSEN and is part of the Short Circuit Solidarity “I Run for Find The Cure.”.
Part of the registration fee will be donated to charity to the ONLUS Di.Di. differently disabled non-profit organization and to Find The Cure for the construction of a maternity ward in the rural village of Naadafji Coura in Mali.
“Initiatives related to the Loano Outdoor project are multiplying. - says Councillor Remo Zaccaria - Through events such as the “4 Chiese Trail” trail running race, Loano promotes its territory and the opportunities it offers to those who enjoy outdoor activities. More and more Loano is investing in the enhancement of hiking trails by offering itineraries with different levels of difficulty that satisfy both families and the most trained sportsmen.”
“They are already 120 those registered for the first edition of the trail running race “4 Churches Trail” - explain Francis Ravotti e Alexander Casasola managers of the running section of A.S.D. Krav Maga Parabellum - and we think we can reach 150 participants. Although in its first edition, the race has aroused great interest among trail running fans, thanks to a beautiful route that will provide unique views and emotions. ”
“A great energy and good team spirit," says David Carosa president of the Krav Maga Parabellum Association- accompanies the organization of this new sports event. It will be a competition experienced in the spirit of solidarity, fairness and respect. We will raise funds for the associations Find the Cure and Di.di. differently disabled and offer fans the opportunity to meet the great champion Marco Olmo. We already have the desire, after this first edition that will serve to test the organization, to expand the race by introducing two distances, so as to further increase the number of participants.”
Marco Olmo, trail champion, will be present at the race, first of the over-60s in the Marathon des Sables (a 250-kilometer race that takes place in the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco) and winner of the Bolivia Ultratrail. Olmo has in his palmares victories and placings in some of the world's most challenging ultratrails. A living legend of extreme running, at age 58 he became World Champion by winning the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.
The athlete will be present at Loano as early as Saturday afternoon (Nov. 18) to participate in a meeting where he will talk about his experience and offer some advice to trail runners. The talk will be held in the Civic Library in Kursaal Palace at 6 p.m.. Interviewing the athlete will be. Peter Saccone e Stephen Rizzo of the’A.S.D. Krav Maga Parabellum.
Sunday, November 19 the race will start at 9:30 a.m. from the hamlet of Verzi (Via Borgata Borgarino). After running the short stretch of asphalt to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, runners will take the path that will lead them across a dirt road to the Church of San Martino. Past the church the trail will continue northwest until it crosses the path leading to the Pian delle Bosse Refuge. When you reach the Refuge, you will pass it by continuing downhill southwest to the Avio Rock and from there to the Castagna parking lot. Near the parking lot, a steep path will be taken that, passing Cascina Banca, will bring the athletes back to Verzi. Following a short stretch of cemented farm road, a new path will be taken that will allow the athletes to cross the stream safely and reach the steep climb to “Cian Luaio.” Once over the top, a steep gravel path will lead the athletes to a short stretch of dirt road and then to Via Santa Libera, a dirt road that passing in front of the church of the same name will lead the athletes to Verzi. From here the last short stretch of asphalt road will cross the village, passing in front of the Chapel of the Visitation and reaching the Ex Scuole di Verzi where the finish and refreshments are planned.
The event will begin at the 7:00 a.m. with the delivery of bibs and race packs and will end by 18.00. The maximum time allowed to complete the race is 6 hours.
Respect for the environment and safety are central to the organization of this race. The route will be marked by biodegradable signage tape and will be removed at the end of the race. There is also provision for the use of some signposts at junctions and they too will be removed at the end of the competition. To ensure the safety and preservation of the area, surveys will be conducted on the route before and after the race for the purpose of cleaning the trails.
Participants' safety will be ensured by volunteers: about 25 volunteers are expected to be stationed along the entire route, giving athletes directions and warning them to pay attention at the most technically difficult points.
There are 3 fixed rescue points, one at the start/finish line with the presence of the Red Cross Ambulance, one at the Pian delle Bosse Shelter where the race doctor will be present in addition to Red Cross volunteers, and a third point in the Marin area (Via Santa Libera).
There will be a “Broom” service, i.e., a member of the organization will proceed as the last runner to ensure that no athlete can get lost or fall behind. In addition, assistance will be provided on the route by civil defense.
In in case of bad weather the sporting event will be postponed to Sunday, November 26.
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