APCOM

The 37th edition of Stramilano, the half marathon symbol of the city, takes place on Sunday. Around 5,400 athletes take part into the international agonistic race, which has been presented today at Palazzo Cusani. Among the participants, many are stars of the discipline. Outgoing champion Philemon Kipchumba Kisang will try to win again: Kenyan, born in 1982, he will try to beat his personal best of 60'552. His countryman Korir John Cheruiyot, bronze medallist at 2000 Cross country World Championship, wants to improve the fifth place he achieved four years ago.

Italians' trust is put in Rachid Berrani, the last Italian who won the competition in 2002 thanks to the discipline's national record. Among women, local athletes are lead by Anna Incerti, who also keeps the national supremacy with the time of 60'56'. Veteran Ornella Ferrara (who boasts the participation in two editions of the Olympics and many placings in the most important races) will be present too. The 21.097 Km of the fast Milanese course, starts at Castello Sforzesco and finishes at Arena Civica. Here excellent performances have never been lacking. Stramilano's gold book proves that dozens of the best runners began here. One of them is legendary Paul Tergat, the race's king for six times in a row. The 1998 triumph was also marked by the world record with 59'17".

In 1972, when Stramilano was created, only 3,500 athletes were on the starting line: this year between professionals and amateurs the number reaches the 55,000 members: "The phenomenon of street races is constantly growing, both in Italy and abroad" said during three times winner Alberto Cova during the presentation. "Athletics, which has always been the Olympic sport par excellence, must go on addressing to all the people who practise it also through these kinds of initiatives".