APCOM

A feast of sport and, this year, a feast for the Expo too. Besides registering a growing participation of street race lovers, the 37th edition of Stramilano celebrated the city's victory for the 2015 international fair. A huge banner saying 'Grazie Milano Expo' stood over the starting line in Piazza Duomo, where 50,000 amateurs of all ages were getting ready for the 12-kilometre non-agonistic circuit.

This year's edition was a record one, for the number of people involved. 55,400 athletes took part in the race (5,400 of whom entered the international competition). The Red Cross and other committees lined up with 350 volunteers. 20 chefs and 30 waiters cooked and served over 4,500 meals.

In the half marathon, Kenya was chasing another hat trick, but this year 'only' two out of three steps of the podium were Kenyans. Philemon Kipchumba Kisang won for the second year in a row with the time of 1h2'10". He preceded Ugandan Wilson Kipkeme Busienei and his fellow countryman John Korir. The best Italian was 2002 champion Rachid Berradi, who finished 8th. Among women, Brazilian Maria Zelfrina Baldaia triumphed in 1h13'50". Italy smiled thanks to Ornella Ferrara, third, who achieved the umpteenth prestigious placing of her brilliant career.