Annual friendship event restarts after Covid pause with 6,000 runners. Nutella crepes for all at the finish line
A 4-mile, 6-kilometer course around Central Park is expected to draw 6,000 runners for the first New York Italy Run in three years, after a long layover for the Covid-19 pandemic.
The race will begin at 69th Street and the Park Drive East, and finish at the Bethesda Fountain. Runners and other visitors will be welcomed to the Naumberg Bandshell after the race for free Italian food, inclduing Nutella crepes from one of the race’s sponsors, Italian confectioner Ferrero.
The race, organized under aegis of the New York Road Runners, saw all its places filled within a week, said Itaian Consul to the US Fabrizio Di Michele.
“An event like the Italy Run is something we need now,” said Di Michele. Adding, “In the past two weeks, people are calling and writing me to get a place [int he race], which is no longer available.”
George Hirsch, the 88-year old chairman of the Road Runners, which orgaizes most of the road races in New York City, as well as the prestigious New York Marathon,called the race “A great act of friendship among Italy, America and New York.”
Among the treats for runners and their friends and family after the race will be free Nutella crepes at the bandshell, said Gerald Kunde, Ferrero’s senior vice president for government and institutional affairs.
“Treats in moderation are perfectly acceptable, particularly after you’ve run 6 kilometers,” said Kunde.
Francesca Lollobrigida, Italy’s Olympic-medal winning speedskater will take part in the race, along with Paralympian and member of Parliament Giussy Versace.
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