Three months ago Andrea Marcato fulfilled one of his long cherished whishes. He took part to the World Harmony Run and accompanied the international team through France and Italy. At one of the daily receptions the runners met with Orlando Pizzaro, the two times winner of the New York Marathon. Andrea took his chance and asked his idol for a view hints. A vivid exchange went forth between the two Italians.

Andrea with the torch

 

Back in Graz the young runner put the advice to work:

- At the running festival in Bad Blumau Andrea participated in the half marathon and did a great time of 1:27:59, he stood second in the category under thirty.

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea running

- Only one week later Andrea took part in the international Self-Transcendence 12 and 24 Hour-Race in Basel, his first ultra race. The 12 hour race starts at midnight and ends at noon. During this race Andrea went through highs and lows and had especially in the early morning hours a hard fight. But as it was getting brighter he was getting faster and faster and finished on the first place of the category under thirty with 107 km, which means second over all.

"The atmosphere in Basel was unique. The helpers were chearing the whole time and along the track different music groups were playing beautifully. This was of great help for me to manage the long distance" he told after the race.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrea with the flag

- 3 weeks later our friend was back on track, this time he participated at the 100 km race in Vienna. Here the man from Graz had quite different experience. It was raining heavily and the heavy weather conditions were a big problem for him. After running for 60 kilometres he had big difficulties to go on and was thinking about quitting. A strong massage helped him again on his legs and with enormous strength of will he fought his way through the remaining kilometres. Andrea crossed the finishing line with a time of 11 hours and 25 minutes and was very happy he made it.

 

 

Now the promising talent is preparing for his next project: the New York Self-Transcendence Marathon in august. There he wants to run under 3 hours. For this task we wish our friend good luck.

 

Roby Shiltz