SCICLI (RG) – The Peppe Greco Memorial has returned home and done so in its own unique way: great champions, a public, awe-inspiring views, and that baroque setting that over the years has helped make the event one of the most recognizable international running events in Sicily.
The 33rd edition , held yesterday in Scicli, marked the return of the race to its historic home after eight years and following the itinerant editions that brought it to Modica in 2024 and Vittoria in 2025. An eagerly awaited return, accompanied by an organizational machine that responded well even to the uncertainties of the weather and which saw Atletica Vittoria work effectively alongside Gianni Voi , contributing to the success of a day that brought the Peppe Greco back to its most natural dimension.
Seare, the current champion, also leaves his mark in Scicli
Adding his name to the roll of honor was Dawit Seare , one of the fittest men on the international scene. The Eritrean arrived in Scicli just a week after winning the 5km road world title in Copenhagen and lived up to expectations.
Behind him was Kenyan Kelvin Kariuki Gachaga , second in 29'31 , while Pietro Riva completed the podium . The Italian athlete from the Fiamme Oro, in his first race after winning silver at the European Championships in Birmingham, finished in 29'38 . Fifth place, author of a sumptuous performance, was Giuseppe Gerratana of the Air Force from Modica, who crossed the finish line in 29'54 .
In Sicily, great performances were achieved not only by Gerratana, but also by Vincenzo Agnello (Sicilia Running Team), Sahran Zouhir (Milone Siracusa) and Wilson Marquez (Enterprise Sport & Service), Alessandro Brancato (Sicilia Running Team) and Luca Cavazzuti (Siracusatletica).
A race that rediscovers its identity
Even more than the technical result, this edition returned the Peppe Greco to its most famous setting. The cobblestones of the historic center, made treacherous by the rain that fell in the hours preceding, once again became the stage for a race that, throughout its history, has seen some of the world's greatest middle-distance and long-distance runners pass through.
Before the start, a telephone greeting was also received from FIDAL national president Stefano Mei.
Tergat and Baldini honorary citizens, Battocletti godmother
Peppe Greco's day began several hours before the race. In the morning, Palazzo Spadaro hosted one of the most significant moments of the entire program, with the awarding of honorary citizenship of Scicli. to champions whose names have been linked to the history of the event.
Among the protagonists were Paul Tergat , two-time winner in Scicli, and Stefano Baldini , Olympic marathon champion in Athens 2004 and winner of the Peppe Greco in 2005. The Municipality also awarded the honour to Haile Gebrselassie , another giant of world athletics linked to the roll of honour of the event.
Alongside the great champions of the past, the present of Italian athletics was represented by Nadia Battocletti , patroness of the 33rd edition. Her presence further enhanced the prestige of a weekend where Scicli once again enjoyed international athletics.
Young people are the most beautiful signature of the "new" Peppe Greco
Providing a prologue to the main event, amidst an atmosphere of excitement dampened by rain that at times fell heavily, were the youth category races. Not only athletes from the Ragusa province participated, but also athletes from other Sicilian provinces. The parade of flags that preceded the start of the top athletes was the icing on the cake of an edition of the Peppe Greco, which thrilled us again yesterday.
