Long-distance runner Robert Napolitano, who starred at Red Bank Catholic High in New Jersey was victorious in the Italy Run by Ferrero, a 4 mile course in Central Park, New York this past weekend. Napolitano, an All-American at Columbia College, finished first out of a field of 5295 competitors. His winning time was a formidable 19minutes 38 seconds and his pace per mile was 4 minutes 55 seconds.

He finished 34 seconds ahead of second place Jacob Adams of Yonkers. Speaking after the race, Napolitano said, "I am pleased with my performance. As an Italian American I was honored to be part of this year's festival celebrating Italy's Independence Day. He entered the race through his association with the Silvio Laccetti Foundation of Fairview, NJ., which sponsored him.

The foundation seeks to promote Italian American heritage and achievement in the US and is particularly active in NJ. Some years ago, Dr. Laccetti had noticed the paucity of standout Italian American distance runners in U.S. high schools. He hopes Robert Napolitano's victory will inspire more Italian American boys and girls to take up the sport of distance running.

The 2022 race is the third edition of The Run.It was suspended the past two years because of Covid 19. A triumvirate of partners brought about this special return event: Fabrizio Di Michele, the Consul General of Italy in New York City organized the race in cooperation with the New York Road Runners (NYRR) and Ferrero North America. Ferrero is a world leader in the confections industry and its Nutella brand is known the world over. The significance of the race is best summed up by George Hirsch, President of NYRR. It "...represents a great act of friendship between Italy, America and the City of New York."

Now, that legacy is epitomized by the first Italian American winner of The Italy Run

Contact Foundation Director at 201-943-1008.