Vallo di Diano, united in the race: the history of Podistica Pollese and the Strapollese

A few days ago, the Napoli City Half Marathon, the international running event that took place on Sunday, February 23, ended. Under the vivid sky of Naples, which framed the race in a suggestive and stimulating setting, 7000 runners raced by.

An event of this magnitude is also an opportunity, for those of us who observe and tell it, to come across sports realities that embody the true essence of passion and determination. In this perspective, we are happy to share with you the story of one of the teams that participated in the event.

At first light of morning, while the sun was timidly starting to emerge and a few participants were approaching the reception area, we were attracted by the contagious energy of a group of 25 runners. of the Asd Podistica Pollese, vibrant with enthusiasm, who satisfied our curiosity with their stories.

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A Journey of Passion and Determination

Rino Di Leo, the President of this team, which has been competing in the running field with great fervor and determination since 2017, welcomed us with a reassuring smile, allowing us to get to know the team in depth and what makes them special.

This group is from Polla, a village in the suggestive Vallo di Diano. Talking with its members made us instantly perceive the  the overwhelming force that drives them; what drives them every Sunday to overcome their limits, the tiredness of a week of work, the many kilometres they are forced to travel by car, before  run others on their own two feet. Together they are much more than a group of athletes: they are a family united by their passion for running and the desire to make a difference, one step at a time.

The union is also witnessed by the affection that shines through in their speeches, by the admiration for the President, who in everyone's opinion  he is a sportsman with great willpower, capable of inspiring and coordinating them with seriousness and evident commitment.

Over time, the combination of these values, in addition to constant training through the breathtaking landscapes of their land, has made them grow significantly. Today, the Podistica Pollese has  reached the extraordinary figure of approximately one hundred members.

Every Sunday its athletes stand out in all kilometre distances and in the various specialities of running. The team can count on a promising youth sector – 25/26 members from 6 to 13 years old –  which continues to achieve excellent results. The contribution of Masters and Absolutes is fundamental, with experience and a competitive spirit, encouraging each other, improving, from time to time, in quality and cohesion.

Thanks to its constant evolution, the team has also welcomed  a new and important sector: Fitwalking. A large group of athletes dedicated to sports walking, led by Ida Isoldi – Fidal certified Fitwalking Technician – actively participates in Sunday competitions. Measuring their energy with that of their fellow runners, even walkers continue to collect very respectable feedback.

A Forge of Values ​​and Solidarity

But there is more. The Asd Podistica Pollese represents a concrete example of how, starting from a small community, and despite the limited initial size of the project, it is possible to guide young people towards healthy and meaningful goals. President Di Leo and his collaborators also dedicate commitment and passion in supporting solidarity events and organizing interesting annual literary meetings. Their great enthusiasm therefore expands in different directions. Always looking to the future, the team spreads the awareness that pursuing such goals not only improves oneself, but also enriches the territory.

The Strength of a Dream: the Strapollese

The team's flagship is the Strapollese, the race recognized by Fidal that it organizes annually.  The seventeenth edition will be held on 13 September 2025  usual distance of 10 km. The excellent level of organization, as well as the large participation, have gradually increased its fame. Thanks to the Strapollese, in 2023, the company obtained the coveted “La Transenna” running award, also thanks to the care in promoting the event, the support of the local authorities and the enthusiastic presence of the citizens. Every year the Strapollese creates a great deal of excitement, transforming itself  in a true celebration of sport and of the population. It is an authentic riot of colors and joy.

The Results of an Exceptional Team

The objective was also achieved for the challenging event of the Naples City Half Marathon. Of the 25 athletes who participated, three were classified within the first thousand. In particular, Pietro Caruso, placed himself in an honorable position: at no. 417 in the ranking. A remarkable result considering the 7000 total participants. Even with the relay, for which athletes from the sector competed in pairs  running combined with fitwalking, the team achieved significant performances.

The magic of the Vallo di Diano, which continues to inspire their journey, together with the tenacity they have shown, has once again revealed the inner strength of these athletes. Thus, with hearts full of gratitude and a light soul, these tireless runners continue to pursue the path they have chosen to undertake. An authentic demonstration of love for sport and the beauty in which they have their roots.