The 10K run, called Stracastello, was put on to help raise awareness of worldwide violence against women. This is an issue near and dear to my heart, not because my husband beats me (he’s the polar opposite), but because when I became a member of Soroptimist International, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, my awareness was raised. Our club, in particular, focuses on the elimination of human trafficking and with that of course, stopping the violence wrought upon women both here and abroad. Until I was introduced to the Soroptimist GP Chapter, I had no idea the extent to which human trafficking occurs in Detroit and its suburbs.

Event volunteers passed out orange bandanas that said “Contro la Violenze Sulle Donne” (Against the violence upon women), and most everyone was wearing them either around their necks, in their hair, tying them to their wrists or their waists, except for the more serious runners who probably thought it might impede the aerodynamics of their race.
All ages come out for these kinds of regularly scheduled family events in this dynamic town located in northern Umbria. Also participating were children and adults on bicycles and people in wheelchairs.
Rich and I sat outside one bar sipping cappuccino while enjoying the casual pre-race party.
For the race itself, we moved to another bar on the main square, Piazza Matteotti, and drank freshly squeezed orange juice, right there at the finish line. A lovely morning all the way around. More photos below.
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