Among the dunes of the Sahara desert, in Tunisia, he had to "settle" for a wooden medal.
In the similar challenge in Namibia, in a stage race over a distance of 100 kilometres, things went even better: Fabrizio Dell'Isola, a runner from Abruzzo based in Barisciano (L'Aquila) won an unexpected 'bronze' medal, placing third behind the Friulian runner Valentino Namada (silver medal) and the local athlete Jason Nghinanamunhu (first overall).
The challenge in the Namib desert ended with this podium, one of the oldest and most fascinating in the world, whose sand dunes, hundreds of meters high, create a surreal and breathtaking landscape.
Despite the harsh conditions, the Namib is home to unique flora and fauna, consisting mainly of highly adapted endemic species.
The race conditions were also difficult, with starts at dawn to avoid the prohibitive temperatures of the hottest hours (even 49 degrees).
Forty-seven years old, a member of Atletica Abruzzo L'Aquila, Dell'Isola (Recrowd team) arrived at the finish line almost without a voice.
"It was an incredible experience, intense and devastating at the same time - he said when reached by phone - A race that rewarded Jason, the Resort chef who hosted us in these four unforgettable days. His colleagues gave him the bib and he gave them repaid in the best way."
An unlikely outfit, a crumpled plastic bottle of water in one hand and a cell phone in the other to listen to African music while he ran, this is how Nghinanamunhu showed up every day at the start.
A bandana for sweat, road shoes totally unsuitable for desert terrain, white sponge socks and no sunglasses.
"After crossing the finish line of each stage - continues Dell'Isola - Jason waited for each athlete to clap his hands and congratulate him... sometimes hours could pass. Only the very last ones he couldn't say goodbye to because he had to start his shift in the kitchen. The sport teaches. Sport is life".
Italian, Uruguayan, Spanish, French and English athletes participated in the test, organized by Zitoway.
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