Healthy Campus in action as dAnnunzio University turns out in force for Chieti Night Run

A great celebration of sport and community, with dAnnunzio Universitys sea of blue among the most visible features of the 26th edition of the Chieti Night Run. The University of Chieti-Pescara took part with 262 entrants, including students and staff, bringing a strong message of wellbeing, community spirit and close ties with the local area to the heart of the city.

Of the UdA participants, 202 were students and 60 were members of university staff. Forty-six competed in the official FIDAL 8.7-kilometre race, while 216 opted for the non-competitive 2.9-kilometre run and walk. The figures reflected a broad and diverse presence, combining sport, health, social interaction and a shared sense of belonging.

The event provided one of the most tangible expressions of the UdA Healthy Campus initiative, through which the University promotes an educational model centred on people and quality of life. For university students facing daily academic demands, examinations and pressure, physical activity represents a valuable ally for both body and mind, helping to improve energy levels, balance, concentration and stress management.

In this context, running and walking alongside the city acquired a meaning that extended beyond the sporting event itself. The strong presence of dAnnunzio University highlighted the institutions commitment to healthy lifestyles, prevention, psychological wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability, in line with the One Health approach underpinning the UdA Healthy Campus project.

The high level of female participation was also noteworthy, with 110 female students and 35 female members of staff, alongside five international students. These figures reinforced the inclusive nature of the initiative and reflected a university community able to come together beyond the traditional spaces of teaching, research and work.

The response from dAnnunzio University was extraordinary, said the Universitys Director General, Paolo Esposito. The remarkable presence of more than 200 students once again demonstrated the close relationship between the University and the city, as well as our commitment to promoting physical activity and sport as tools for wellbeing, inclusion and social cohesion. All this forms part of the broader UdA Healthy Campus project, which translates the One Health concept into concrete actions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, physical and psychological wellbeing, balanced nutrition and sustainability.

The CARES Centre the Universitys Centre for Disability, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, directed by Professor Domenico Genovesi also took part in the event. Supported by Chieti Municipal Pharmacies, the Centre set up information points dedicated to prevention and wellbeing.

From a sporting perspective, the 8.7-kilometre competitive race started from Chietis Villa Comunale and attracted 360 runners to the start line. Stefano Massimi claimed victory in 26:19, ahead of Lorenzo DellOrefice, who finished second in 27:11, while Nunzio Gabriele secured third place in 27:54.

In the womens race, Melissa Palanza took victory and finished thirteenth overall in 31:13. Alessia Righetti placed second and fifteenth overall in 31:25, while Sara Di Prinzio completed the podium in fortieth place overall with a time of 34:17.

Five athletes from dAnnunzio University finished on the podium at the event. The overall mens and womens titles went to Luca Tollis and Alessia Tartaglia. Among members of the Universitys Recreational and Cultural Association (CRAD UdA), Francesco Cavallucci and Lorena Savini were the top male and female finishers respectively.

Francesco DAgostino narrowly missed the podium, securing an excellent fourth place overall.

In recognition of the Universitys strong involvement in the event, commemorative awards were presented by Piero Perrucci, of US Acli Marathon Chieti, to Paolo Esposito, Director General of the University, and Tiziano Zuccarini, President of CRAD UdA.

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  dAnnunzio Universitys sea of blue