Roberto Di Sante: The Marathon Man Shouting for Peace!
We didn’t just have a marathon on the streets of New York last Sunday; we had a bona fide demonstration of love, hope, and a dash of confusion! Picture it: a city filled with thousands of runners—some of whom are clearly just in it for the free energy gels—racing for solidarity, and right at the heart of it all, our hero, Roberto Di Sante, dashing through the chaos clad in the sacred colors of Athletics Vaticana. Imagine being blessed before you hit the pavement! What a spiritual upgrade—I can barely get my morning coffee blessed, let alone a marathon t-shirt!
Roberto, on his second New York Marathon, ran with “PEACE” emblazoned across his chest. I mean, you can’t run away from all your problems if you’re literally wearing your heart on your sleeve, or in this case, your torso! He’s out there, probably thinking, “Well, if running 42 kilometers is tough, try telling people my name in an American accent!”
However, it’s not just the distance that made this marathon unique—oh no! This run decided it wanted to be 47 kilometers and 320 meters long because why not?! In psychology, they call this “disappointment management.” You head out expecting to cover a specific distance, and then the universe bumps it up for the fun of it. Thank you, lovely folks of New York, for supporting him so vigorously that he completely forgot what a blue line on the road means. It’s not every day you get a marathon turned into an endearing, slapstick comedy, is it?
As Roberto felt the love pouring from the crowd, he couldn’t help but channel his inner footballer. “A cry of peace rose from one barrier to another,” he said. It would have been easier to make his marathon entrance like a WWE superstar than a peaceful marathon runner, wouldn’t it? He ran with a wall of love wrapping around him. I mean, come on! Is there any way to not feel like a living, breathing heart emoji in that situation?
And those stats—5 hours, 37 minutes, and 57 seconds—are impressive! But really, do we care about the time when you’ve run the emotional gamut of marathon running? This man turned those streets into a stage, where each spectator was a fan waiting for an encore. We haven’t seen this kind of crowd surfing since the last time a rock band rolled through town.
Yet, when the sweaty euphoria settles, Roberto’s dedication transcends the finish line. This marathon became a heartfelt tribute to all those children lost in wars globally. He crowned his adventure with that poignant dedication that makes you think, “Forget marathons; let’s just run towards some good old-fashioned hope!” I think he’s running towards a bestseller, honestly—move over Tolkien and JK Rowling! We need Roberto’s feel-good marathon saga!
As one adventure leads to another, like all good stories do, the book mysteriously ends on a cliffhanger, which is fitting because life itself is just one big draft waiting to be rewritten. Just like Roberto, we’re all running our own marathons—figuratively, at least. So here’s a cheer from your friendly neighborhood audience: Keep running, Roberto! Keep sharing those stories!
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, a powerful shout resonated through the streets of New York: “PEACE!”. This call for tranquility was not just the solitary declaration of Roberto Di Sante, a writer and runner hailing from Marino and currently residing in Frascati, but it echoed throughout the entire sprawling metropolis. This marked Roberto’s second undertaking of the iconic marathon in the Big Apple, where he proudly donned the colors of Athletics Vaticana. The t-shirt, which had been blessed just the previous day during a special mass for marathon runners at the renowned San Patrick cathedral by Don Luigi Portarulo, boldly displayed the word PEACE on the front, while the back featured a poignant quotation from Pope Francis: “Sport can build bridges, break down barriers and foster peace.”
Roberto’s journey was markedly unconventional, covering a distance of 47 kilometers and 320 meters—this is 5 kilometers and 125 meters beyond the traditional marathon length. This unusual deviation wasn’t due to any alteration in the marathon’s esteemed regulations, but rather emerged from the overwhelming support of the enthusiastic crowd lining the streets. Roberto became a beloved figure in this year’s marathon, receiving constant encouragement and affection from the spectators, who called out to him and cheered him on from both sides of the road, turning the experience into a heartwarming exchange that propelled him toward the finish line.
Runners are well aware that on marathon courses, a blue line typically guides participants along the most efficient route, allowing them to optimize their effort and avoid unnecessary extra distance. However, for Roberto, immersed in the unexpected warmth and encouragement of the New York audience, this line lost all significance. As a result, the figures on his GPS watch reflected a distance that was 5 kilometers longer than anticipated.
“A cry of peace rose from one barrier to another, and I ran as if I were a football player, celebrating with fans who, in return, erupted in a joyous symphony of love. To me, I felt insignificant, yet I was part of something spontaneous and extraordinary. So, 42 kilometers morphed into 47, which is merely a detail when weighed against the backdrop of lifeless and tortured souls. This cry for peace, particularly on the never-ending First Avenue, drowned out both voices and hearts in a wave of emotion. With arms wide open and smiles exchanged, I wept and laughed simultaneously. I am but a small man nurturing a grand hope.”
The time recorded on his stopwatch for covering the distance of 47 kilometers and 320 meters was remarkably impressive at 5 hours, 37 minutes, and 57 seconds.
It is not unusual to encounter him while training in Frascati, specifically at Villa Torlonia, which has recently reopened, or at the picturesque Lake Albano in Castel Gandolfo, as he prepares for his most challenging races. Beyond the time he clocked as he crossed the finish line, Roberto’s greatest achievement lies in the ability to narrate a new chapter of his life through his experiences. Much like Aldo Amedei, the hero of the novel “Corri – Dall’inferno a Central Park” who finds new life through running, Roberto extracts vigor from the marathon, continuing his journey as each race signifies the birth of a new chapter, making life all the more beautiful.
It is no coincidence that the narrative concludes in an unconventional manner: it lacks a definitive ending, as the protagonist comes to the realization that his tale cannot simply be capped: “My life is still a draft to be corrected”.
Keep running, Roberto! Keep telling us stories like this!
“I dedicate this second New York Marathon to all the children killed in the wars that are plaguing the world.”
Il maratoneta spiegazione
**Interview with Roberto Di Sante: The Marathon Man Shouting for Peace**
*Interviewer:* Roberto, thank you for joining us today! Your recent marathon run in New York seems like it was quite the experience. How does it feel to represent Athletics Vaticana and wear the message of “PEACE” while running through such an iconic city?
*Roberto Di Sante:* Thank you for having me! It was truly amazing. Donning the colors of Athletics Vaticana and running with “PEACE” blazoned across my chest turned the marathon into something more than just a race; it became a mission—a way to spread a message that resonates with so many in today’s world. The support from the crowd infused every step I took with energy!
*Interviewer:* Speaking of energy, you covered a distance of 47 kilometers—5 kilometers beyond the typical marathon length. How did that happen?
*Roberto Di Sante:* (laughs) Well, let’s just say the excitement of the crowd swept me away! Instead of following the blue line on the road, I was so caught up in the enthusiasm and encouragement from the spectators that I lost track of the route. It became an impromptu journey, filled with love and connection—not just with the distance but with each person who cheered for me.
*Interviewer:* It sounds like the support from the spectators was pivotal. How did it feel to have such an overwhelming expression of community behind you?
*Roberto Di Sante:* Absolutely vital! It was as if I was running with thousands of cheerleaders. I felt their energy pushing me forward, and I couldn’t help but celebrate like a football player soaking in the joy around me. That connection made the marathon not just about the finish line but about the journey of togetherness—and that’s really special.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned that your run was also a tribute to children lost in wars globally, which adds a profound layer to your experience. Could you share a bit about that?
*Roberto Di Sante:* Yes, it was deeply personal. I wanted my run to honor these innocents who have been affected by violence and conflict. The marathon was a platform not only to shout for peace but to remember those who cannot run for their dreams. I hope that through my participation, we can raise awareness and inspire others to promote peace.
*Interviewer:* You had a poignant quote from Pope Francis on your shirt. How did that influence your experience during the marathon?
*Roberto Di Sante:* The quote, “Sport can build bridges, break down barriers and foster peace,” inspired me with every step. It served as a reminder that our actions in sports and life can create connections rather than divisions. That spirit of unity became the fuel that kept my feet moving, even when the distance became unexpectedly longer!
*Interviewer:* Lastly, what’s next for you after this unforgettable marathon experience? Do you have plans to write about it?
*Roberto Di Sante:* Definitely! I’m inspired to take this journey and translate it into stories that resonate beyond the marathon. Whether a book or a blog, I hope to share the excitement, the heartfelt moments, and the message of peace for all. I think there’s something profound in running our own marathons in life, figuratively. So stay tuned—there’s more to come!
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Roberto! Your journey is as inspiring as it is entertaining. Keep running and sharing your beautiful stories!
*Roberto Di Sante:* Thank you! Let’s keep spreading peace together!
