Linus Njuguna wins the 6th Memorial Bruno Lolli in Zola Predosa after a thrilling sprint

The roads of Zola Predosa, Italy, bore witness to an extraordinary exhibition of elite road racing on September 26 at the 6° Memorial Bruno Lolli. Attracting more than 400 athletes across multiple divisions, the FIDAL National “Gold” level 5km race lived up to its high-octane reputation. Boasting a highly competitive, flat, and fast route starting at the historic Lolli Auto headquarters, the men’s elite race unfolded as an unforgettable, tactical battle that came down to a razor-thin sprint finish.

Ultimately, Kenyan standout Linus Njuguna claimed a spectacular victory, crossing the finish line in a blistering 13:55 minutes. He narrowly held off Italian favorite Giuseppe Gravante, who finished just two seconds behind in 13:57 minutes. Rounding out a historically tight top three was Stefano Benzoni, who clocked an outstanding 13:59 minutes. With a mere four seconds separating the podium finishers, the event cemented its standing as one of the premier short-distance road races on the Italian athletic calendar.

Final Standings at men’s 5km road at Memorial Bruno Lolli
1. Linus Njuguna (Kenya) – 13:55 min
2. Giuseppe Gravante (Italy) – 13:57 min
3. Stefano Benzoni (Italy) – 13:59 min
4. Abrham Angino Carson Gotti Asado (Italy) – 14:00 min
5. Omar Fiki (Italy) – 14:16 min
6. Leo Parlione (Italy) – 14:21 min
7. Mauro Dallapiccola (Italy) – 14:21 min
8. Thomas Serafini (Italy) – 14:26 min
9. Giovanni Artusi (Italy) – 14:31 min
10. Edoardo Piazzola (Italy) – 14:32 min

From the sound of the starting gun on Via G. Dozza, the pace was unyielding. The technical nature of the Zola Predosa circuit, combined with perfect racing conditions, prompted the leading pack to assert themselves immediately. A dense pack of elite frontrunners formed within the first kilometer, dictating a tempo that quickly stretched out the rest of the 400-strong field.

Kenyan athlete Linus Njuguna remained a steady anchor at the front, trading leads with Italy’s rising stars, Giuseppe Gravante and Stefano Benzoni. The trio broke away from the chasing pack past the midway mark, matching each other stride-for-stride in a fierce showcase of tactical pacing.

As the final kilometer approached, the race transformed into a pure test of speed and willpower. Gravante, representing Corradini Rubiera, launched a fierce kick to push for the home victory. However, Njuguna responded with a ferocious kick of his own. The Kenyan runner found an extra gear in the final 200 meters to stop the clock at 13:55, securing the title by a marginal distance. Gravante crossed the line right behind him at 13:57, while Benzoni completed the sub-14 minute trio at 13:59.

Beyond the thrilling podium battle, the local Italian contingent turned heads with phenomenal performances. Finishing just outside the podium in a heartbreakingly close fourth place was Abrham Angino Carson Gotti Asado, who crossed the line at 14:00 minutes sharp. His performance put him exactly one second shy of a podium placement, highlighting the dense concentration of elite athletic talent present in Zola Predosa.

Securing the fifth position was Omar Fiki, who managed a strong finish of 14:16 minutes. Fiki fought off a late surge from chasing athletes Leo Paglione and Mauro Dallapiccola, both of whom finished shortly behind at 14:21, to secure his spot in the prestigious top five.

The 6° Memorial Bruno Lolli continues to honor the enduring legacy of Bruno Lolli, the beloved former president and founder of the Lolli Auto Sport Club. The race, heavily supported by the Lolli family, has rapidly evolved from a regional gathering into a certified National Gold-level fixture. The event attracts prominent international standard-bearers and the finest long-distance talent in European athletics.

With an incredibly fast course, unparalleled organization, and top-tier times recorded year after year, the Memorial Bruno Lolli has locked its place as a must-attend event for runners seeking to challenge their personal bests.