Vigevano–Pavia Marathon 2022: where art meets sport on the Ticino River, signed by Stefano Bressani

On October 8 and 9, 2022, along the banks of the Ticino River, the 52nd edition of the Vigevano–Pavia Marathon took place — an international event that goes far beyond a mere running competition. Two intense days of sport, art, and tradition that redefined the way of experiencing a marathon, turning it into an encounter of emotion, culture, and territory.

This edition celebrated a double milestone:.

fifty years of history and a renewed artistic vision signed by the Tailor of Art, Stefano Bressani, renowned for transforming fabric into emotion and storytelling.

The symbolic strength of the Ticino’s waters, flowing vigorously again after a long drought, became the event’s living metaphor — a bond between past and future, between sport and beauty, between cities and their people.

Bressani gifted the event with a unique official image: the logo of the Vigevano–Pavia Marathon, not just a graphic sign but a true work of art. Within its design emerge the Roman columns — symbols of strength and endurance — the Bramante Tower as a historical beacon, and the Covered Bridge, emblem of unity between the two cities and their shores.

“Everything that comes from my hands must have a story,” Bressani explains. “In this case, I wanted to represent navigability as a symbol of union and continuity. Art cannot stand still: like water, it must flow and embrace every aspect of life — from sport to music, from architecture to design.”

It is not the first time that Bressani has intertwined sport and art.

He has created awards for world championships and medals for historic competitions, bringing his distinctive language to the heart of the Vigevano–Pavia Marathon. Since 2022, his symbol has been carried along the river on a traditional Barcè, evoking a modern torchbearer of the water — a ritual that unites sacredness and grace, strength and poetry.

The event’s program was rich and engaging.

On Friday, October 8, a symbolic river descent began in Bereguardo, reaching the Canottieri Ticino in Pavia after passing through breathtaking views of the Ticino Park. Adding prestige to the event was the presence of Olympic champion Manfredi Rizza, silver medalist at Tokyo 2021 — a symbol of determination and Italian sporting pride.

Saturday, October 9, was a day of celebration, storytelling, and shared emotion. The Vigevano–Pavia Marathon is made of people: athletes, organizers, artists, citizens. It embodies the spirit of those who run, create, and believe in an Italy capable of expressing itself through beauty — an Italy running at the pace of culture and respect.

A special thanks goes to Carlo Pietra and the entire organizing committee, who turned this race into a signature tradition — one that continues to move the hearts of athletes and art lovers, year after year.