Photo by Dan Falloon\nItalian runner Bruno Bianchi (left) is congratulated on his 70-74 age-group win at the Manitoba Marathon by childhood friend and Transcona resident Frank Favoni.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\nThe pair attended six years of primary school together in Italy before Favoni moved to Canada after his Grade 5 year in 1952. He has lived in his Horton Avenue West home since 1967.<\/p>\n
Before Bianchi, a 72-year-old native of Travedona-Monate in northern Italy, decided to run the Manitoba Marathon this year, he and Favoni had only seen each other three times since Favoni left Europe — in 1972, in 1997, and in 2011.<\/p>\n
“He was surfing the ‘net, and he discovered that there was a marathon happening in Winnipeg,” said Favoni, 71. “He says to himself ‘This is Gianfranco’s (Frank’s) city.
“We made arrangements, and here he is.”<\/p>\n
With Favoni translating, Bianchi described renewing acquaintances with his old friend as “emotional” yet “easy”.<\/p>\n
Bianchi was inspired to start running after he saw the New York City Marathon, and was glad he took up the sport, noting “I am well when I run.”<\/p>\n
Bianchi said the marathon was one of the best he’s run, and weather conditions were ideal on the day of the race.<\/p>\n
“It was very good because I see very nice roads, very nice scenery,” said Bianchi, noting he appreciated the trees and musical entertainment along the route.<\/p>\n
Favoni hopes to bring his friend back for another go at the University of Manitoba’s starting lines, but the long flight might be prohibitive in the future.<\/p>\n
“We’re trying to convince him to come back and do his 20th,” said Favoni.<\/p>\n
“But it’s a little far,” noted Bianchi.<\/p>\n
Bianchi arrived in Manitoba on June 13 and left on June 19 to tend to his vineyard of approximately 1,600 vines.<\/p>\n
“He has two sins — espresso and wine,” said Favoni. “That’s what he calls them.”<\/p>\n
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