The mayor of Limone del Garda highlights the impact of this sporting event
‘The Lake Garda Marathon is a strategic asset for the area and generates value on multiple levels.’ This is how Franceschino Risatti, mayor of Limone sul Garda, sees the event held from 10 to 12 April on the shores of the lake, between Limone and Malcesine. ‘On one hand it brings thousands of international runners to the area (around 2500 athletes) together with their friends and families and this has a direct impact on local tourism and the local economy. On the other it contributes significantly to Lake Garda’s reputation as a European outdoor destination benchmark.’ The choice of date also contributes to this. ‘Sports events of this calibre are one of the most effective ways to reduce the seasonal nature of tourism. Putting it in April, at the beginning of the season, is a way of bringing in tourists at a traditionally less popular time of year, contributing to better distributing tourism throughout the year.’ Lastly, the co-operation theme comes across clearly: ‘Partnership between these two Lake Garda towns is the key to the success of events of this size. The marathon is not just one town’s. It belongs to the whole area and a top-level organised experience requires a shared vision,’ concludes the mayor.
