In American pop culture, one of the more popular memes regarding Italians is that we’re boisterous or inappropriately loud; it brings to mind the iconic punchline in Family Guy, when discussing a phrase no one would ever think to utter, “Gosh that Italian family at the next table sure is quiet.” While cultural stereotypes often have harmful effects, the notion that Italians are unnecessarily loud holds some truth. An Italian, however, would likely argue –vociferously and emotively– that the more accurate term is impassioned.
There is no better word to describe the small group of Italians standing underneath the 24.8 mile marker at the New York Marathon on Sunday; they were passionate (and yes perhaps a bit loud). As runners streamed by, they kept a keen eye out for the distinctive blue jerseys and the occasional green, white and red flags.
They’d yell strangers’ names out after reading it from the race tag on their shirt, urging them on for the last mile of the race. “Forza!”,”Sei quasi arrivato!”, “Dai che ce la fai!”. Mile 25 is notoriously grueling.
No matter your conditioning, very few people are cruising at that point; many more are dragging along, simply trying to block out the pain for another ten minutes.
It’s always wholesome then to see the eyes of a runner light up a bit in recognition of someone cheering for them and a little pep come back into their step.
Most smirked and gave a little wave before continuing south down Central Park with renewed vigor.
Italians love the New York Marathon, a few would be quick to remind you that we’ve won it a few times (albeit in the 80’s). Many marathon veterans and spectators still remember the exhilarating day in 1984 when Orlando Pizzolato won it in 85 degree weather, and 95% humidity. The great Orlando won again the following year, to the joy and pride of all the Italians and Italian Americans everywhere.
It’s estimated that roughly 4,000 Italians ran the NY Marathon in 2022; the number is likely to be even higher this year as Marathon attendance reached record numbers across the board.
Besides being passionate, Italians are also quite patriotic; interestingly, this is displayed more abroad than it is at home. Italians out-of-country are almost always willing to bond with others just because they happen to be Italian, this was even more so the case today along the course.
Coming all the way from Italy to run the NY Marathon is certainly a long trip, but I’m sure finding a little bit of home on the final stretch pushed just a few across the finish line.
