Italian seniors tackle epic treks: Camino de Santiago and 70th birthday “70thlon”

Silvano Sàssoli, 77, and his friend Mario Bresil, 83, both from Laveno, Italy, completed the 800‑kilometre French route of the Camino de Santiago in 33 days, averaging about 25 km per day. Their journey took them through the Pyrenees starting at Saint‑Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port and brought them into contact with fellow walkers from places such as Hong Kong and Alaska.

Enrico Piazza, a 70‑year‑old former physical‑education teacher and basketball coach, will mark his birthday on 17 August with a self‑designed “70thlon” around Lake Maggiore. The 85‑kilometre challenge is split into 16 sections and involves ten different sports, including kayaking across the lake, road cycling, mountain‑bike descents, climbing a ferrata, and a final run to the summit of Monte Camoscio.