Former council member attacks Giacomo Poretti after the New York Marathon

Giacomo Poretti was also among the Italian celebrities who participated in the New York City Marathon. The comedian from the trio Aldo, Giovanni, and Giacomo, who turns 70 in April, was photographed dancing as he walked during the event.

Photos and videos of “Giacomino’s” feat were posted on the trio’s Instagram accounts: the comedian is cheered on by the other Italian participants, but seems to be enjoying his slow pace. Poretti finished the marathon, covering all 42 km in 8 hours, 43 minutes, and 44 seconds, at an average pace of 5 kilometers per hour.

Poretti’s “performance” sparked great hilarity and affection online but wasn’t appreciated by everyone: the former councilor for Public Works in Cinisello Balsamo, Ivano Ruffa, attacked him on Facebook. “If it takes you 8 hours, 43 minutes, and 44 seconds to finish the New York Marathon, maybe you should have just stayed home. Just crossing the finish line isn’t enough to call yourself a marathon runner. A marathon requires training, hard work, endurance, and physical, mental, and nutritional preparation.”

“You can participate in any event however you like. If someone wants to walk and enjoy the scenery and the spectacle, they’re perfectly free to do so. But being a marathon runner is something else entirely,” he added. His comment immediately sparked a debate on social media. Among the other Italian celebrities at the New York Marathon were Linus and Massimo Ambrosini