by InTrieste
Interviews: Mauro Bordin, president of the FVG councilor; Pierparolo Roberti, FVG councilor for local autonomy; Donata Vianelli, rector of the University of Trieste
The historic center of Udine spent the weekend is being animated by thousands of runners and volunteers as the city hosts the 27th edition of the Staffetta Telethon 24 x 1 Ora, a long-running charity relay that raises funds for research on rare genetic diseases.
Beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday and continuing uninterrupted until 3 p.m. Sunday, teams completed hour-long shifts around a course laid out through the city’s medieval streets. Alongside the relay, an endurance category — the 1 x 24 Ore Telethon — saw individual participants take on the full 24-hour challenge.
The event, held once again in person, reaffirmed its role as a fixture of Udine’s civic life. Organizers said participation remained robust, with local associations, schools and companies forming teams, while residents gathered throughout the night to cheer runners on.
Funds raised during the weekend will support the Telethon Foundation, which finances scientific research into rare genetic disorders. For 27 years, the Udine relay has been one of the region’s most visible expressions of public support for efforts to develop therapies for conditions that often lack dedicated funding.
