Just the Woman I Am – Villanova d'Asti

A walk for a worthy cause

Just the Woman I Am is a charity event originating in Turin, now in its 23rd regional edition, which gathers thousands of people at Parco del Valentino every year to support university research into health and the fight against cancer. For several years, the initiative has also found a home in Villanova d'Asti, in the heart of the Asti Pianalto, with a local leg that brings the spirit of the Turin event to a town-sized scale.

Sport, prevention, and solidarity

The concept is simple yet powerful: a non-competitive run-walk, with no rankings or stopwatches, where participation matters more than speed. Participants walk or run through the streets of Villanova d'Asti, starting and finishing at the Mezzaluna Sports Centre. The event is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all: trained athletes, families with children, groups of friends, and people of every age stand side by side, united by the same colour, a symbol of the battle against cancer.

The value of research

All contributions collected through registrations are donated to university research in health and oncology. The event also features moments of awareness: in recent editions, a representative from the V.I.T.A. (Vivere il Tumore Attivamente) association in Chieri shared their testimony on the importance of screenings, prevention, and support for patients undergoing treatment. It is a way to remember that behind every step lies a story and a hope.

A local network

The Villanova leg is organised by the Polisportiva Mezzaluna in collaboration with CUS Torino, with the patronage of the Municipality of Villanova d'Asti and the Union of Municipalities of Monferrato and Pianalto Astigiano. Volunteers from the Red Cross and AVIS of Villanova are present along the route and at assistance points, confirming how deeply rooted the event is in the local community. It is an appointment that, edition after edition, continues to grow and involve more citizens of the Asti area.