Ten years of commitment: Pietro Fox reflects on a decade of passion and achievement at the Energy Run
Every year, we organize the Energy Run, a unique obstacle race held near Milan that brings together hundreds of participants united by a common purpose: to stimulate both body and mind while fostering community spirit. More than just a sporting event, the Energy Run serves as a platform to raise awareness and funds for our social initiatives around the world. Now celebrating its tenth edition, the Energy Run has become a symbol of commitment, solidarity, and active engagement.
We sat down with Pietro Fox, 87 years old, a longtime member of the ST Foundation Board and a participant in every single Energy Run to date, to hear his reflections on the recently concluded tenth edition and the personal significance this event holds for him.
Pietro, what does it mean for you to participate once again in the Energy Run, an event you have run in every edition?
It means completing an important cycle: ten races dedicated to promoting ST Foundation. Each edition has been an opportunity to raise awareness of our mission and strengthen our bond with the community.
Pietro Fox (on the right) with Prof. Christian Bernareggi
What motivates you to come back every year to this race? And how does this constant participation relate to your past as a manager and company executive?
The Energy Run is an excellent communication tool for our Foundation. I am convinced that many of the volunteers have been inspired to join through this initiative. As a former president and still a board member, I feel a personal duty to be there, much like in business: consistency and commitment are fundamental to achieving concrete results.
How did you prepare for this edition? Do you have a particular training routine?
This year brought an extra challenge: in March I fell while skiing and broke my leg in several places. It took two months before I could walk without crutches. Since June, however, I have been regularly following my exercise routine: 20 minutes every morning on the Cross Trainer, 20 minutes swimming every afternoon, and I often walk 5 km at a brisk pace. The preparation was tough, but my desire to participate was stronger.
In your opinion, what is the added value of the Energy Run for our Foundation?
It is inspiring to see hundreds of people gathered, physically active but also with their minds focused on a shared goal. The Energy Run creates a strong sense of community and sharing, combining sport and solidarity.
What is the connection between the Energy Run and the mission of ST Foundation? How are the event’s proceeds used?
The Energy Run was created precisely to raise awareness of ST Foundation and collect funds for its activities. The proceeds have been essential in supporting many projects: for example, a significant contribution towards purchasing a pickup truck for our organization in Sierra Leone, as well as buying batteries and inverters for computer labs in Sierra Leone and Burundi.
Can you share with us an ST Foundation project that has been particularly meaningful to you? I understand you have traveled extensively in Burundi, for instance.
Every visit to a computer lab where courses are held is a unique experience. As president from 2011 to 2019, I visited labs in India, Italy, France, Morocco, Senegal, Burundi, Sierra Leone, and the Philippines. Two moments stood out to me in particular: a lab in Morocco where young mothers attended courses with their babies in their arms, and the first computer course for the visually impaired in Sierra Leone. Seeing the enthusiasm of those discovering the digital world, such as using Google to find answers, was truly moving.
How do you see the future of ST Foundation and its role in promoting social and charitable initiatives?
Today, without solid computer skills, a person risks being considered illiterate. We play a crucial role in bridging this digital divide and continue to make a significant contribution to social development.
If you had to describe the Energy Run in one word, what would it be and why?
Commitment. This word sums up my participation: as a former president and current board member, I consider my involvement not just a race, but a real social commitment.
Pietro Fox supporting Prof. Christian Bernareggi
What is special about this 2025 edition?
Well, besides being the last one for me (laugh), this year was special because I had the honor of accompanying Prof. Christian Bernareggi, our consultant for many years for the visually impaired program. Thanks to him, we have built a project we are very proud of, which is now present in six countries around the world: Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Uganda, Pakistan and India.
Pietro insists this will be the last Run, but who knows?
