He speaks no English, but that hasn’t stopped Franco Sfarra travelling from his home in Italy to compete in the Bermuda International Race Weekend each year for 23 years.

Last weekend the 76-year-old was back again, proudly wearing a racing vest bearing the name of his Bermuda sponsors, Portofino.

And he raced with a smile on his face even though he lost his home in the earthquake that destroyed much of his home town of L’Aquila last April, according to Antonio Esposido, of Portofino.

Sfarra had entered the full Bermuda Triangle Challenge and raced the mile on Front Street and 10K before attempting the full marathon on the third day of competition.

However, on a hotter than expected day, Sfarra ended up running only the half-marathon distance rather than the full marathon.

Esposido said the restaurant staff were proud of Sfarra’s achievements especially as he is now one of the oldest athletes competing.

“I have known him since he first came out here 23 years ago. He is like a father to me,” he said.

“He lost his house last year in the earthquake in L’Aquila and had been sleeping on the streets like the other people.”

Sfarra took part in the Fairmont-to-Fairmont road race at the start of the month and also intends to compete in the Lindo’s 10K in March.

Esposido said: “He has become part of the family to the guys at Portofino. He is like an engine. Even though he has never won anything he always finishes his races.”