The slight downpour prior to the start of the last race of the Eurosport Trail Running league, organised by Agones SFC, made conditions tougher for the 146 athletes undertaking the 19km trail run across Malta early on Sunday morning.

Despite generally good conditions for most of the race, heavy downpours towards the end of the race meant that quite a few runners were drenched. Nevertheless, it was all smiles as they crossed the finish line in Fomm ir-Riħ.

The Victoria Lines route, which kicked off from Madliena and heading eastward towards Fomm ir-Riħ. The route took the runners alongside the historic fortifications of the Victoria lines, offering stunning views combined with an unbeaten track . The V19, as it is affectionately referred to, celebrated its eighth year and like all the other trail running races has been gathering momentum in the past couple of years with numbers doubling every year.

Ryan Farrugia, (Raptorz Running Club)  winner of the race and overall league, commented that the early rainfall made the course extremely slippery, especially in the downhills which meant that keeping one's balance proved to be tricky causing many falls. Farrugia went on to explain that this race is his favourite distance and enjoyed a very close battle with second placed Florian Gall for nearly throughout the whole race.   Third placed was Ryan Saliba.

The winner of the Ladies category was once again Tara Abdilla (La Salle AC) who carved her name on the event history books as having been unbeaten throughout the league, despite some good competition from veteran runner Carmen Hili (St. Patrick's AC) . Abdilla explained at the end of the race, that whilst winning obviously was something she worked for, her target was to register a sub 1 hour 35 minutes time, which she successfuly achieved having registered a finish time of 1 hour 33 mins.   Third placed was Dzintra Grech

As the race progressed, weather conditions regressed with a heavy downpour of torrential rain hitting the remaining runners still out on the course. Nevertheless it was all smiles for the finishers who were welcomed with an original, hand made and environmentally friendly medal and a healthy snack.

Prizes to the top three winners of the race were presented by Mr. Johann Mifsud, Sports Executive at Eurosport Malta, main sponsors of the event. 

"Athletes, Maltese and foreigners alike find the route challenging but doable, as the distance and the elevation gain that they have to cover is suitable for both athletes with a high level of fitness who are looking for a one kind of a challenge, as well as for amateur athletes who simply want to enjoy an event in a great atmosphere. and the cultural and historical aspect of the route" explained Warren Muscat, President Agones SFC at the end of the race. "This makes it the most sought trail event on the calendar for every trail runner in Malta. The race has also been attracting many foreign athletes who are looking at an event that showcases the best of what the Maltese Islands can offer in terms of running and beautiful scenery." 

Agones SFC would like to express its gratitude towards all the volunteers who assisted throughout the league, local authorities and its sponsors.

The 'Eurosport Trail Running League 2019' was sponsored by Eurosport, with the support of Nature Valley, Torq Nutrition with the support of the Malta Tourism Authority and the Naxxar and Mġarr Local Councils.

 

Race 4 Results

Placing	Males	Females
1st Place	Ryan Farrugia (Raptorz Running Club)	Tara Abdilla (La Salle AC)
2nd Place	Florian Gall	Carmen Hili (St. Patrick's AC)
3rd Place	Ryan Saliba	Dzintra Grech

 

Overall League Results 

Placing	Males	Females
1st Place	Ryan Farrugia (Raptorz Running Club)	Tara Abdilla (La Salle AC)
2nd Place	Gerald Grech (AS Libertas)	Carmen Hili (St. Patrick's AC)
3rd Place	Alan Curmi	Bronwyn Hunter