The St Vincent de Paul running Group will be holding a road race open to all categories on Saturday 30 September, commemorating the Day of the Elderly and the feast of St Vincent de Paul.

This manifestation is being organised in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, the Department of the Elderly and with the collaboration of the Local Councils of Luqa, Marsa and Qormi. It is also approved by the Malta Amateur Athletics Association.

The Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care, Mrs Helen D’Amato yesterday told a news conference that this was an opportunity to open the doors of the St Vincent de Paul residence to all. “There will also be some elderly people taking part on wheelchairs in the 1km fun run. We hope this event will remain on the calendar as it is increasing in importance every year,” she said.

Mrs D’Amato praised the Residence’s athletics sector saying that they were a group of hard workers who needed to be strengthened with the inclusion of some others to share the work that needed to be done.

She also thanked the sponsors who are the Group’s partners C&F Building Contractors Ltd, G&R Trophies and Mr Clean. Kristal and Powerade will supply the water/energy drink station at the end of the race. Fantasy Radio is the race’s official station.

Raymond Chetcuti , president of the section, said there will be a prize fund of Lm110 to be distributed among the first three male and three female runners, apart from the various trophies, t-shirts, tokens and medals which are to be given to all the participants.

He said the course will be the same as that of last year while the 1km fun run will also be the ring road of the Residence.

He said the Group was expecting this fifth edition of the event to attract around 300 participants. Anyone who wishes to acquire an application form can do so from St Vincent de Paul Residence, Security Main Gate at Luqa (open 24 hours), or Galea Souvenir Shop, 6, South Street, Valletta or Luqa Local Council, or from the website, www.svpathletics.org, or by contacting one of the organisers on 79956799 or 22912391.