The St Vincent De Paul Running Group held their fifth activity – a 1 km Fun Run and a 5km race recently. These races were organised under the auspices of the Malta Amateur Athletic Association. The main sponsors were C & F Building Contractors Ltd., G & R Trophies and Mr Clean. Powerade and Kristal Table Water were the official drinks for the occasion.

Athletes, with ages ranging between 3 and 82 years, took part in the 1km Fun Run. One hundred and seventy four athletes, with ages ranging from 15 to over 70 years, participated in the 5 km race, including many of the top Maltese athletes from the main athletic clubs.

The lottery for 50 prizes was drawn in front of many of the participants and their families. Those present could take their prize home. All the participants of the 1 km and 5 km races were eligible for this lottery. Among the prizes was a 18 Speed Ideal Beretta Parashock mountain bike offered by Pedal Power, Gwardamangia and Mosta. Fantasy Radio was the official radio station for the occasion.

The first race was the 1km Fun Run. During this race, the participants ran around the ring road of the Residence. This activity was open to all, and a large number of employees, as well as residents on wheelchairs, and their relatives took part. All participants were given a commemorative token and a goody bag.

The second race was the 5km Race. The ‘Start’ was near the gates of the Residence, and the route went through Mdina Road and Aldo Moro Road, through the Marsa Sports Ground, through Manwel Dimech Road and Mdina Road and uphill back to the Residence, an excellent route for the athletes and a well-marshalled route.

After two and a half kilometres, Grech Gerald (AS Libertas) was leading followed by Douglas James (B’Kara St Joseph) and Herrera Mark. After three and a half kilometres, Douglas James was leading, followed by Gerald Grech and Mark Herrera, and these athletes kept these positions up to the finish.

James finished the race in 15’39, Grech in 15’57 and Herrera in 16’18. Michael Gellel (St Patrick’s) finished fourth in 16’46, followed by Vince Ghigo (Zurrieq Wolves) (16’49) and Stephen Borg (Mellieha A C) in 16’52. Gerald Grech still holds the record on this route with 15’30, achieved during the 2004 race.

In the Ladies Category, after two and a half kilometres, Carol Walsh (Pembroke A C) was already leading, followed by Lisa Bezzina (Pembroke AC) and Giselle Camilleri (St Patrick’s AC). These athletes kept their positions up to the very end of the race. In fact, the first to end the race was Carol Walsh (17’22), second was Lisa Bezzina (18’09), third Giselle Camilleri (18’16), fourth Carmen Hili (St Patrick’s AC) (19’23)..

Besides a trophy, cash prizes of Lm30, Lm15 and Lm10, were given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd males and females respectively.. A commemorative medal and a goody bag including a T-Shirt were given to all participants.

The trophies for the first and second male and first female employee at the Residence were won by Adrian Mifsud (Zurrieq Wolves), Carmelo D’Amato (Zurrieq Wolves) and Marianne Azzopardi (SVPRG) respectively. Mifsud Melvin (Zurrieq Wolves) and Gatt Claudine won the special prize for the first male and first female employee who work in the Health Sector.

The Golden Trophy for the first male and female members of the St Vincent De Paul Running Group were won by Antoine Galea and Rita Ertlmaier.

The winners in the age categories were:

Males: O/35: Martin Jason; O/40: Vella Mario; O/45: Spiteri Manuel; O/50: Chetcuti Raymond; O/55: Debono Alfred; O/60: Saliba John; O/65: Payne David.

Males: U/16: Mifsud Merlin; U/17: D’Amato Mauro; U/18: Vella Andrew; U/19: Scerri Glenn.

Females: O/35: Portelli Nadia; O/40: Caruana Cettina; O/45: Herd Mary Rose; O/50: Zahra Irene; O/55: Said Liz.

Females: U/16: Camilleri Monalisa; U/18: Felice Maria Victoria; U/19: Grech Marilyn.