The eighth edition of the 50-hour bicycle marathon held at Dun G. Zammit Brighella, Hamrun Junior Lyceum gets under way today, aiming to raise money for the restructuring and modernisation of the kitchen at Villa Papa Luciani, one of the Dar tal-Providenza Siggiewi homes for the handicapped.

This year, the liceo in collaboration with ALPS (the Association of Lyceum Past Students) and Sliema Lyceum will take this event a step further. Apart from the emphasis on the need of physical activity through cycling, this year the liceo is also giving its contribution towards a healthier environment by planting 50 trees, one for every hour the cyclists will cover during the weekend.

In fact, teachers, students and parents this morning planted 50 trees to mark this eighth edition of the marathon at the Dar tal-Providenza in collaboration with the 34U campaign, which enables the public and organisations to participate and contribute towards making Malta a greener place to live in, commemorate an important event, remember a loved one or simply adopt a tree for you.

Cyclists will cycle around the clock from 1pm today till 8pm on Sunday. It is an event which involves not only the school community but all the family. There will be performances by local celebrities every evening from 6pm onwards. The activities will include a science club, plant shop, bazaar and a bar every day. Tombola will be held on Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm. On Saturday evening at 7pm, car enthusiasts can enjoy a car exhibition of modified cars. Sunday morning after Mass at 9am, the blood donation unit will be in attendance and there will be vintage and American cars shows at 10am. The marathon will come to an end on Sunday with Freddie Portelli performing during the last hour – from 7pm till 8pm.