Close to 500 people once again came together to celebrate the anniversary of the Olympic Movement in Malta by participating in the annual Olympic Day Run presented by McDonald’s – Malta.

This time, in addition to the run like last year, the Malta Cycling Federation encouraged the cycling clubs and its members including the Life Cycle participants to show their support which they did in full force.

Once again, the Malta Canoe Federation formed a group who paddled along the shore line and this year the Malta Triathlon Association organised an aquathlon in conjunction with the run.

After the cyclists took off, it was the runners’ turn (along with the canoeists and triathletes) which included a five-kilometre and 10-kilometre route; water stations were provided for at Chalet, Paul & Rocco petrol station and at the start/finish line. For the children, a 2.5km route took them from Spinola to just before the Exiles tower and back and this was also run by a number of parents.

Ira Losco, Malta’s local talent, also supported by McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald as ambassador for active and healthy lifestyle, took part; his role was to highlight the importance and necessity of being active hence his active involvement and participation with the children in the Olympic Day Run.

At the end of this celebration event, MOC President Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco and MOC Secretary General Mr Joseph Cassar presented certificates to participants and sports organisations. Mr Melo Hili, Managing Director McDonald’s was also present and apart from running the distance, presented commemorative plaques, of “largest” groups within the respective categories for their participation in the run and support for this event.

Commemorative plaques were awarded to a staff group from HSBC; Mr Darren Abdilla received a token for their participation in the private company’s category.

Razzett tal-Hbiberija, one of the largest groups participating in the run, included persons with physical disabilities and wheelchair participants; the commemorative plaque was received by Elaine Fenech. The running club category was taken again by Zurrieq Wolves and was received by Pierre Bellizzi.

A number of commemorative plaques were given out as a sign of support and appreciation and included the Maltese Olympic Committee which was received by Mr Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco, McDonald’s – Malta received by Mr Melo Hili, the Malta Amateur Athletics Association received by the president, Mr Anthony Chircop, the Malta Cycling Federation received by the president, Mr John Zammit, the Malta Canoe Federation received by the president, Mr Craig Wightman and the Malta Triathlon Association received by Secretary General, Faabienne Azzopardi.

This run was also made possible with the support of McDonald’s and their crew.

Thanks go to Health Services for their medical back-up, McDonald’s staff at the water stations and the registration desk, the traffic police and Sliema/St Julian’s police.

Their presence ensured that there were no incidents and they assisted the cyclists and runners by closing the roads at major arteries where the run/cycle took place.