Most road runners will admit that one of the biggest satisfactions in competing in a road race is when it is well attended and they have more runners against whom to test themselves.

For such athletes, the Gudja Ronhill 8km is a permanent appointment in their calendar. This year more so as there are high hopes that the race due to be held on Sunday, 7 October will see a record number of entrants.

“Local runners know how highly organised our races are,” race director Joe Zerafa said “which is why every year we’ve experienced increases in the number of athletes.”

“This year being the club’s 45th anniversary we’re working hard to ensure that we set a new participation record.”

“As incentives, apart from the usual post race hospitality that includes physiotherapy service for all athletes, all participants are being offered a voucher which entitles them to a 50 per cent discount off their first visit to the Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation Centre at St. James Hospital in Sliema.”

The route takes runners towards Tal-Barrani, the Santa Lucia perimeter road and along the stretch to the airport. Just before Hal-Far Road, athletes enter the village center before crossing over to the Ghaxaq by-pass for a final sprint home.

Last year’s 8Km races, that are held in collaboration with the Gudja Local Council, Ronhill running gear, Enjoytherun.com, Gensan and S.E.R.C, were won by were Giselle Camilleri and Drew Lang who finished the race in 31.12 and 28.10 respectively. Denise Law and Ezekiel Micallef were the winners in the 4Km race.

There will be prizes for the first six males and four females in the 8km race. The top three in the 4Km race, the various age category winners, as well as first male and first female Gudia residents in the 8Km Race.

Closing date for applications is Saturday 28 September. One may obtain application forms by phoning 79708650 or from the club website www.stpatricks-ac.org.