From K. Zammit

The idea developed after I summoned up enough courage recently to venture on early morning runs to de-stress and to accomplish that enduring wish of toning up to fight the early 40s (cuddly) belly syndrome. The morning is dark but traffic is awake. iPod in place, Moby kicks in and off I go through the Mosta roads, heading for the open ground towards Rabat, and then cutting into the side roads on the edge of Ta’ Qali grounds and make my way back home within an hour.

The idea just got to me as I jogged away along the side roads. There it was, staring at me in the face. The idea is great. A yearly invite to all running enthusiasts to come down to this gem of an isle and enjoy and be stupefied by our joys of littering the roads with all sorts of junk. The choice is vast; the surprises round every corner are a bonus to us all. It is a sort of visual treasure hunt we could be looking at.

There are advantages to all this. Runners like me start to earmark a number of landmarks, some natural (stench included), others abusively done but the variety makes it so intriguing to one and all.

As I turn into the first path off the main road, my eyes start to wander to the sides. Flying look-alike fleas seem to be feasting all over. There is a plastic bag caressing the road. Liquid seems to have oozed out of it. You don’t want to know what’s in there (a case for Grissom at the crime lab perhaps).

I proceed, seemingly at my own risk. Another bag, this time ripped open. Lots of feathers and a small carcass gone totally bad. This is getting worse than I thought.

I speed up my pace only for my eyes to be teased by a worn-out mattress looking anything but enticing. Maybe placed there for the exhausted runner. Thanks, but no thanks. The road treasures seem endless now: a car door, lampshade, fridge, and another fridge – this time with no door, a stack of clothes... eBay here I come.

This is so surprising yet a pleasure to see the public also playing their part in this event. This marathon will be a true success, being unique in its own way. Run as fast as you can, admire the surroundings, breathe in the fresh, clean and crispy air (guaranteed car exhaust included) and run relentlessly just like Forrest did and hope you come out disease-free.

I hope this idea is well received by MTA as I think it is a must-do on this island. It could give us the edge needed over other competing countries. Maybe the right slogan to hit home would suffice: “The Malta No-Frills Run... Brace yourself”!

K. Zammit

MOSTA