Some athletes seem to be permanently in the headlines whilst others lie constantly in the background regardless of their achievements. Angela Sammut (photo) falls into this latter category: one of the top female long distance runners with a series of wins in local races to her name yet very little recognition.

Not that she’s complaining. Indeed, her primary concern is maintaining her current level of fitness and form that recently saw her winning the Mosta 5 Miles. “My training is going really well,” she says. “I’m training by myself and I’m very happy with my progress. I’m cautious with my training yet I know how far to push myself to prevent recurrences of old injuries.”

Next up for her is the Birzebbuga 10K where she is eager to make a mark in the race that is organised by her club St. Patrick’s AC. “The Birzebbugia 10k is tough and the July heat doesn’t make it any easier. But I’m willing to run a personal best which I think shouldn’t be difficult given my current level of fitness.”

A frequent winner in Birzebbuga in the past, Sammut holds dear in particular her 2004 success there. “I recently came across a newspaper cutting from 2004 where it was mentioned that I had won the ladies race in 40.57 just three months after my daughter Michaela was born,” she recounts. “I’ve won the race on a number of occasions but I have to say that 2004 was special.”

And 2009 should also be special for those athletes taking part as the deadline for application draws near. Indeed, anyone interested in taking part in the Birzebugia 10K, can download the application form from www.stpatricksac.info or www.maltaathletics.com. Alternatively one can call on 7970 8650 for further details.