A Maltese ultra-runner's diary

 

Home
 

Information about the club I belong to: Mellieha AC

Athletics - Road Running League

Final race seals Mellieha's 'perfect year'

Paul Grech - The Times 21 April 2007

One of the more pleasing aspects of road running is the air of familiarity whereby finishing lines are often characterised by congratulatory pats on back or words of consolation as the athletes enquire with one another how their race went.

Club rivalries aren't at all marked, certainly not enough for any athlete to begrudge another's good performance. Yet, even so, there remains a certain degree of pride in one's team which probably explains why the athletes running in the colours of Mellieha AC have lately been doing so with an added spring in their step.

This season, Mellieha have won every event possible including the BMW Malta Marathon, the Malta International Challenge Marathon, the Zurrieq Half Marathon and the MAAA Road Race Relay.

There's no secret for their success because, with some of Malta's leading athletes in their ranks, such results were always likely.

"We have a pool of high-quality athletes who work together to form a winning team," Manfred Borda, the club president, said. "It is why our club has succeeded in winning all the team events this season.

"Athletes such as Charles Cilia, Peter Azzopardi, David Galea, Johann Galea, Kevin Borg and Jimmy Sacco have also taken part in marathons abroad this season. In fact, Charles and Peter have just returned from a two-week training camp in Livigno."

That so many high-profile athletes are running for Mellieha attests to their hard work. "Athletes are joining the club as a result of the hard work of the committee members and the family atmosphere that this club offers," Borda remarked.

Not that Mellieha AC cater only for elite athletes. They also have a number of runners whose aspiration is always that of finishing every race they compete in. Helping the club out is renowned Dutch coach Has Kesra who regularly visits Malta to guide Mellieha's protégés.

These athletes will be ready to rejoice tomorrow as the MAAA Road Running League comes to a close with the final 10km race in Marsascala. Mellieha have dominated this competition from the start.

Proud moment

For the club, it will be a milestone as a proud Borda willingly explained.

"Victory in this event will see Mellieha AC make a clean sweep of team honours. Also, the Running League is the only event the club has never won before," Borda said.

"It is also the only running league organised in Malta which spans a whole season and incorporates four races. Winning this league demonstrates consistency, individual dedication and team work."

Such a success will also be fundamental in attracting sponsors, although the club is already well assisted by Woman 2000, Jescar Construction Ltd and Diadora.

In turn, these are vital as the club continues to move forward.

"Our future plans are to continue winning more team titles and helping our athletes to improve their personal bests," Borda said.

More significantly, "in a short while we should be opening a nursery for all kids who are interested to start training".

 

Mellieha 10km road race on May 6, 2007

Mellieha AC will be organising their annual running road racing series on May 6. The main event of the day is the 10km race, starting at 8.30 a.m. from in front of the Shoppers Supermarket.

The race proceeds towards the picturesque cliffs of Mellieha Heights overlooking Ghadira Bay and finishes off at the main square.

Organisers said this year's race is expected to be well contested as most of the top local runners have already confirmed their participation.

The club will also be organising a 10-kilometre walk along the same route and a two-kilometre fun run for children which starts at 10 a.m.

Further information may be obtained by sending an email to mellieha10k@gmail.com or by phoning 9988-3577. Applications are also available from Wally Galea's souvenirs shop in Valletta.

The race is sponsored by Shoppers Supermarket, Woman 2000, Jescar Construction, Canifor Hotel and GasanMamo Insurance.

 

 

SHOPPERS DISCOUNT SUPERMARKET 10 Km

(Incorporating 10 Km Walk, Children’s 2 Km and Open 1 Km fun Run)

 

Organised By The MELLIEHA ATHLETIC CLUB

Under The Auspices Of The MELLIEHA LOCAL COUNCIL

May 6th 2007

 

USE BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE

 

 

I am entering the:  A. 10 Km  Road Race                      [    ]                          C. 10 Km Walk                         [   ]

                                  B.   2 Km Road Race [    ]                D. 1 Km Fun Run [   ]

 

Surname: ______________

Name: ________________

Sex (M/F): ______

 

 

Address: _________________________________________________________

 

 

Town: _________________

 

Post Code: _________        

 

Tel no: _____________

 

 

Date of Birth: ___ / ___ /____

 

Age on Day of Race: _____

 

 

Club (if any): _____________

 

E-mail: _________________________________

 
         

 

I enclose herewith my cheque / postal order no. ________, value _______ being the amount of the entry fee. Cheques / postal orders should be made payable to MELLIEHA ATHLETIC CLUB.

 

On acceptance of this entry, I, the undersigned, intend to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims I may have against the organisers and sponsors for any loss, damage or injury I may sustain as a consequence of my participation in the ‘SHOPPERS DISCOUNT SUPERMARKET RACES’. I declare that I will abide by the eligibility rules and competition rules. I also declare that I have trained sufficiently for the event and that my physical condition has been monitored by a medical doctor. I hereby declare that the above particulars are COMPLETE and CORRECT in every detail.

 

 

Signature*: _____________________                          Date: ____________________

*Parental signature required in case of applicants under the age of 16.

 

 

SHOPPERS DISCOUNT SUPERMARKET

MAIN STREET, MELLIEHA

 

 

RACE INFORMATION

Entries are to be sent to:                          Mellieha Road Races

c/o  Julian Borg

‘Il- Girna’ 13,

Triq il- Ghollieq

Mosta – MST 03

 

Contact Details:                                  Race Director: Robert Vella 9945 3951

                                                                Race Secretary: Julian Borg 9988 3577

email: mellieha10k@gmail.com       

Eligibility:

10 Km Road Race & Walk:

Any male or female who is at least 17 years old on the day of race is eligible to participate.

Children’s 2 Km Road Race:

Any person under 17 years and over 9 years on the day of race is eligible to compete.

1 Km Open Fun Run / Walk:

Any male or female is eligible to participate.

 

Entry Fees:                10 Km Road Race:                                                                              Lm 4.00

                                      10Km Walk; Children’s 2 Km Road Race; 1 Km Open Fun Run:              Lm 2.00

Prizes:                      

10 Km Road Race:      1st 5 Men and 1st 3 Ladies

                                      1st Man & Lady Under 20                                

                                      1st Man Over 35, Over 40, Over 45, Over 50, Over 55, Over 60.

                                      1st Lady Over 35, Over 40, Over 45, Over 50.   

              1st Local Man & Lady

                                      1st Club Member

                                      Commemorative Token, T– shirt & Goody Bag to all Finishers.

Any athlete qualifying for two prizes will be awarded the higher prize in the above order. The next in line will be awarded in lieu.

10 Km Walk:                Commemorative Token, T– shirt & Goody Bag to all Finishers.

2 Km Road Race:     1st 3 Boys & 1st 3 Girls

                                                  1st Boy & Girl Under 17, under 16, under 15, under 14, under 13,under 12, under 11, under 10.

                                      1st Local Boy & Girl

                                      Commemorative Token & Goody Bag to all Finishers.

1 Km Open Fun Run: Commemorative Token, & Goody Bag to all Finishers.

Late Entries:                   Entries after 29th April may NOT be accepted

Race Numbers:             Race Numbers may be collected from DIADORA, Psaila Street B’Kara on Saturday 28th April between 11:00 am and 17:00 and from Tuesday 2nd May till Friday 4th May between 17.00 and 19.00

Course: A course map and souvenir program will be given with your race number. The course is marked every kilometre.

Start Time:   10 Km Walk:                      8.00 am - Shoppers Discount Supermarket, Main Street, Mellieha.

                        10 Km Road Race:            8.30 am - Shoppers Discount Supermarket, Main Street, Mellieha.       

                        2 Km Road Race:              10.00 am – Mellieha Parish Square

                        1 Km Open Fun Run:         10.20 am – Mellieha Parish Square

Presentation: The Presentation will be held at the Mellieha Parish Square at 10.30 am

Refreshments: Refreshment will be available in abundance at the finish for all participants.