Challenging Global Run Valletta raises a toast for Valletta, funds for Puttinu Cares

Charlton Debono and Michelle Vella Wood, both from Malta respectively won the 10K race in the general men and women category in the first Global Run Valletta (GRV) on a breezy Sunday morning which saw more than a thousand people of every age and fitness level run or walk along the stunning coast of Valletta, in aid of the charity Puttinu Cares.

Mr Debono completed the 10K circuit in 00:33:32, while Ms Vella Wood clocked at 00:41:57. The 5K run was won by Piotr Mielewczyk in 00:16:12, while Josanne Attard Pulis clocked at 00:20:39. The Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth & Sport, Chris Agius presented the top awards. Also present was the Ambassador of Turkey for Malta, His Excellency Reha Keskintepe.

There were 78 other winners from various categories who took home prizes ranging from Garmin running watches to iPhone 7s. Every participant of the GRV 10K and 5K race and the 5K walk received a medal especially minted for the occasion. All participants also received custom designed shirts and the specially designed Global Run Valletta bag.

The top three winners in the age categories of 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+ for 10K and 5K (men) and 10K and 5K (women) can be found on www.globalrunvalletta.com

Earlier, a road race inspired by Valletta and named after it, turned the capital into an open-air circuit setting the mood for a run in challenging conditions.

All the money raised through registrations were donated in entirety to Puttinu Cares who had previously announced to use the funds towards the construction of a brand new housing project in central London to accommodate Maltese families with children suffering from cancer.

At the electrifying starting line in Valletta Waterfront, Global Run Valletta 2016 participants, friends, families and spectators also had the opportunity to take part in exercise challenges offered by Cynergi Health & Fitness Club.

“The first Global Run Valletta celebrated not only the potential of Valletta as a world-class capital, inviting thousands of sea passengers every week to its shores, but also honoured the outstanding talent of runners. Kudos also go to walkers and to all those who made the event such a resounding success,” said Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port.

Global Ports Holding is the world’s largest cruise port operator with a portfolio that spans 13 cruise and commercial ports in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Southeast Asia in eight countries. The Valletta Cruise Port was welcomed into the GPH family in 2015 and joined such destinations as Barcelona, Venice, Malaga, Dubrovnik, Lisbon, Antalya, Kuşadasi, Bodrum, Ravenna, Cagliari, Bar and Singapore.

Valletta Waterfront is the jewel in the crown of VCP with an array of shops, cafes, restaurants, offices and other amenities set in the beautifully restored 18th century warehouses stretching along the eastern flank of the Valletta peninsula.