Successful 5th edition of the Gozo Ultra 50km Trail Run

The 5th edition of the Gozo Ultra 50km Trail Run around Gozo was held recently with a doubling of participants over previous years.

With the 21km becoming popular shorter alternative and the MTB ‘challenge’ event, over 120 people in all graced the starting line of the event in Ghajnsielem.

The Ultra participants took to the trails around the island of Gozo at 8am, with a generous cut-off time of 10hrs to complete the distance. The winners set a new course record of under 4hrs 52m for the male and 5hrs 31m for the females, remarkable considering the technical terrain and the heat of the day.

It was a pleasure to see so many ‘roadies’ join the core trail runners, and get their baptism of trail racing. It was also interesting to see the MTB challenge take on what is probably the most arduous bike trail on our islands. The Agones chip timing added another value to the race organisation, with more checkpoints planned in future events.

The awards ceremony and meal was held at the Country Terrace. Winners took home Mdina Glass trophies and medals, Garmin devices and Buff products. All this added to the excellent value the race organisation provided.

The organisers thanked all the volunteers and sponsors for their support and encouraged greater participation in years to come.

Results

50km Ultra males 1. Marco Gazzola 4hrs 52mins 2. Kurt Micallef 5hrs 19mins 3. Till Schneemann 5hrs 21mins

50km Ultra females

1. Arianna Regis 5hrs 31mins 2. Jane Ovington 7hrs 23mins 3. Sue Mercieca 7hrs 50mins