Matthew Xuereb, Jemima Farley capture commanding victories at the 30th Malta International Challenge Marathon
The 30th edition of the Malta International Challenge Marathon concluded today in blustery gale force winds and wet conditions as athletes tack‐ led the final stage, a 21km course, of the three‐day road running event.
Matthew Xuereb and Jemima Farley captured commanding victories in the final stage of the Challenge Marathon, their vic‐ tories undisputed as they led the way throughout the three stages and etching their names in the history of this unique race.
Clive Ferrante and George Said, placed second and third respectively, maintaining the positions they earned in the first stage of the race on Friday.
Meanwhile in the females’ cat‐ egory, Cliantha Yasenchack kept her second overall placing for the third time. Nicola Camilleri placed third having also finished third in the previ‐ ous day’s 5km race.
Several foreign athletes also took part, mostly hailing from The Netherlands, with repre‐ sentations from Germany and the USA also forming part of the starting list.
A notable presence amongst the athletes was 68‐year‐old Charles Darmanin who com‐ pleted his 30th Challenge Marathon, having been present for all races since its inception.
Trophies to the overall and Age Group winners were pre‐ sented immediately after the race by Club President Ray Grech, who remarked that “The weather that we were faced with during the weekend of the Malta International Challenge Marathon certainly provided the promise of a challenge to all those taking part. After an absence of two years, it felt good to host the race once again”
Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club Secretary General Euchar Camilleri expressed his grati‐ tude towards those involved in the organisation of the race, particularly Bugibba, Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay local councils, LESA, Transport Malta, the med‐ ical teams, and the volunteers who braved the weather to sup‐ port the athletes throughout.
“We are already looking for‐ ward to next year’s event, which takes place during the last weekend in November. The Club will soon be launching its Calen‐ dar of Events for 2023, which promises to be varied as much as possible to ensure a satisfy‐ ing race experience for all in‐ volved” concluded Camilleri.