The Lisa Maria Memorial Dingli 10 race

Since 1991, the Dingli 10 has become established as a tradition and one of the most prestigious races on the local running calendar. The Dingli 10 is known for its scenic beauty and the challenging route.

Following the support and cooperation received from the Lisa Maria Foundation, this year being the 27th edition, the event will be known as The Lisa Maria Memorial Dingli 10 powered by Gatorade. The Foundation is a non-government, non-profit organisation with its main objectives being to safeguard children and young people from harm.

This year the race will be held on Sunday, 19 March and will start from Triq il-Kbira (near the Dingli Cemetery) and will finish near Gnien il-Haddiem in Triq ilMaddalena.

The route is a fairly tough and hilly loop. After an initial “flat- tish” one-mile loop around Savio College, runners proceed towards the Nigret area in Rabat. The course goes down to Fiddien Valley (the four-mile mark). For three miles, runners follow various country roads, with occasional flat respites. The eighth and ninth miles start with a short and steep hill, followed by a downhill stretch towards the spectacular Dingli Cliffs, and further rises and falls along the cliffs’ panoramic road, which sap the energy reserves of all but the very toughest!

The final mile is a fast dash back towards the Dingli village centre, finally downhill, for a welldeserved welcome applause from the spectators and a nice commemorative medal.

The main race will start at 8.30am together with the walkaton, and shortly after there will be a Junior Race for athletes under 17 over a distance of 2kms. Schools are urged to encourage their students to participate in the Junior Race.

There are many prizes to be won in all three races, apart from a commemorative medal for all the finishers, including participants in the Junior Race.

Application forms are available from the Club’s website www.stpatricksac.com and Facebook.

In all, about 400 participants took part in the 10 Mile Road Race last year and hopefully the turnout will be even bigger this year.

Race number and goody bags to be collected from Radisson Blu Resort, St Julian's on Saturday, 11 March from 9am to 2pm and Tuesday, 14 March from 5 to 7pm.

Race numbers and goody bags will not be distributed on the day of the race.