Charlton Debono smashes Mtarfa Course Record

Tara Abdilla makes it two in a row at the Eurosport BSJ 5k Road Running Series

The second race of the three-part Eurosport BSJ 5k Road Running Series took place earlier on this week in Mtarfa and welcomed nearly a hundred athletes.

Charlton Debono’s result proves he is on top of his game after his performance saw him not only win the race but also smash his own record, established back in 2018. Debono, who after the race acknowledged that his objective was to improve on his existing record, led the pack from the word go. Debono maintained a comfortable distance throughout to complete the fivekilometre run in an impressive fifteen minutes four seconds.

Behind him a close battle for second and third place ensued. Young triathlete Malcolm Vassallo, fresh from a strong performance in the Sprint Triathlon race held the previous Sunday had a very good start, leading the rest behind Debono. However, he had to contend with the more experienced runners the likes of Matthew Xuereb, Neil Brimmer, Imed Ben Moussa and Aidan Tanti.

The latter two had a duel similar to the one in the first race, but as the race progressed Xuereb edged his way to the front of the pack to take second place in 16 minutes 29 seconds. Behind him was Neil Brimmer, who secured his second, third podium placing of the Series.

Brimmer registered a substantial improvement over the previous race.

Tara Abdilla, winner of the last race, once again took the lead. She was the first female to cross the finish line, registering an improved time of fifteen seconds in the process. One minute and thirteen seconds later, Francesca Arrigo, who placed third in the first race, pipped Carmen Hili to second place. Arrigo beat Hili to the post with a nineteen second gap.

Medals to the winners were presented by Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club President Raymond Grech at the end of the race.

Whilst the next event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 11th August on the Mtarfa By Pass at 7pm. Athletes wanting to race are requested to register online via the Club’s website – https://bkarastjoseph.com/ - No Race registrations will be accepted on the day.

Eurosport BSJ 5k Road Running Series Results – Race 2 Males

1st - Charlton Debono (15:04) 2nd - Matthew Xuereb (16:29) 3rd - Neil Brimmer (16:39)

Females

1st - Tara Abdilla (18:13)

2nd - Francesca Arrigo (19:26) 3rd - Carmen Hili (19:45)