First stage at Rabat today
The 12th Malta Challenge Marathon gets underway this afternoon with the first of three stages. Around 200 athletes are expected to be on the starting line for the opening 11.195km leg that takes runners from Mdina to Dingli and back. Last year's men's...
The 12th Malta Challenge Marathon gets underway this afternoon with the first of three stages. Around 200 athletes are expected to be on the starting line for the opening 11.195km leg that takes runners from Mdina to Dingli and back.
Last year's men's winner, David Mansbridge (picture), and Malta's David Galea are again set to be among the main protagonists this year.
The English runner will be aiming for his third Challenge success in a row after topping the charts in 2000 and 2001. He was also the winner of the inaugural event way back in 1991.
In 2001, Mansbridge finished ahead of Magri, who, however, had the consolation of pipping the Englishman to the post in an exciting final stage.
In the women's race, Catherine Bonnici will be after another good showing after she placed first among the Maltese runners last year.
Due to the current tense situation worldwide, foreign participation has been limited mostly to European-based athletes. But, according to race organiser Barry Whitmore, the level of participation is of a good standard. It would be no surprise, he said during last week's launching, if Dale Rixon's overall Challenge record is improved.
The Welsh runner had completed the 1992 race in a record time of 2:15.49. Helena Javornik, of Slovenia, holds the fastest time in the women's category - 2:37.34.
The second stage of the Challenge will be held tomorrow in Birzebbuga - a 6km race.
The event will then come to a close on Sunday with the toughest stage of all, a 25km race from St Paul's Bay to Valletta.
Previous winners
1991 - David Mansbridge (England); Catherine Newman (England). Registrations 193.
1992 - Dale Rixon (Wales); Carol Galea (Malta). Registrations 235.
1993 - Dale Rixon (Wales); Helena Javornik (Slovenia). Registrations 219.
1994 - Dale Rixon (Wales); Cecilia Fenech (Malta). Registrations 239.
1995 - Dennis Walmsley (England); Cecilia Fenech (Malta). Registrations 322.
1996 - Walter D'Urbano (Italy); Jacquie White (England). Registrations 247.
1997 - Dale Rixon (Wales); Catherine Mijovic (England). Registrations 394.
1998 - Dale Rixon (Wales); Martine Dony (Belgium). Registrations 389.
1999 - Dale Rixon (Wales); Ingrid Keusters (Netherlands). Registrations 280.
2000 - David Mansbridge (England); Shona Crombie-Hicks (Scotland). Registrations 300.
2001 - David Mansbridge (England); Amanda Proctor (England). Registrations 216.