Useful notes for UJ M2S

With a possible field of over 200 runners expected for tomorrow's M2S, sponsored by Urban Jungle, there are a number of important points I would like to get across, because it is no longer possible to do this verbally on the start line.

1. The first point concerns the opening 400m of the race. Runners are to run straight, as if heading for the petrol station at the top of Saqqajja and then turn left down onto Mdina Road at the mini-roundabout. They are not to take the left turn down the first steep hill.

2. At Pietá, athletes are to cross from one side of Marina Road to the other at the traffic lights. This is for your safety.

Even at other points in the race, always choose the safest place to cross such as on long straight stretches of road where the drivers have a chance to observe you. Do not cross at blind corners.

Last week, I talked to one runner who had been hit from behind in a recent road race. The driver of the vehicle did not even stop but drove off at high speed. Fortunately, the runner only finished up with a few stitches in his arm when it could have been so much worse.

Make sure this does not happen to you (although the runner concerned was never at fault).

3. At Msida, athletes may use the pavement inside the gardens in front of the Church or stay on the road, whichever they prefer.

4. At Whitehall Mansions all runners have to go up the ramp and down again from the other end.

5. As the runners exit Ta' Xbiex they are to stay on the road all the way round the bend to Gżira and Manoel Island Bridge. They are not to take the shortcut through the Yacht Marina.

6. Once again, for your safety, use the pavement if you can. It's better to lose a few seconds than not finish the race at all. Or to use some black humour; better to be a little bit late than arrive 'dead on time'!

7. There will be water stations at Blata l-Bajda (approx six miles), Sliema Ferries (8.8 miles) and at the finish in Spinola. There will also be a sponge station near Ta' Xbiex Yacht Marina (approx 7.9 miles).

8. For those who have never run this event before, one final tip... do not start too fast.

It is so easy to get the pace wrong in this race. The opening few miles drop so much in elevation that runners often go through the mile marks at unheard of paces, only to pay when it comes to the uphill at Magic Kiosk and against the headwind from the Preluna Hotel to the finish. Hold back a little at first and aim to run the last few miles strongly. It is always psychologically better to be passing others in the final miles and not have them passing you.

Come early enough to register at 7 a.m. for the 8 a.m. race start. Please bring the exact entry fee of €7. See you on the M2S startline.

And if you cannot be there for some reason, best wishes for the festive season to all runners from the Malta Marathon Organising Committee. Enjoy your running.

johnwalsh42195@yahoo.it