Sammut looking forward to tough Birżebbuġa race

Some athletes seem to be permanently in the headlines while others lie constantly in the background regardless of their achievements. Angela Sammut falls into this latter category: one of the top female long distance runners with a series of wins in local races to her name yet very little recognition.

Not that she's complaining.

Indeed, her primary concern is to maintain the current level of fitness and form that recently saw her winning the Mosta five-mile race.

"My training is going really well," she said.

"I'm training by myself and I'm very happy with my progress. I'm cautious with my training but I know how far I can push myself to prevent recurrences of old injuries."

Next up for her is the Birżebbuġa 10K where she is eager to make her mark on the race that is organised by her club - St Patrick's AC.

"The Birżebbuġa 10k is tough and the July heat doesn't make it any easier either. But I'm willing to run a personal best which I think shouldn't be difficult given my current level of fitness," Sammut said.

A frequent winner in Birżebbuġa in the past, Sammut holds dear in particular her 2004 success there.

"I recently came across a newspaper cutting from 2004 where it was mentioned that I had won the women's race in 40.57 just three months after my daughter Michaela was born," she recounts.

"I've won the race on a number of occasions but I have to say that 2004 was special."

And 2009 should also be special for those athletes taking part as the deadline for applications draws near. Indeed, anyone interested in taking part in the Birżebbuġa 10K can download the application form from www.stpatricksac.info or www.maltaathletics.com.

Alternatively one may call on 7970-8650 for further details.