Veteran runner Pickup describes Dingli 10 as the perfect route

With the good weather that normally characterises the month of March, it is easy to see why many tourists opt for a trip to Malta to get away from the cold that still grips mainland Europe. And many of these, at least those who happen to be avid runners, try to take part in a local race during their stay here.

One such visitor is Arnold Pickup, a 78-year-old veteran runner who has raced in over 50 running events in Malta. Among them is the Dingli 10, held each year on March 19.

"I was first introduced to the race in 1999 by two of my Maltese friends - Freddie Camilleri and Joe Mallia," he recalls.

"The route, I thought, was perfect with plenty of country lane and elevation that came into view at an interesting time. There is a steady downhill in the first couple of miles, then that long gradual climb all the way to the Dingli Cliffs, undulating along the cliff road before a left turn for a fast run to the finish."

"If you have anything left," he adds with a laugh.

"I have also found the race well organised. The marshalling could not have been better and there is always a good presentation and refreshment after the race. Full credit to St Patrick's AC."

Pickup won't be making it for this year's edition, having scheduled the first of his two annual visits to Malta for April, but early indications are that this year will see another large turnout of athletes.

"The Dingli 10 has a very good reputation and we strive to build on that," race director Joe Zerafa said.

The 2010 Hilly Clothing Dingli 10 will start at 9 a.m. Fun races for children are also being organised on the same day.