Magri and Vella Wood take honours in Birżebbuġa

Over 20 athletes and nine teams took part in the recently-held Urban Jungle Middle Distance triathlon in Birżebbuġa.

Covering a distance of 113km, consisting of a 1.9k swim, 90k cycle and 21k run, participants also had to battle the heat and strong winds that prevailed on the day.

Brian Magri and Michelle Vella Wood won their respective categories, the latter making a great comeback to the sport following the birth of her first child.

Magri finished the race in 4:42.10 and Vella Wood did it in 6:05.34.

This race, now in its fifth year, saw 15 participants compete for the very first time in a middle distance triathlon.

Others teamed up in relays. This section was won by the side composed of Kristen Laufey Stenadottir (swimmer), Emmanuel Bezzina (cyclist) and Johan Galea (runner), taking the honours after covering the distance in 4:25.10.

“The purpose of this event is two-fold,” Charlie Demanuele, race director, explained.

“The first is to encourage more athletes to take up triathlon and the second to give the seasoned campaigners a taste of endurance races, which could potentially prepare them for bigger challenges, such as the Ironman.”

The Middle Distance triathlon was made possible thanks to the support of Urban Jungle, Maxifuel, Olympic Sports Nutrition, The Cyclist, Organic Food Bar and VJ Salomone Marketing Limited.

The race organisers were also assisted by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club, the Malta Triathlon Association, Joseph F. Spiteri & Co., Al Fresco Restaurant and a host of volunteers who ensured a smooth running of the middle distance triathlon.