Garmin swim-run event at Ta’ Qali

The first Garmin swim run event, for children aged between eight and 16, was held at the MFA Swimming Pool in Ta’ Qali, on Sunday.

Organised by renowned triathletes Dermot Galea and Fabio Spiteri, the competition’s main aim was to generate interest in the sport among the younger generation.

There was an encouraging turnout notwithstanding the unfavourable weather as children were grouped into four categories, each competing on different distances.

The youngest participants raced over a distance of 100m swim and 600m run.

The boys’ race was won by Luke Grech Carr followed by Jake Bonavia and Nicolai Garnisi.

Maya Azzopardi won the girls’ race ahead of Rebecca Xerri and Lara Gauci.

The race for 10-11-year-olds was won by Kyle Buhagiar who covered the 150m swim and 800m run in 5mins 42sec. Ethan di Egidio was second.

The girls’ race was won by Maria Emma Law.

The race for 12-13-year-olds was a close one. Here, Neil Muscat edged Matthew Micallef and Thomas Wareing by a few seconds. The girls’ race was won by Gabriella Saliba.

The older age group was mainly contested by girls who had to cover distances of 300m (swim) and 1.5km (run).

Amy Micallef won the race a minute ahead of Julia Zahra and Karen Caruana.

The Open category swim-run (400m swim, 3km run) saw Graham Borg the first out of the water but the eventual winner was David Agius Lia with Barry Farrugia finishing second.

Borg had to settle for third but it was still a creditable result for him, having raced a cycling time trial that same day.

First woman and fourth overall was Johanna Calleja.

The event was sponsored by Garmin-Malta, Spinach Fitness Centre, MFA Swimming Pool, Kee Klamp Malta and Birkirkara St Joseph.