Updated 11.53 a.m.
More than 13,000 people this morning took part in the President's Charity Fun Run and the President's Walk, held under glorious sunshine in aid of L-istrina.
The run, now in its fourth edition, as usual linked the two presidential palaces, with the runners jogging from the San Anton to Valletta, with President George Abela at the front along with a number of people on wheelchairs. A helicopter flew overhead.
The walk started from Casa Leoni in Sta Venera and also headed towards the President's Palace in Valletta.
Picture: Petra Urso - mynews@timesofmalta.comThe two groups formed a sea of white and purple, with most of the participants wearing the t-shirts of main sponsor Banif Bank.
“It’s a feeling of indescribable joy to see thousands mobilised for a good cause,” said Banif Malta CEO Joaquim F. Silva Pinto, who participated in the event. “Apart from raising funds for charity, the Fun Run promotes a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of keeping fit.
Some 800 participants from Bank of Valletta wore similarly-coloured t-shirts. GO employees came decked in their brand orange shirts.
A number of participants wore costumes, including a few Santas and even the Three Wise Men.
The Three Wise Men in the fun run - Picture: Brian Bartolo - mynews@timesofmalta.comParticipants in the fun run and walk each donated €10 for l-istrina. Banif is to double the money that is collected.
President Abela described today's event as a feast of national unity and generosity.
Those taking part include Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi and Opposition leader and Mrs Muscat. They made presentations to Dr Gatt when the run ended in a packed St George's Square.
The event was the first of three big activities for L-istrina, the others being Paqpaqli ghall-istrina next Sunday at the airport and then l-istrina itself on Boxing Day.
The President leads the fun run - Picture Joseph Friggieri - mynews@timesofmalta.com
The first group entered Valletta while others were still in Hamrun.