The 2014 National Mountain Running Championships were held recently in Binġemma under the auspices of the Mġarr and Rabat Local Councils and Athletics Malta.
The event, sponsored by Perskindol, saw an encouraging increase of more than 50 per cent in participation from last year’s inaugural edition.
The race was staged in a unique countryside setting over a distance of 5.6 kilometres with a continuous ascent of 139 metres and slight descent of 35 metres, starting from Binġemma and finishing in Kunċizzjoni, limits of Rabat.
Established Italian mountain runner Vincenzo Scuro (Alpi Apuane) surged ahead from the start and never relinquished his lead. He was overall winner of the race in a course record time of 19 minutes and 53 seconds.
Seasoned runner Charlie Cilia (Agones) was second overall in 20:30. He claimed the national title ahead of Joseph Saliba (Żurrieq Wolves, 20:37) and Brian Magri (Pembroke Athleta, 21:01).
Carmen Hili (St Patrick’s AC) was first woman home in 24:17, beating 2013 winner Angele Sammut (St Patrick’s AC, 24:28) and surprise newcomer Tara Abdilla (Gwidisti, 25:33).
The top athletes will be representing Malta at the European Championships in Gap, France, on Saturday.