St Patrick’s AC are hopeful of marking the Dingli 10 25th anniversary by attracting 400 runners to this month’s running of the race.
Club president Stephen Spiteri told reporters yesterday that his club worked tirelessly to try and increase the number of entries this year and make it a special edition of the challenging run.
“The Dingli 10 has established itself among the oldest and most popular in the local calendar of long-distance races,” Spiteri said at the Nestle Malta Ltd headquarters in Lija.
“Last year, we had 325 starters but this time we are targeting at least 400. This 2015 race is very special for us as it’s the 25th edition and to mark the occasion we are planning to give all participants a commemorative medal besides other giveaways.”
Spiteri said that apart from the 10-mile race, the day’s schedule will also involve two other events – a 10-mile walk and 5km run for juniors.
Spiteri said that due to some road works currently underway, the route has been slightly modified.
“The start will again be from the main square at 8.30am and after an initial one-mile loop, runners proceed towards the Nigret area in Rabat,” he explained.
“Participants will then head down to Fiddien valley and proceed uphill through various country roads before heading to Dingli Cliffs and back towards the finish line at Francis Ebejer Square.”
Last year Ibrahim Hussein, of St Patrick’s AC, took the honours in the men’s race ahead of team-mate Jonathan Balzan and Melvin Mifsud, of Żurrieq Wolves.
The women’s run was won by Josann Attard Pulis. The Starmax runner is planning to defend her title this month.
Spiteri added that Balzan and Clive Gerada are both expected to be at the starting line while Carmen Hili could also feature despite being hampered by injury in recent weeks.
The winners in both men’s and women’s race receive a €120 voucher from Mochika and a trophy.
Application forms can be downloaded from www.stpatricksac. com. Race registrations close on March 13.
Nestle Fitness will be the main sponsors of the race for a fifth successive year.
Melania Pellicano, Group Product Manager at Nestle, said: “The sponsorship for the Dingli 10 forms part of our commitment to promote sporting activities as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Moreover, we all know that a healthy diet must be supplemented with physical exercise and that’s why we are joining forces with St Patrick’s AC.”