A unique race is being staged in a countryside setting over a distance of 5.6 kilometres with a continuous ascent of 139 metres and a slight descent of 35 metres. The race starts from Binġemma at 7pm on Saturday, reaching one of the country’s highest points at 240m, finishing in Kunċizzjoni, Rabat.

Laurent Vicente (Team Errea), the current short-trail French champion and 17th in this year’s Eiffel Tower Vertical Race in Paris, is invited to take part in this year’s edition.

He will be aiming to break the course record set by Italy’s Vincenzo Scuro in 2014 of 19 minutes and 53 seconds. The Maltese course record is currently held by Charles Cilia – 20 minutes 22 seconds.

In the women’s race, Lisa Bezzina (Athleta Pembroke), Malta’s current top distance runner, who already set a women’s course record in official timetrials this year of 22minutes 49 seconds, is a strong favourite to win the national title.

Online race registration at €10 is open till Friday.

The race is being held under the auspices of the Mġarr local council and Athletics Malta and sponsored by Perskindol Malta, Cavalieri Art Hotel and Saracino’s Café.

More information may be obtained from Gerald Grech by e-mail: grechger@gmail.com, on mobile 9985 9706 or on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MaltaMountainRunning.

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