Danica Bonello Spiteri consolidated her position as the top contender in the local aquathlon scene as she made it three women’s titles in a row at Marsa-xlokk recently.
Another remarkable result was that of Shaun Galea. He became aquathlon champion at just 18 years of age after sprinting to victory ahead of previous year’s winner Keith Galea.
The championships attracted an entry of 84 athletes. They had to run 2.5kms, swim a full kilometre before finishing off with another 2.5km run.
The women’s race developed into an exciting duel between Bonello Spiteri and Hannah Pace.
Pace was fastest in the swim as Bonello Spiteri produced her best in the runs. At the gantry, Bonello Spiteri was a mere three seconds ahead of Pace with third place going to Michelle Vella Wood.
Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club trio – Keith Galea, Shaun Galea and Omar Said – set the tempo right from the start in the men’s aquathlon.
They entered Transition One trailed by Neil Markham and Jean Claude Randon.
But not even the swim could separate the top three contenders as they entered the last transition, ahead of the run, within six seconds of each other.
In the last run Shaun Galea had more energy to spare as he charged to victory eight seconds ahead of Keith Galea. Said had to settle for third place.
The age group awards went to Markham and Anjelika Balzan Ruggier, in U-23s, Paul Privitera and Karen Amato in O-40s, Gaetano Catania and Suzanne Farrugia in O-50s and Pawlu Brincat was the O-60s winner.
The event also saw a record number of participants – 50 – in the junior races hosted by the Malta Youth Triathlon Academy at il-Qrajten beach.
Among the various winners on the day were Max Fiteni Spiteri, Aurora Gafa, Luca Vella, Erica Louise Zlaten, Thomas Woods, Emilia Vella, Malcolm Vassallo and Callie Hock.
“We introduced aquathlon races to attract more numbers to our sport and these races showed we are succeeding in this quest,” Malta Triathlon Federation (MTF) head Cyprian Dalli said.
“While congratulating all winners and participants, we also express our gratitude to all our sponsors as well as the great group of volunteers who made this event possible.”
The next important fixture on the MTF calendar is the Triathlon Championship races at the Coast Road on October 2.