The first ever Ladies Only 10K road race took place last weekend when over 220 female athletes took part in the Urban Jungle House of Sport 10K Road Race.

Sunday’s event was the first ‘ladies only’ race held in Malta and the idea is to attract new faces to the running fold.

Participants, a mix of runners and walkers, set off in perfect weather conditions on a 10km route from Tignè Point, heading towards St Julian’s and finishing back at the starting point.

The route, most of it along the Sliema seafront, was dotted with some steep hills, making it quite challenging.

“The main aim behind this race is to get more women involved in racing,” Charlie Demanuele, race organiser and director, said in a statement.

“We hear of women who wish to race but feel daunted by the highly competitive racing scene in Malta which sees mostly seasoned male and female athletes racing together.

“We felt this race would be a great opportunity for them to get in a racing environment, which is still challenging from a route perspective but slightly less so in terms of competitors.”

First to cross the finish line was Starmax athlete Josann Attard Pulis who completed the hilly course in a time of 39 minutes 52 seconds.

Newcomer Nathalie Briffa Vassallo was second in 40 minutes 30 seconds while Mellieħa AC athlete Joanna Camilleri came in third.

Trophies were presented to the top three athletes as well as the first three finishers in each age category.

The race was made possible through the support of emvigee pr & marketing, Go & Fun and Starmax Athletic Club.